SEALed Under the Mistletoe

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

K nox wiped his hands on a towel, smudges of grease and dirt marking the edges of the fabric as he stood in the cramped crawlspace beneath Vickie and Grams’ house. The ancient plumbing had given him more trouble than he’d expected, but after an hour of twisting, wrenching, and a few choice words muttered under his breath, the leak was finally fixed.

As he emerged from the tight space, his shoulders brushing the narrow opening, he found Vickie leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed, a smirk on her lips.

“You look like you wrestled a bear under there,” she teased, nodding at the streaks of grime across his shirt and face. She handed him a glass of unsweet tea with fresh lemon slices. It was his favorite and even though she couldn’t stand it herself, kept a fresh pitcher in the fridge for him.

Knox grinned, tossing the towel onto the nearby counter. “Pretty sure that pipe was older than I am. Had a stubborn streak to match my own.”

“Well, you’re my hero. Grams was convinced we’d need to call a plumber.”

“Nothing a little Youtube University couldn’t help me solve. You know I don’t back down from a challenge,” Knox replied, stepping closer. “Especially not when it comes to you.”

Vickie’s cheeks flushed, but she laughed, swatting playfully at his chest. “Alright, Mr. Fix-It. Grams says you’re staying for dinner.”

Knox raised an eyebrow. “She insisted, huh?”

“You know she always gets her way,” Vickie said with a shrug.

Knox didn’t argue. Spending an evening with Vickie and Grams sounded far better than the frozen meal he had waiting back at his place.

Dinner was simple but hearty: roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and warm rolls fresh from the oven. Knox knew from experience that Grammy would be sending him back to his place with enough leftovers for several more meals.

As they sat around the small table, Grams smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling as she served Knox an extra-large helping of potatoes. “You know, I always knew you two would end up together,” she said, her tone smug.

Knox chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, did you now?” This was a familiar conversion; they’d had it a few times. They weren’t sure if it was the stare of dementia or if her memory was failing due to her advanced age, but Grams had started to tell the same stories and repeat the same conversations frequently.

He knew it was hard on Vickie, and not for the first time, he was glad he made the decision to stay here and not deploy to Iraq. He had a feeling Vickie was going to need him more as Grams declined.

“Of course,” Grams said, tapping her fork against her plate for emphasis. “It was as plain as the nose on my face. The second I saw you two together. Took you two long enough to figure it out, though.”

Vickie rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. “Grams, you act like you had a crystal ball or something.”

Grams waved a hand dismissively. “No crystal ball needed. I’ve lived long enough to see when two people belong together. And you two?” She gestured between them with her fork. “Perfect match.”

Knox reached across the table, his large hand covering Grams’. “You were right,” he said sincerely, his voice soft but steady. “And I’m grateful every day that you were.”

Grams’ expression softened, and she patted his hand. “You’re a good one, Knox. The best. Make sure you take care of my girl, here. She’s special.”

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they ate, laughter punctuating their chatter. After the plates were cleared and dessert was served, Grams’ famous apple pie, they turned to their plans for the summer. Grams was going to California to spend a month with Elizabeth. It was the perfect time for Knox and Vickie to get away.

“Lewis is excited about us coming to Hawaii,” Knox said, slicing into his pie. “He’s already got a list of things he wants us to do while we’re there.”

“I can’t wait,” Vickie said, leaning back in her chair. “Hawaii has been on my bucket list my entire life. It’s going to be so much fun!”

Grams nodded approvingly. “He’s doing well out there, isn’t he?”

“Very well,” Knox said. “He’s thriving. Keeps telling me how much he loves being stationed there. And he keeps bragging about the food.”

Vickie laughed. “He’s already warned us to bring stretchy pants for all the plate lunches and malasadas he’s planning to introduce us to.”

“Stretchy pants are overrated,” Grams declared. “I say eat what you want and enjoy it. Life’s too short to worry about the waistband.”

Knox and Vickie exchanged amused glances, but neither argued.

Later, as the conversation wound down, Vickie shared her latest work accomplishments. “I closed on two houses this month,” she said, her pride evident.

Knox smiled warmly. “That’s amazing, Vic. You’ve been working your tail off, and it’s paying off.”

“Thanks,” she said, a hint of bashfulness in her tone. “It feels good to see things coming together. Grams has been my biggest cheerleader. I don’t know if I could have made it through all the hard times of moving my company across the country without her encouragement.”

Grams sniffed, waving off the compliment. “Don’t give me too much credit. You’re the one burning the midnight oil and making it happen.”

Knox chuckled. “Well, she’s not wrong about that, but you’re a team.”

Vickie reached for his hand under the table, giving it a squeeze. “Speaking of support, how’s training going at the base?”

Knox’s expression softened, and his voice grew thoughtful. “It’s been fulfilling, more than I ever expected. Training the next generation of SEALs—it feels like I’m really making a difference. I get to teach them skills that’ll keep them safe, keep their teams safe. It’s not the same as being in the field, but in a way, it’s just as important.”

Grams nodded approvingly. “That’s the kind of impact that lasts, Knox. Those young men will carry what you teach them for the rest of their lives.”

“It’s rewarding,” Knox admitted. “There’s something about seeing them grasp a concept, knowing it could save their lives one day. It makes me proud.”

“And we’re proud of you,” Vickie said softly, her eyes shining with emotion.

As the evening wound down, Knox found himself lingering. Grams eventually excused herself, leaving him and Vickie alone in the living room.

“This place feels like home,” he said, his voice low. “I’m here so much.”

Vickie smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “It is home. And you’re always welcome here.”

Knox kissed the top of her head, his heart full. He knew life would throw challenges their way, but for the first time in years, he felt grounded. It was finally time to put down roots. Hawaii couldn’t come fast enough. The engagement ring he designed for Vickie would be complete and Lewis was planning the perfect romantic setting for the proposal.

Life was good.