Chapter 62: A Moment of Intimacy
Scott finally had a free night. The weight of his responsibilities in command was immense, and moments of respite were becoming increasingly rare. Fortunately, Jane had decided to spend the night at his house, taking advantage of the time they could spend together.
After a quiet dinner, she was lying on the couch, relaxed, but clearly exhausted from the day at NCIS. Scott, seeing her yawning while they watched a movie, had an idea.
"You're tense," he commented, looking at her with a soft smile.
"It's impossible not to be," Jane replied, turning her head to face him. "Today was one of those days. So much to take care of, and now I have to deal with late reports."
Scott shook his head disapprovingly.
"Not today. Save that for tomorrow. You need to relax, Jane."
She arched an eyebrow. — "And how do you suggest I do that, Captain Walker?"
He stood up, held out his hand to her, and smirked.
"Leave it to me. Go upstairs to the bedroom."
Jane was intrigued, but couldn't resist. She picked up her wine glass and followed Scott into the master bedroom.
Scott went into the bathroom and came back with a small bottle of massage oil. Jane laughed when she saw him.
"So, is this how you relax people? A Navy SEAL trick?"
"Something like that," he replied with a wink. "Now, lie down on the bed, face down. I want to make sure all those tense muscles go back to normal."
Jane complied, stripping off the robe she was wearing and stripping down to a pair of black silk lingerie. She settled into bed, the sheets soft against her skin.
Scott warmed the oil between his hands before he began. He started at her shoulders, applying firm but careful pressure.
— "Let me know if it's too strong," he said, focused.
Jane sighed deeply.
"It's perfect. God, I needed this."
Scott worked on Jane's shoulders and neck, feeling the knots of tension unravel beneath his fingers. His movements were precise, the result of years of discipline and control.
He slowly worked his way down her back, spreading the oil with his palms. Jane's skin glowed in the soft light of the lamp.
"You have a lot of tension built up here," he commented, pressing lightly on a spot near the base of her spine.
Jane moaned softly, a mix of relief and pleasure.
"Ouch… That hurts, but it feels good at the same time."
Scott chuckled softly.
"That's a sign it's working."
He then moved his hands to her thighs, squeezing firmly, but with an almost reverent care. Jane laughed.
— "Scott, you're having more fun than I am, aren't you?"
He arched an eyebrow.
"Maybe. But my priority is to make sure you're completely relaxed."
When he finished massaging her thighs, his hands slid down to her buttocks, applying gentle pressure. Jane laughed, looking over her shoulder.
"You're really enjoying yourself, huh?"
"Just doing my job," Scott replied, with a mischievous smile.
Jane turned suddenly, pulling him by the shirt.
"Maybe it's my turn to have fun now."
She kissed him hard, pulling him on top of her. Scott couldn't resist, kissing her back with the same passion. Jane's hands slid down his back, feeling every defined muscle.
"You know, Scott," she whispered, her lips close to his, "you're good at this… But I think you can get even better."
He laughed, leaning down to kiss her again.
"Oh, yeah? Then I guess I need to practice more often."
The night continued with laughter, touching, and a connection that only seemed to grow between them. Scott and Jane not only shared moments of physical intimacy, but they also built an emotional bond that grew stronger with each passing day.
They ended the night entwined, with Jane lying on Scott's chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart.
"I love this," she murmured, almost falling asleep. "I love being with you."
Scott smiled, stroking her hair.
"Me too, Jane. Me too."
And so, the night ended with a sense of peace and love that they had both sought for so long.
Chapter 63: A Leader, A Father at Heart
2021 arrived with the world changing rapidly. For Scott, however, some things remained constant. He had been leading DEVGRU for three years, carrying the enormous responsibility of commanding the most respected unit in the American special forces. But outside of the military environment, life held something much more human and personal: his almost paternal role with Alex and Julie, Jane's children, whom he considered part of his family.
Scott had known them for years, since they were little. Alex, now 17, was almost finishing high school, while Julie, 13, was blossoming into a curious and energetic young woman. Although they were not his biological children, Scott had a great affection for both of them.
It was a quiet morning in Virginia Beach, and Scott was in the kitchen of his house preparing breakfast. He wore a simple t-shirt and sweatpants, a rare relaxed sight for those who were used to seeing him in uniform or formal attire.
Julie walked into the kitchen, still in her pajamas, her hair messy.
"Good morning, Scott!" she said, smiling as she sat down at the table.
Scott smiled back, placing pancakes on a plate.
"Good morning, little one. Did you sleep well?"
"Mmm," she replied, as she spread butter on the pancake. "Did you make blueberry ones? They're my favorite!"
"Of course you did. I knew you'd complain if I didn't." Scott joked, winking at her.
Alex walked in soon after, his face still sleepy.
"What's that smell? Pancakes? Are you trying to buy us, Scott?"
"Always," he replied, laughing. "And it seems to be working."
While they were eating, Scott took the opportunity to ask about their weeks.
"So, Alex, how was school? Any news?"
Alex shrugged, cutting into a pancake.
— "Same old story. I'm trying to decide where I want to go after I graduate."
Scott nodded.
— "Have you thought about a specific college? Or are you considering going in another direction?"
— "Actually," Alex hesitated, but continued, "I'm thinking about enlisting."
Scott stopped eating, looking up at him.
— "Enlisting? Are you serious?"
Alex shook his head.
— "Yes. I know college is important, but… I want to serve. See what I can do in the world before that."
Julie's eyes widened.
— "Are you going to enlist? Like… like Scott?"
— "Calm down, Julie," Scott said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Alex has time to decide. And if that's his choice, we'll support him. But it's important that you understand what it means, Alex."
Alex looked at Scott seriously. — "I understand. Maybe not completely, but it's something I want to consider."
Scott nodded, noticing the determination in the boy's eyes.
"Then let's talk about it more. I can help you understand what military life is like, what to expect, and how to make that choice with clarity."
Alex smiled, relieved.
"Thanks, Scott."
Later that day, Alex and Julie's father, Daniel, arrived to pick them up. He and Scott had a respectful relationship, something rare in situations like this. Daniel, now remarried, had always acknowledged the positive impact Scott had had on his children's lives.
"Walker," Daniel said, shaking Scott's hand as he entered the house. "How are things?"
"Fine, Daniel. How are you?"
"I can't complain. Just working hard as always. How are the kids?"
"Great. Alex is thinking about enlisting, did you know that?"
Daniel raised an eyebrow in surprise.
— "Really? He hadn't told me anything."
Scott shrugged.
— "Maybe he wanted to think more before talking to you. But I think he's starting to form an idea."
Daniel sighed, but smiled.
— "Either way, I'm glad he has you as a role model. You're an incredible role model for them, Scott. I'll always be grateful for that."
Scott nodded, feeling the sincerity in Daniel's words.
— "We do this together, Daniel. I respect you so much and the role you play in their lives."
After Daniel dropped the kids off, Scott was left alone in the house. He went to the office and sat in his chair, looking at a framed photo on the desk. It was a photo of Jane, Alex, Julie, and himself, taken on a trip the year before.
Scott picked up the framed photo and smiled. He had never imagined that, in addition to being a SEAL and now the commander of DEVGRU, he would find so much meaning in something as simple as being a father figure.
Jane walked into the office, interrupting his thoughts. "What are you looking at?"
Scott held up the photo to her. "This photo. I think it sums up everything that's most important to me right now."
Jane walked over, placing her hands on his shoulders. "You're amazing with them, you know? They love you, Scott. So do I."
Scott took her hand, smiling.
"And I love you all. More than any mission or accomplishment I've ever had."
They stood there in silence, sharing a moment of peace that seemed increasingly rare in the turbulent world they lived in. For Scott, that was the true meaning of success: the family he had built along the way.
Chapter 64: A New Beginning
The sun was setting in Virginia Beach, casting golden hues through the windows of Scott's house. He sat in the living room with Jane by his side as the children played in the backyard. Their conversation was serious but easy, something they both knew would have to happen sooner or later.
"Scott," Jane began, taking his hand. "I've been offered a... a great opportunity."
Scott raised an eyebrow curiously.
"A proposal? What is it?"
Jane took a deep breath before continuing.
"Director Vance wants to promote me to SAC. I'd run the entire Pacific, but... that means we'll have to move to Oahu, Hawaii."
Scott was silent for a moment, letting her words sink in. Hawaii was far from Virginia Beach, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Jane. He knew her well enough to know that this meant a lot to her.
"Jane," he said finally. — "You should accept. That's amazing."
She looked at him, surprised. — "Really? Do you think it's the right thing to do? And what about us... What would happen?"
Scott smiled, squeezing her hand. — "I was already thinking about retiring, you know? I joined Annapolis in 1998, and now, in 2021, I'm running DEVGRU. I've done everything I ever dreamed of in my career. I think it's time for me to start living a new phase, by your side, with Alex and Julie."
Jane blinked, surprised, as a smile appeared on her face. — "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel pressured."
— "I'm absolutely sure. You deserve this, Jane. And I want to be with you. I'll just need some time to sort things out here before I join you."
Over the next few days, the family began organizing the move. Scott's parents, Michael and Jennifer, decided to join Jane and the kids on Oahu to help with the transition while Scott finished his commitments at DEVGRU.
The night before Jane and the kids left, the family gathered for dinner. Jennifer was excited, talking about what life in Hawaii would be like.
"Oahu is a wonderful place," Jennifer said. "Scott, you're going to love it when you get there."
Michael agreed, smiling.
"And it's going to be good for all of us. A new phase, a new life."
Alex and Julie were excited about the move.
"I've already looked at schools in Hawaii," Alex said. "And there are so many great options."
Julie, on the other hand, was more excited about the beaches.
"We're going to live by the ocean! It's going to be amazing!"
Scott watched everyone around the table, his heart warming. He knew he was making the right decision.
After Jane, the children, and their parents left for Hawaii, the house was quiet. Scott felt the weight of loneliness, but he also took the time to reflect. He spent the evening in his office, organizing his belongings and reviewing what he had accumulated over so many years of service.
On the wall were shelves of medals, certificates, and photos from his missions. He picked up one of his most important medals, the Silver Star, and stared at it. Memories began to flood his mind.
He remembered the cold nights on operations in Afghanistan, the risky missions in Iraq, and the HALO jump in Pakistan. He thought of the comrades he had lost along the way and the other brothers in arms he would always carry in his heart.
Scott sat in his chair, holding a photo of his original team. He ran his fingers over the image, remembering every face and every story they had shared.
"You will never be forgotten," he murmured to himself.
The next morning, Scott woke up early, dressed in his impeccable uniform, and drove to DEVGRU headquarters. He walked into the building with a firm step, greeting operators and officers along the way. Many looked at him with respect, but also with curiosity, knowing something was different that day. Scott went straight to the vice commander's office.
Upon entering, he saw the vice commander and other senior officers gathered.
"Captain Walker," the vice commander said, standing up. "What can we do for you today?"
Scott took a deep breath, straightened, and replied, "I am here to inform you of my decision to retire."
Silence filled the room. The officers exchanged glances before the vice commander responded.
"Captain, this is a significant decision. Are you sure?"
Scott nodded. "Yes. I have done my duty to my country and to this unit. Now it is time to focus on my family and a new phase of my life."
The officers respected his decision, thanking him for his years of service and leadership.
That evening, Scott returned home. He entered his office once more, but this time with a sense of closure and accomplishment. He sat in his chair and looked at the shelves of his accomplishments, feeling grateful for all he had experienced.
He picked up the phone and called Jane. She answered with a smile in her voice.
— "Hi, Scott. How was your day?"
— "I announced my retirement today. It's official now. I'll be there with you in a few weeks."
Jane laughed, relieved.
— "We're waiting for you, honey. The kids can't wait to see you."
Scott smiled, feeling his heart warm.
— "I can't wait either. See you soon."
He hung up, took one last look at the medals and photos, and felt that he was ready for a new beginning. Tomorrow would be the beginning of his new life, with the family he loved so much.
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