Signed, SEALed, Delivered Read online

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Ellen Kane

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  Gabriele Marks

  Zachary Sanders

  The End

  Epilogue

  Honoring Those Who Serve Collab

  About the Author

  Signed SEALed Delivered

  Jaime Russell

  Copyright

  Signed, SEALed, Delivered © 2019 Jaime Russell All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. Signed, SEALed, Delivered is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/ use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner. Otherwise, hold on and enjoy the ride! Editing by Nikki Reeves of Southern Sweetheart Author and Book Services Cover A.C. Williams of Ravenwill Designs Formatting by: Jaime Russell

  Dedication

  “This country has not seen and probably will never know the true level of sacrifice of our veterans”. As a civilian, I owe an unpayable debt to all our military. Going forward let’s not send our servicemen and women off to war or conflict zones unless it is overwhelmingly justifiable and on moral high ground.”- Thomas M Smith

  Acknowledgments

  I’d like to start off thanking the men and women who sacrifice themselves to keep me safe and give me the freedoms that I often take for granted. Military men and women are not the only ones making the sacrifice but their family as well. They live with the fear of not knowing if their loved one will be coming home. Thank you for being strong because I don’t know how you do it.

  Thank you to Brittany Anne, Lindsay Becs, Avery Kingston, Marie Savage, Sandra Daniels, Brooke May, Audrey Ravine, and K.R. Reese for allowing me to be a part of this amazing series.

  A.C. Williams this cover is more than I could ever ask for and then some. It blows my mind how creative you are and can take an idea then run with it. I can’t wait to have more covers done by you. Thank you for your friendship.

  Nikki Reeves again thank you so much for your hard work and dedication that you bring to my words. You always blow my mind with your work and kind words about my writing. You help me to get better and never give up. I love working with you.

  My Misfits I can’t even believe how much you stick by me and encourage me to keep writing. It’s hard most days to keep going but you never give up on me. Thank you so much!

  You rock! Ellen Baer and Kelly Byrum thank you for helping me choose my title and the missionary program name. I loved having you help me with this and look forward to having your thinking caps on again.

  My family thank you so much for being understanding on my long nights of writing and avoiding leaving my office for days at a time so I could bring this story to life.

  Gabriele Marks

  “Mom, why do I have to do this?” I whine, as she sits down opposite of me at my desk. My parents are the pastors of our local church, and they’re starting this outreach missionary program. One where we write to soldiers all over the United States, and those stationed overseas.

  “We had more letters than people who signed up, and I could really use your help here.” She tells me.

  “Okay. How many people do you need me to write to? I’ll be happy to do it.” I always enjoy giving her a tough time about things.

  “I have one who is a male lieutenant, and here is the first letter. Thank you, sweetheart.” She smiles at me, and I smile back. “Will you be by for dinner tonight?”

  “I’ll try to make it, but I have this campaign that I need to finish, because I need to go over it with my boss tomorrow.”

  “Okay. I love you, but Gabriele Marie, Sunday night dinner is not optional.” She states, as she gets up and leaves my office.

  She used my middle name, so I know there was no getting out of it. I’m a graphic artist for a perfume company, and sometimes, my schedule is a little crazy. I get back to work, but I see the letters, sitting there on my desk, and I’m curious, so I open the first one.

  Hello, my name is Zachary, and I’m not really sure how to start one of these letters. I’m a lieutenant in the Navy Seals, and I grew up in a small town in Georgia. I was raised by my aunt and uncle because my parents were too young to take care of me. They have still been a part of my life, and I love them, but my aunt and uncle have always been my parents.

  I’m currently stationed somewhere that I’m not allowed to say, so I need to communicate with you through email. I do have a son that my cousin is taking care of for me, and I miss him terribly, when I’m away on my missions. I’m hoping to be able to retire from the SEALs soon, so I can be a full-time dad, and maybe, go to law school.

  I like watching movies, listening to all kinds of music, but country has my heart, and my aunt has taught me to crochet, so I make blankets, mittens, and beanies for babies in the hospitals, wherever I go. Does that mean I have to give up my man card? I rambled on enough, so I’m going to end it. I was told that I’m supposed to tell you my dislikes and likes for care packages, but I don’t need them. Look forward to hearing from you.

  I smile at Zachary’s letter.

  After a while, I decide to pack up for the day and work from home. As I climb the stairs, to my one-bedroom apartment, I sigh unlocking the door, as I’m greeted by my sweet dachshund dog, Annie.

  “Hello, my Annie Banani. Did you have a good day laying around the apartment?” She wags her tail, as she sits there, waiting for me to grab the leash.

  “Is this what you wanted?” Annie barks a little bit, and I giggle at her. “Come on.”

  We walk down the three flights of stairs together, as we head to the dog park down the street. Once we arrive, I unclick the leash to Annie’s collar, so she can run with her friends. I wave to Mr. Richmond, who lives in the building on the first floor. He’s an older man, who goes to my dad’s church, and promised my parents to look after me, when I decided to move out of the house to live on my own.

  I sigh, as I sit down on a bench by myself. I try to avoid being social, while I’m here. I’m not trying to be mean, but it’s my time to unwind, because I still need to work, when I get home. My cell phone starts to buzz in my pocket, and I pull it out to see my sister’s picture.

  “Hello, Pastor Ruth.”
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  “Ugh, why?” She whines, and I giggle.

  “Because it pisses you off. What’s up?”

  “I was wondering if I could stay with you for a couple of days, while I’m in town for seminary training?”

  “Why don’t you want to spend it with Mom and Dad? Usually, you stay with them.” My lifestyle is too modern for Ruth.

  “I wanted to spend time with you, but if you’re busy with work, I can stay with them.” She sounds down about it.

  “Ruth, my home is always open to you. I have to work, but I can see about working from home those days, so we can spend even more time together. You still have a key, right?”

  “Yes, I do. I’m going to leave after church on Sunday.” I smile into the phone. She’s engaged to another minister in the seminary, and he’s a good guy.

  “Okay. I’ll be home on Sunday. I have to take Mr. Richmond to church. I think that’s the only reason that Dad okayed me moving into this place, so I would be at church on Sundays’.” Ruth laughs into the phone, and I pull it away from my ear, as I roll my eyes. “I’m hanging up now.” And I do, as she’s still laughing.

  Annie along with Roxy, who is Mr. Richmond’s dog, comes over to me with Mr. Richmond close by. “These two are going to wear me out. You didn’t get fired, did you? You’re home early.” Mr. Richmond is a man in his early seventies, and his wife passed a few years ago. He’s like a grandfather to me.

  “No, I didn’t get fired. I decided to work from home this afternoon. It’s too beautiful of a day to be inside. Winter is going to be coming soon with a vengeance, so I wanted to make sure that I could get Annie out to play with her friends, before we can only get our walks in the courtyard.”

  “Makes sense. Want to have dinner with me? I’m thinking about trying that new Italian place down the street.” Mr. R asks me, and I tell him yes, as he smiles. We make small talk, as we walk back to the apartment building.

  Annie and I head upstairs to my apartment, and I quickly change into a nice fall maroon sweater dress and brown leather knee-high boots. I feed Annie, before walking out of my door, and Mr. Richmond is waiting for me.

  “What are you doing up here?” I smile at him.

  “A gentleman always meets his date at the door.” He hands me a single yellow Kelly, as I smell it and thank him. He holds his left arm out for me, and we walk like this all the way to the restaurant. He talks about his son coming to get him for the holidays, and he’s excited about it and wants my help in shopping. I usually do it every year with him. I never got to know my grandparents like this, so it’s fun for me. My grandparents were great, but they lived out of state and only came for a visit twice a year.

  “I heard this place makes a killer lasagna,” I tell him, and he laughs.

  “You kids and your slang.” As we enter the place, it smells heavenly.

  “I could probably eat one of everything.” I say, as Mr. Richmond tells the host our name, and we follow her. He says hi to everyone that we pass. He even jokes about how he has the best-looking date in the whole place, and I blush, when they all agree with him. They ask him how he was able to score a hot date, and Mr. Richmond tells them he is not going to give up his secrets to anyone. I can’t help but to just laugh at him.

  We’re sit at the table, looking over the menus, and I’m so worried about the prices. They’re really expensive.

  “Don’t you worry about the price, young lady. I splurge once a month, and we are getting dessert.” He tells me pointedly.

  “Let’s order dessert first.” I smile at him, and he agrees. The server comes by, and we order apple pie with ice cream, melting on top of it, to begin with, and it’s the best apple pie that I’ve ever tasted. Then, I order the lasagna, and he orders the spaghetti and meatballs. Mr. Richmond tells me stories about his late wife. They have a love story only most people can dream about.

  “I've noticed there are no gentlemen callers knocking on your door lately. What’s going on there?” He takes a bite of noodles, as I shake my head in amusement of this guy.

  “There is no one that checks all my boxes, to be honest. I know there’s no one perfect out there, but I want someone perfect for me. I believe he’s out there, but I need to be patient.”

  “You are wise beyond your years, dear. You’re much like my Edith.” He states, patting my hand. “She would tell her folks that she wanted to wait for the one. She found me, when I was getting ready to head off to the war at sixteen. I lied about being eighteen. We wrote every day, until I came home all busted up, and we were married shortly after that. I wouldn’t change anything.”

  “Mr. R, I could listen to you talk about Mrs. Edith for hours. I always want to know more.”

  “Anytime, my dear. Anytime.” He sighs, as he gets a look in his eyes that is one of sadness. I know he misses Edith.

  ******

  Sunday church service is boring, but I try to look enthralled in my dad’s words. I believe in God, but sometimes, I just want to sleep in, be lazy, and do what I want to do.

  I also talked to my boss about working from home this week, because my sister is coming into town, and he seems cool with it. I just have to send him my files by Wednesday. After the service, Mr. Richmond and I take our dogs to the park for an hour.

  “Mr. Richmond, I’m going to be working from home this week, since my sister, Ruth, is going to be here for some seminary training,” I tell him, as we sit together on the bench.

  “Gabriele, I can walk Annie during the day for you, when you work. I’m here twice a day.”

  “Annie would love that, and you have a key to my place. Let me know the schedule, since I know you like to stick to one so strictly.” He laughs, before tapping my hand.

  “We better get these pups back, before it rains.” We walk back, talking about the rain and his arthritis. When we get home, I hug him goodbye, and then head to my place.

  I text Ruth, letting her know that I’m laying down, and she can use her key to get in. I take my laptop, a glass of water, and Annie into my bed with me. I crawl under my covers, and I start to watch Netflix, but instead, grab my letters from Zachary. I re-read his letter, before writing to him.

  I pull up my screen, starting a new email.

  Dear Zachary,

  Thank you for your service, and I’m sorry you have to be away from your son. If it’s not too personal, tell me about him, please. How does he deal with you being gone? Are you gone a lot? I’m not familiar with how the Navy SEALs and their missions work.

  I’m going to be honest here, I’m not good at talking with new people. My mother thought this was an innovative idea for me, because I like to work on the computer, and I’m home a lot with just my puppy. My best friend these days is the seventy-year-old man that lives in the first-floor apartment. He attends my father’s church, so I knew him, before moving in. He likes to tell my dad about my non-gentlemen callers, as he says, and it makes me laugh.

  Well, I’m not sure if it’s day or night where you are at the moment, but it’s the afternoon here, and it’s my nap time, before my sister gets here. It’s a girls’ movie night. It was nice talking, and I hope to get to know you better.

  Oh, and my name is Gabriele, but you can call me Ella.

  I put my laptop away, before turning on a movie, and then start to drift off to sleep, when my phone dings. I see that it’s an email, and it’s from Zachary Sanders, so I open it up.

  Ella,

  Thank you for replying back to my letter. I hope I didn’t sound like a dork in mine. I’m like you and never know what to say. It’s actually about bedtime here for me, which is about six a.m. I worked the late-night duty.

  I will tell you that I can’t tell you where I am or what I am doing, so please don’t ask. I’m twenty-eight- years old, and my son, Alec, is seven-years-old. His mother was my high school sweetheart, and then I joined the Navy right out of school. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

  My ex-wife did her best, but moving around, and raising a
kid on her own was very hard. I don’t blame her for anything, and I wish her the best of luck. We actually co-parent pretty well. She supports me, and I support her, but she travels a lot, since she does something in entertainment.

  Alec is very smart and loves music. He enjoys playing the guitar and piano, and he’s teaching me to play guitar. He tries to be strong, while I’m away, but it’s always an adjustment for us both.

  Graphic design seems to be like a pretty fun job, and dogs are pretty fun, too. When I retire from the SEALs, I plan to buy a house with a lot of land, so I can get several dogs. My aunt and uncle had a lot of animals on their ranch, and I really miss that.

  Enjoy your time with your sister, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I do have a question, though. If your name is Gabriele, why are you called Ella?

  I smile to myself, as I hit the reply button on my cell phone.

  Zachary Sanders

  I crack my neck, trying to stretch some, because being on security guard duty at the oil refinery is boring. I didn’t see any indication of a conspiracy, and I ended up checking my email, because I was waiting for something from my cousin, Kelly. There was nothing, except for an email from Gabriele Marks. The subject line tells me that it’s from the outreach missionary program, Letters to Love, that one my fellow soldiers told me that he’s doing with his church. It’s nice to be able to talk to someone other than a bunch of guys.

  I open the last email, smiling at her words. I can’t seem to picture her face, as I write back. What do I say back? I pace back and forth, trying to think of something to say.

  I write a quick reply to her, and then I check the rest of my email. As I finish, I see a new one from her, so I head back to the place that I’m staying, before replying back to Ella.

  Zachary,

  Alec sounds like a good kid. I also play the saxophone and guitar, plus, sing in my church choir. My dad’s the pastor of the church, so I was always there. Well, I’m kind of still always there. I wish I still played more, but work seems to get in the way of that.