Page 30 of A Very Grumpy Navy SEAL

“Yeah, and you’ve honored them every step of the way.But you’re also allowed to want something more.Or something different.That doesn’t make you weak.That makes you human.”

I press my fingers to the bridge of my nose.“I’ve spent years building this career.Planning every step.I thought I’d be a SEAL until they forced me to hang it up.”

“And maybe you still will,” Ledger says.“But if that life doesn’t work for the one person who makes you feel more at peace than anything else ever has, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate the map.”

The silence stretches again.

“I still have two years.Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to leave right now,” I point out.

“I know, but you could use the next two years to figure out a new plan.”

I blow out a big breath.

“Let me ask you something,” he says.“What do you want more?The military?Or to be with Lula?”

I don’t hesitate.“Lula.”

“Then figure it out.”

“Thanks for the help,” I grumble.

He huffs a laugh.“I’m not the person you need to be talking to about all this.Open up to Lula.Figure out a game plan that works for both of you.”

“Fine.”

“See ya.”

I end the call and stare at the wall.

Lula.

I’ve only known her for a few days, yet it feels like my soul has been orbiting hers for years, waiting for the right moment to collide.

I think about the future I had mapped out: another sixteen years with the SEALs at least, maybe a few more after that.Buying a place near the base.A quiet life of service.

Then I picture something else entirely: A house in Wolf Valley with laughter echoing down the hallway.Lula in the kitchen with flour on her nose.A yard full of forts and toy trucks and sticky little hands that tug at my shirt when I walk through the door.

I close my eyes as that vision hits so hard it nearly knocks the breath out of me.

I don’t have to figure it all out right now, but I know one thing for certain.I’m not walking away from her.Not now.Not ever.Even if I have to rearrange everything I thought I knew about my life, she’s worth it.

She’s my home.

ELEVEN

Lula

I’ve been pacingthis room for what feels like hours, but it’s probably only been fifteen minutes.

The sun dips lower, casting gold and amber light through the old lace curtains.My laptop sits closed on the desk beside my completed job forms, and I keep looking at it like it might give me the answers I still don’t have.

I’m trying to be excited—I should be excited.I got a job.A fresh start.It’s everything I said I wanted when I moved here.Everything I swore I needed.

But now, there’s Koa.

Koa, with his warm hands and steady voice.He makes me feel safe and desired and seen.Koa, who looked like someone had cut out a piece of his heart when I told him I needed space.Koa, who I know would never hurt me but still terrifies me in all the ways that matter.

Because he’s not just a man.He’s a future.A big, life-changing one.

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