Status Updates From Loving the Navy SEAL (Hidde...

I love you, Grant. I’ve been in love with you for a while, but I didn’t want to admit it. I was scared. Love is risky, and it can hurt sometimes. But this moment has made me realize that it’s worse to turn your back on it. I’d rather have the love for as long as I can, then never have it at all. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out. I’ve been a fool.

You got me through a lot of dark days, Sara. While my commitment to Hidden Hollows wavered, my love for you never did.” He caught her in his strong arms. “I need you to understand this isn’t a fluke, Sara. I love you. I want a new life. I want you and Ben to be part of it. I’m asking for a leap of faith. I’ve had longer to sort through my feelings than you have, so take your time, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere.

He shouldn’t have kissed her. Not until he’d explained things. That kiss had rocked him straight to the core and solidified what he already suspected. Not only was Grant in love with her, he was wholeheartedly committed to her. Committed, as in a marriage, raise-a-family, love-you-forever kind of way. There was no other woman in the world for him. Sara was it. Grant winced remembering the terrified look on her face.

You can’t fall in love with me in 2 weeks. That’s insane.”
“It’s not 2 weeks. I’ve had feelings for you since high school. I didn’t think there was a chance for us. Ever. You and Jared were in love. I respected that. I buried my feelings and vowed to never tell you." “Oh, but now that Jared’s dead, you can?” Grant went pale. Sara wanted to snatch the words back. “You don’t mean any of this, Grant. I can’t do this.

I want a new life, Sara, and I want you and Ben to be in it. I love you. I love you both.” It was the words she’d secretly dreamed of hearing, but now that Grant was actually saying them, all she felt was unbridled panic. It wasn’t real. Grant was used to travel, high-pressure situations, and saving lives. Grant would get bored, and then he would leave. She swallowed hard. “This isn’t how it was supposed to go.

Mom, I’m going to buy Pop’s old shop. I’m going to stay in Hidden Hollows.”
Suzie’s hand flew to her mouth. “You are?” “Yes.” The decision was right. He could feel it in his bones. “I’m ready to quit the SEALs. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but I wasn’t sure when the right time would be. I want a new life. A different life." One that included Sara and Ben. They were his future. If Sara would have him.

She’s sweet. Your Aunt Suzie is hoping there’s more than just friendship between the two of you.”

Grant returned to the truck. “There is. Sorta.”

“What does that mean, son?”

“I think…I think I’m falling in love with her. Or maybe I never fell out of love with her.” Saying the words out loud was strange, but it also felt good. Real. “But it’s complicated.”

For a minute, Sara allowed herself to wish that things could be different. That Grant would stay in Hidden Hollows, and they could make their relationship work. A part of her yearned for it so badly, it hurt.

Not just for her. For Ben too. Grant would be a wonderful father, and he’d never feel jealous or competitive of Jared’s memory. He loved Jared as much as Sara did.

Sara…” Did he whisper her name as a warning or an invitation? He wasn’t sure. She edged even closer. “I like the way you say my name. The way you look at me. Like I’m irresistible." “You are, and it’s driving me insane, Sara. I want to kiss you so badly. But we’re playing with fire, and I don’t want anyone getting hurt.” Sara nodded, slowly. “You’re right. It’s better for both of us that we keep this the way it is.

Grant hadn’t felt good in so long, he’d forgotten what it was like. He found himself imagining a life in Hidden Hollows, fixing cars, and date nights with Sara. Weekends spent cooking and playing games with Ben. Baseball games, school events, bills, and responsibilities. It should’ve made Grant panic, but it didn’t. Probably because a part of him had been longing for it from the first day of his arrival back in town.

Grant hung up and stared at his phone. Then he glanced back at the street in the direction of Sara’s house. For the first time in his life, he started to feel pulled in two directions. His SEAL team were his brothers, a family he’d grown to love and respect, and he loved his job. But Hidden Hollows didn’t feel like a place he needed to run from anymore.

And Grant had no idea what it meant.

I’m attracted to you, Sara.” She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes widening. “W-w-what?” “I have been for a long time. I used to be good at hiding it, but…” He shrugged. “I’m out of practice, and was afraid you would find out. That's why one minute I’m fine and the next I pull away. Being around you…it’s wonderful, but it hurts too." She let out a breath. “I don’t know what to say.” “You don’t need to say anything.

It’s not going to happen, Sara. Save your breath. There’s nothing you can say that would convince me.” His tone was caustic. Sara ducked her head, unable to keep the tears from falling. Her hair provided a curtain between her and Grant. She needed to get out of there. Sara took a step, then another. The walk turned into a run. She raced past Grant into the cold rain, letting it mingle on her face with her tears.

You don’t need to thank me. That’s what friends do.”

No, that’s what she did. None of his other friends had sent him care packages. But Sara thought it was normal, because that’s who she was.

No matter how much Grant wished otherwise, Sara had this ability to slip under his armor, grab ahold of his heart and squeeze. It wasn’t her good looks—although she was stunning—it was her natural kindness that did him in.

Jared and Grant had grown up together. Sara had arrived in Hidden Hollows as a freshman in high school. It was sometime in Grant’s sophomore year of high school when he realized his feelings for Sara went beyond friendship. By the time he left for the navy, he was hopelessly in love with her. But never, not once, did he consider acting on it. First and foremost, Sara was his best friend’s girl.

It’s been three years. Don’t you think it’s time to try for love again? Jared would want you to be happy.”

The words stabbed like a dagger in her gut. Jared would want her to be happy. And secretly, in the quiet hours at night, after she’d put her little boy to bed, Sara longed to find love again.