Page 47 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“But with everything that’s happened to her recently, and that drunk ex, should you really be playing with her?” Joseph continues.

I pull back in surprise. “I don’t play with women’s hearts.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re Mr. Relationship. I was here with your exes. Remember them?” I look away. Joseph sighs. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m on your side. But just… be careful.”

“I am,” I say. At least, I think I am?

“Good,” he says. I nod slowly in response wondering what he’s driving at. “So, my advice, if you want to have something with her is make sure it’s genuine.”

“With Nora,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper, “ever since she came into my life, I can't help but compare her to all the others. And, well, she's different.”

Joseph leans forward, his brows furrowed in curiosity. “Different how?”

“She's... she's special,” I say, struggling to find the right words. “With the others, it was always about the thrill of the chase, the excitement of something new. But with Nora, it's... it's deeper. It's like she sees through all the walls I've built up and still chooses to stay.”

Joseph nods, processing my words. “So, what's the problem then? Sounds like you've found something real. Make it proper, let the world know.”

“I know,” I admit, feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders as I finally voice my thoughts aloud. “But that's what scares me. What if I mess it up? What if I can't give her what she deserves?”

Joseph reaches across the table, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “Chase, listen to me. I've seen the way you look at Nora. I've seen the way she looks at you. She cares for you. You two have something special, something worth fighting for. But you can't let fear hold you back. If you love her, if you truly love her, then you'll find a way to make it work.”

I take a deep breath, letting Joseph's words sink in.

Do I love her?

I think of her resilience, her laughter, her teasing… The way she looks still tired in the morning, the kindness she shows Javier.

I think of how scared I was when she was behind those shelving units.

I think about how much I want her in my life.

I know what I wanted to say last night—I do love her.

I nod slowly to Joseph. “You're right. I can't let fear dictate my future. I love Nora. And I'm going to do whatever it takes to show her that.”

Joseph smiles, squeezing my arm gently. “That's the spirit, Chase. Now go get her.”

I nod, feeling a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed. “Thanks, Joseph. Who knew you could give such good advice?” I tease, and he rolls his eyes.

“Seriously, I mean it, man. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. You know, if I wasn’t carrying guns for the good cause I just might be a counselor,” he says, and I let out a snort.

“I mean it.” He glares at me before looking at the table angling for another dish. He reaches for the pie, and I smack his hand.

“Back off. That’s for Lauren.”

“Wow!” He rubs the back of his hand faking pain then proceeds to pour more tea into his cup. “I wish I was Lauren. How long till she gets here? Unlike you, she’ll share with me. I’m sure.”

The monitor beside the door rings with its usual notification that someone’s at the door, and he grins. He looks around at the dishes on the table twitching his fingers, unable to make a choice as I make my way to the monitor.

“Don’t touch anything!”

“I won’t. I’m just looking for a perfect dish to welcome her.” Just then, Nora brings a small cake to the table, and he claps hishands loudly. “Perfect.” He holds it up and drops it immediately. “Oh, that’s hot.”

“Serves you right.” I open the gates, watch Lauren come in and proceed to open the door. I walk out to meet her halfway with a light smile which she returns with one of her own. However, when she moves closer, her smile wanes.

“Chase, what happened to your face?” She examines my face for a few seconds before sighing heavily.

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