Hot SEALs: SEALed Fate (Kindle Worlds) (Deep Six Security #0) by Becky McGraw

Justice and Forensics,” Marjorie said with a shiver.  “I can’t imagine that girl with a gun in her hand, or her hands on a dead body.”
    “Me either,” Jax mumbled, having to force the words past the logjam of worry in his throat.  His sister was smart, but she wasn’t quick on her feet, or athletic.  Maybe the problem would solve itself when she tried to make it through the academy at Quanitco.
    “You can catch up with her when you get there,” his mother said with a wave of her hand.  “But I better see your face in the next three months for a visit.  I want you to meet Gary, because I think he’s a keeper.”
    “Yes ma’am,” Jax said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.  “We’re going now, and thanks again for the help.”
    “You know I’ll always help you.  Just don’t make that the only time you call,” she said sternly, and that guilt sprouted again in his chest.  Jax nodded, picked up his weapons bag and walked up to grab Fallon’s arm, but he tensed at his mother’s words. 
    “I don’t know what kind of trouble you’re in, or why my son is helping you despite what you’ve done to him, but I’d suggest you don’t hurt him again, Ms. Sharpe, or there will be hell to pay.  Unlike my daughter, I do know how to handle a gun.  Jaxson’s daddy made sure of it, God rest his soul.”
    With a growl, Jaxson spun back to put his hands on his hips.  “Mom, you just threatened a federal judge.  I think you better check yourself before you’re the one in trouble.”
    One of her blonde eyebrows lifted, and just like that cue signaling his mother’s displeasure always did, it caused a seed of fear to sprout in his stomach.  “And I think you better check yourself, young man. You’re speaking to your mother.  I don’t care if she’s the Queen of England.  I’m the one who had to paste those pieces back together after she finished with you last time, remember?  I’m not standing by to watch that happen again.”
    Fallon surprised him when she stepped around him to stand in front of his mother.  “Mrs. Thomas, I’ve apologized to your son, but it sounds like I owe you one as well.  I was wrong to run my mouth to my father before I had all the facts, and he was wrong to push as hard as he did for Jaxson to be punished for something he didn’t do.  I understand now how devastating the consequences were to your son, and I’m truly sorry.”
    Her words, the passion and remorse behind them, rang true and they soaked into his chest like a salve, making Jaxson feel a little lighter inside.  His mother looked surprised, and her mouth flapped a few times, but she didn’t say a word.  Fallon stuck her hand out to her, and his mother stared at it a second before she took it.  Their eyes met, and he watched something pass between the women, unspoken words, maybe forgiveness.
    “Your son is a good man, an honorable one, and you should be proud of him,” Fallon said stepping back.
    His mother looked at him, and her eyes filled. “I’m as proud as a mother can be.  His father would have been prouder.”
    And with that Jaxson got choked up.  It was time to go. 
    He grabbed Fallon’s arm.  “We’ve got to go,” he said tersely, as he dragged her toward the Grape Grocery Getter.  That’s what he’d dubbed it the first time he’d seen it when he visited his Mom in Florida.  He slid open the back door and tossed his bag inside then slammed it.
    “Have I mentioned how sexy that growly voice of yours is?” Fallon asked with a throaty laugh that set every nerve in his body on fire. 
    Jax stopped at the front door of the van, and Fallon grinned.  “ Oooh —but definitely not as sexy as seeing a big bad Navy SEAL drive this van.  I’ll bet you can get at least sixty out of it if you lean forward.”  A giggle bubbled from her lips, as she looked at his scowl.  “You sure you don’t want me to get that rental car?”
    “Just get in the damned van,” Jax growled as he