Page 58 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

I start closing all the programs on my laptop. I won't be opening them for a while. I glance at the TV showing the news live with Chase being interviewed and I couldn't be prouder.He has finally redeemed his reputation! Nationally at that!

While engrossed in the TV news, my phone buzzes with an incoming call; they must have seen the news. I answer the call and settle into a chair to watch the headlines.

“Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad.” I am practically vibrating with excitement, unable to contain the joy within me.

“Hi, sweetie. We saw the news. Your father's been wanting to talk with you, but I told him to calm down and give it time.”

“I'm sorry I haven't called you. This mission took up a lot of my time.”

“We can see that. It's all over the news. We saw you on TV.”

“Oh, you did?” I flash back to when the reporter came onto the crime scene.

“Mom, Dad, there's something I need to tell you,” I begin, my voice steady but filled with emotion.

“We're listening, sweetheart,” my mom says, her tone filled with concern.

“I've found love, Mom and Dad,” I say, my eyes filling with unshed tears again.

“That's beautiful, Nora. Who is it?”

“His name is Chase,” I answer, feeling warmth spreading through me. The programs stop running, and I shut down the laptop.

“Wait, they're talking about a Chase Steele. Is it him?” Her voice carries a hint of recognition.

“Yes, he's the one.” I confirm more to myself, dissolving all the doubts I had about him earlier. I want to spend the rest of my life with him and I'm glad life has given me that chance.

“That's lovely, Nora. We're here for you, Nora, no matter what you choose. Let us know when you two can visit,” Dad says, his voice filled with warmth and acceptance already.

“Okay. I will. Maybe sometime next week.” I put the phone on speaker and arrange the laptops in the briefcase, zipping it shut.

“I'm glad you've found love with someone I'm sure is a good man, unlike that scumbag Ethan. Did you know he came here to make a scene? He said you were married and broke his heart. He said a lot of things. Your dad decided to stop supporting him and then he came back begging.”

“Oh, I see. He came to my workplace apologizing and that was after he caused a scene. Wait, did you say he told you I was married?”

“Yes. We paid him no attention. He's crazy! I'm glad you left him. How would our daughter get married, and we’d know nothing about it?”

“About what Ethan said....” I start, my voice trailing off as I struggle to find the words to explain. “I did tell him I got married. To Chase.”

“What?!” They scream into the phone, and I wince.

“But it was a lie! Or not really. But it wasn’t a legal marriage. We had an undercover wedding. It was for this mission, but also because Ethan kept disturbing me. I sent him the pictures of the fake wedding. We only took pictures because we had to convince people that we were really married.”

“That's a very absurd way to solve a mission, Nora, but if that's what you had to do, we understand.”

“Thanks, Mom. You two are the best.” I strap the bag on and switch off the TV and lights before locking the room. I look downthe hallway and see Chase waiting for me with his signature smile, and I return it with one of my own.

“Stay away from Ethan, Nora,” Mom says firmly, her voice filled with concern. “He's not the person you thought he was. He was really out of his head that day. To think we suggested you marry him.”

“I understand, Mom,” I reply, my voice filled with gratitude as Chase pulls me closer to him. “I have to go. I'll call you later.”

“Alright, bye dear. Take care of yourself.” She ends the call and I take a deep breath of fresh air the moment we step outside.

Now that the mission is successfully completed, I find myself unable to shake off the nagging thoughts. I need to talk to him, to confront these feelings that have been swirling inside me for so long.

“Chase, can we talk?” I ask hesitantly, my heart pounding in my chest.

He nods, his expression curious yet attentive. “Of course, Nora. What's on your mind?”

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