Nashville SEAL: Jameson: Nashville SEALs Read online

  Jameson

  Nashville SEALs Book #2

  Sharon Hamilton

  Books by Sharon Hamilton

  SEAL Brotherhood

  Accidental SEAL (Book 1)

  Fallen SEAL Legacy (Book 2)

  SEAL Under Covers (Book 3)

  SEAL The Deal (Book 4)

  Cruisin’ For A SEAL (Book 5)

  SEAL My Destiny (Book 6)

  SEAL Of My Heart (Book 7)

  Bad Boys of SEAL Team 3

  SEAL’s Promise (Book 1)

  SEAL My Home (Book 2)

  SEAL’s Code (Book 3)

  Band of Bachelors

  Lucas (Book 1)

  Alex (Book 2)

  True Blue SEALs

  True Navy Blue (prequel to Zak)

  Zak

  Nashville SEALs

  Nashville SEAL (Book 1)

  Jameson (Book 2)

  Novellas

  SEAL Encounter

  SEAL Endeavor

  True Navy Blue (prequel to Zak)

  Fredo’s Secret

  Nashville SEAL

  Golden Vampires of Tuscany

  Honeymoon Bite (Book 1)

  Mortal Bite (Book 2)

  The Guardians

  Heavenly Lover (Book 1)

  Underworld Lover (Book 2)

  Underworld Queen (Book 3)

  About the Book

  Jameson and Lizzie’s story continues with their beautiful wine country wedding, and the journey to becoming a new family with Charlotte. A final farewell to Nashville and Jameson’s singing career nearly topples everything as Lizzie has to weather the long good-bye when Jameson deploys for his first dangerous mission. But there is perhaps greater danger at home for the SEAL families while the men are away.

  This story takes place in San Diego and Sonoma County Wine Country, as well as overseas.

  Begin Reading

  Dedication

  About the Author

  Series Overview

  Table of Contents

  Copyright © 2016 by Sharon Hamilton

  Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. In many cases, liberties and intentional inaccuracies have been taken with rank, description of duties, locations and aspects of the SEAL community.

  License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  About This Version

  As a special promotion for all those readers who bought this book on preorder or the first release, I’m adding the novella, Nashville SEAL to this version. This is just a thank you for your loyal support.

  The Nashville SEAL novella appears at the back of this book. If you haven’t read it, please do so first before reading Jameson.

  Look for the audio version of this book, coming soon!

  August 1, 2016

  Dedication and Author’s Note

  One of the greatest joys of my writing career has been the successful collaboration with my narrator, former Nashville singer/songwriter, and now award-winning actor and narrator/voiceover talent, J.D. Hart. The fun stories of his years as a single CW star, and of those artists he was fortunate to play with and for, have wound their way into this story. Remember, this is a work of fiction, and I create things that never happened, hopefully with enough kernels of truth sprinkled in to make it believable.

  But let me be clear, any resemblance to anyone either living or formerly living is purely coincidence, or a form of my own active imagination.

  I support two main charities: Navy SEAL/UDT Museum in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Please learn about this wonderful museum, all run by active and former SEALs and their friends and families, and who rely on public support, not that of the U.S. Government.

  www.navysealmuseum.org

  I also support Wounded Warriors, who tirelessly bring together the warrior as well as the family members who are just learning to deal with their soldier’s condition and have nowhere to turn. It is a long path to becoming well, but I’ve seen first-hand what this organization does for its warriors and the families who love them. Please give what your heart tells you is right. If you cannot give, volunteer at one of the many service centers all over the United States. Get involved. Do something meaningful for someone who gave so much of themselves, to families who have paid the price for your freedom. You’ll find a family there unlike any other on the planet.

  www.woundedwarriorproject.org

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Books by Sharon Hamilton

  About the Book

  Copyright Page

  About This Version

  Dedication and Author’s Note

  Trailer for Jameson

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Excerpt from Fredo’s Secret

  About the Author

  Series Overview

  Reviews

  Navy SEAL Ethos (Creed)

  Nashville SEAL

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Click here for the video trailer for Jameson.

  Chapter 1

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  Lizzie Reeder touched the deep rose colored lilies that made her wedding bouquet. She could sense the spirit of her mother right beside her, braiding her hair and adjusting the flowered clips. She could feel the remnants of sparkly fairy dust those long nimble fingers left behind. Difficult to feel her so close and yet know they were separated by the grave and the veil of death.

  Her father wouldn’t be walking her down the aisle either, because he too was killed in the car crash that took her mother’s life. Lizzie chose her fiancé’s best friend, Thomas, to do the honors instead. He was warming up in the great hall, serenading the pretty caterers who had arrived all dressed up in light yellow uniforms with white lace aprons.

  Lizzie knew it was bad luck to go look for
Jameson on their wedding day, but she didn’t believe in luck, either good or bad. The strong scent of the lilies and the oppressively small dressing and waiting room she had to share with her three bridesmaids made her want to bolt. Was she going to dash away and forget the whole thing?

  Not on your life!

  Today would firmly plant their little family together forever and ever. Charlotte would formally have a daddy now. She would take Jameson as her husband, and she would love the both of them for the rest of her life. Gone were the lonely days being a single mother, wishing she could share all of Charlotte’s childhood milestones with the man who was every bit a part of her as she was. Jameson had missed so much, but he was rapidly making up for lost time.

  Kendra Johnson, Lizzie’s Maid of Honor, was in a light pink powder puff gown that made nearly as much noise as Lizzie’s wedding gown. Jameson had told her hearing the fabric rustle was a real turn-on for most men. At least the ones who were not marriage averse.

  “You keep staring at the bouquet as if you can’t decide if you like it or not,” whispered Kendra. She brushed imaginary dust from Lizzie’s lace-covered shoulder and slipped an errant strand of hair behind her ear. She followed it up with a kiss to Lizzie’s cheek. “You okay, sweetie?”

  Lizzie locked into the honest eyes of her best friend. While not on the same level or basis as the SEALs, they’d shared the horror of having their daughters kidnapped by terrorists, to nearly be sold off to some nutjob in a foreign land who respected women less than his dogs. She shuddered every time she thought about what would have happened to the girls if Jameson and the SEALs hadn’t found them in time.

  “I’m just nervous.” As she glanced back down at the bouquet for the tenth time this sunny afternoon in Sonoma County, her eyes filled with tears that burst down onto the scented mixture. “I think I miss my mom too.” She was barely able to get it out.

  “Awww, sweetheart,” Kendra said, wrapping her arms around her carefully. “What can I do? You want a drink? You need a Valium?”

  “No. I want to remember every moment of this day, every millisecond, Kendra. I don’t want anything to alter what I’m feeling. I want it all. I’ve paid my dues to have it, and have it I will.”

  Kendra nodded. “You need to see Jameson, I think. Should I get him?”

  “No. I think I’d like to just take a little walk. We have what—ten minutes?” Lizzie turned to smile at Monica and Ellery, two of her friends from college who’d flown in from the East. The girls stopped whispering, adjusting their dresses and strapless bras, turned their backs on the primping mirrors and nodded yes.

  Like three fairy godmothers, they all surrounded Lizzie, locked arms, and formed a circle. Her heart was filled to bursting. Unlike most the other SEAL wives and girlfriends, Lizzie had spent years thinking about the man who had fathered little Charlotte. She’d held back hope that some day Jameson would come back into their lives, and not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Because he loved her, loved them both.

  “Thank you for sharing this day with me,” Lizzie whispered. Her lower lip and chin quivered. “If I don’t stop crying, I’ll be a mess of red blotchiness.”

  Then Kendra and Ellery gushed through their own tears. Monica’s eyes were completely dry, as was her sense of humor. “You know, Liz, if you’re not up to it, I could trade places with you. I’ll take Jameson anytime you decide he isn’t good enough for you. I don’t even care if he objects.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Seriously, if you have the slightest hesitation…”

  “Oh, stop it!” Lizzie was beginning to feel better. Monica’s deep voice and strong personality had made for some interesting times in the past growing up.

  “You’re living the fantasy every girl wants, Lizzie,” said Ellery. “We’re just so happy for you. Some day. I keep telling myself, some day I’ll find that guy who walks into my bedroom in his cowboy boots, picks up his guitar and sings me a love song. And you get to have that every night, Lizzie. You so deserve this.”

  “Thanks so much.”

  The door opened and Charlotte, also dressed in white with her own matching veil burst in, her blonde curls bouncing all about her shoulders. She forged her way to the center of the ring of ladies. “See, my dress is just like Mommy’s.”

  Ellery and Kendra fawned over her, examining her headband encrusted with live flowers. Through the crack in the doorway she could see Jameson. Just the gentle way he nodded in her direction, giving her that sexy grin, was so reassuring. She had to see him, regardless of the myth. She turned to ask permission, but Kendra shoved her toward the doorway.

  “Go. We’ll take care of Charlotte. Go see him, Lizzie.”

  She stepped into the hall that would house their reception, closing the door at her back. The room was quietly being arranged. The wedding cake was being put together. Helpers arranged chairs and cloth-covered tables adorned with flowers.

  Her eyes downcast, she felt suddenly shy in front of him. His shadow fell over her, his black boots with the fancy stitching touched the toes of her glittering white ones. His fingers lifted her chin to him, and she saw what she’d always dreamt would be there for her some day: the man she loved, showing her he loved her back.

  “You’re crying. I feel like crying too, but don’t tell anyone here or they’ll toss me off the Teams.” He leaned closer to her, until his lips nearly touched hers. “And to think I was so dumb as to not see this angel standing in front of me, the lady who not only helped me grow up, making me a man, but to become a father as well.” He pressed his mouth against hers, and the chemistry between them sparked. She felt like her hair was standing on end. She lost herself in the feel of his kiss, the scent of his aftershave on his smooth cheeks, the way that little groan emanated from way back in his throat and vibrated to his chest. Her hand was against his heart, and then slid higher until both her forearms were resting on his shoulders as he drew her tight against him. He braced her with one large powerful hand splayed against her back. She turned her head and listened to his heartbeat.

  “Thank you, Lizzie, for finding me every way a man could be found.” She reveled in the vibration of his voice against her entire upper body.

  “I’ve thought about feeling this happy some day. I’ve thought about it every day since you left North Carolina.”

  “I never could get you out of my mind, Lizzie. I figured you were better off loving someone else. I hoped you were happy there. But I missed you every day, sweetheart.”

  They heard guitar music. Turning together, they watched Thomas singing at the other end of the great hall. “And this is for Lizzie and her Jameson.” He began the familiar words to the song they both loved so. He sang the first stanza, and then launched into the last two lines of the chorus:

  “Our lives are better left to chance,

  I could have missed the pain,

  But I’d have had to miss the dance.”

  As Thomas finished the song, Lizzie realized Jameson had taken her in his arms and they were slowly dancing. It was quiet, intimate, their hearts beating as their fingers explored each other’s fingers, as she felt his kiss on her neck, as she touched his cheek and slid her forefinger across his lips before he kissed her. He was so slow and tender with her, spinning that fire and warmth in a warm cocoon that was their love. She felt cherished and protected. Honored, elevated and proud he’d chosen to stay. Life couldn’t have been more perfect at that moment.

  Jameson’s deep, needy kiss engulfed her, prying her loose from her shyness, from her sense of decorum, and she found herself sailing away with him, risking all for this man, who owned every piece of her heart. Never had she felt so complete, so safe.

  Behind her she heard the door open. Little Charlotte came running to their side. Jameson picked her up and the three of them hugged, dancing to music that had stopped.

  Devon appeared in the doorway to the garden area where the wedding was to take place. She was holding her baby daughter up on her shou
lder, patting her back. “We’re all set. Jameson, you must take your place. All the families are seated.” She angled her head towards the garden, indicating Jameson should follow her.

  Reluctantly, their embrace ended, and he slipped through the doorway into the green of the garden outside. Just before he ducked under the doorframe, he turned and winked at Lizzie and Charlotte. “Bye Daddy,” Charlotte blurted out, “See you soon!”

  Thomas was at her side, looking more respectable than Lizzie had ever seen him. He rolled his eyes as the bevy of lovelies wafted around him and headed for the doorway, leaving the three of them behind.

  “Who’s the brunette?” Thomas leaned over and whispered.

  “That’s Monica.”

  “Monica,” he mumbled over and over again. “That’s a pretty name.”

  “She’s a rare flower, like you,” Lizzie said as she slipped her arm through his. “Ready, Charlotte?” She held Charlotte’s little white-gloved hand, and they glided to the doorway.

  “Come on, doll. Let’s get Jameson all hot and bothered and jealous as hell. I don’t get to do this often and probably will never do it again, so humor me, okay, sweetheart?”

  She was happy Thomas had agreed to walk her down the aisle. His sense of humor was sending the nervous butterflies back from where they came. The trio watched while several of the SEAL children, both boys and girls, spread rose petals down the path of crushed granite covered in burgundy carpet. A large white wicker archway adorned with fresh flowers was the backdrop to an impressive lineup of handsome, well-built men and their counterparts in shades of light pink to rose. Every chair in the area was taken, leaving several people standing.

  The minister announced the bride as the harpist began her beautiful rendition of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

  She passed by familiar and unfamiliar faces, members of the SEAL community with their families, mingling with cousins and surviving members of Lizzie’s family. Snickers and sighs trailed behind them when Charlotte began waving to the audience all on her own. Lizzie felt she was being ushered down an unknown trail. She knew it would be sometimes a difficult road to travel, but just for today it was perfect. The blending of families was witness to the lifelong commitment she and Jameson were making.