Finding Jodelle (2023)

== Series ==
SEAL Team Hawaii, Book 7
Publish Date: July 11, 2023
== Official Blurb ==
Sometimes the safest place to be is together.
Older and set in his ways, Baker Rawlins never thought a relationship was in the cards, let alone love. Especially when years in the military and continued work for the government keep him on the radar of nefarious people all over the world. For that reason, he resists as long as possible when it comes to Jodelle—the beautiful, kind, slightly broken woman he can’t get out of his mind. It takes each of his friends falling in love for Baker to realize protecting Jodelle doesn’t mean pushing her away—it means keeping her close. In his life, in his arms, in his bed…
Jodelle Spencer has endured one of the worst tragedies a person can experience, and now spends large chunks of her days keeping local teens safe as they surf off Hawaii’s sometimes treacherous coast. It’s there that she first met Baker, the mysterious and sexy former Navy SEAL who doesn’t seem interested in more than a polite acquaintance—until he does. When the man wants something, he goes for it, and he’s suddenly decided he wants Jodelle. But what they’re building together requires trust…trust that, after years of heartache, she’s not sure she can give…
Trust that’s further put to the test when one of the kids she protects finds himself in danger, which spills over onto Jodelle…and the only man she can rely on is the one she’s afraid to love.
== Characters ==
=== Main Character(s) ===
* Baker Rawlins
* Jodelle "Jody" Spencer
=== All Characters (in order of appearance) ===
* Jodelle "Jody" Spencer
* Baker Rawlins
* Ben Miller (one of Jody's surf kids)
* Rome (one of Jody's surf kids)
* Elodie Webber
* Kal (one of Jody's surf kids)
* Brent (one of Jody's surf kids)
* Lani (one of Jody's surf kids)
* Monica Collins
* Ashlyn Taylor
* Felipe (one of Jody's surf kids)
* Tressa Dixon (Ben's girlfriend)
* Al Rowden (Ben's step-father)
* Emma Miller Rowden (Ben's mother)
* Scott "Mustang" Webber
* Pierce "Midas" Cagle
* Kenna Madigan
* Charlotte Hall (Pid and Monica's daughter)
* Stuart "Pid" Hall
* Lexie Greene
* Marshall "Aleck" Smart
* Jagger "Jag" Bennett
* Carly Stewart
* Duncan "Slate" Stone
* (Aleck and Kenna's son)
* (Slate and Ashlyn's foster daughter)
* Theo Merkl
* (The officiant)
* (Midas and Lexie's son)
* (Midas and Lexie's daughter)
* (Pid and Monica's daughter)
* (Pid and Monica's son)
* (Jag and Carly's daughter)
* (Jag and Carly's son)
* (Slate and Ashlyn's adopted children)
* Robert
=== Characters Mentioned (but not appearing) ===
* Bobby Spencer (Jody's ex)
* Kaimana "Mana" Spencer (Jody's son)
* Tabitha (Baker's ex)
* (Tabitha's father)
* Shane "Bull" Beyer (not by name)
* Parker Dunn (Lani's classmate)
* Nora (Ben's classmate)
* Alex Flores (Ben's classmate)
* James Mason (Ashlyn's friend)
* Aiden Quinlan (not by name)
* Paul Columbus (not by name)
* Andrew Ferry (not by name)
* Jerry Columbus (not by name)
* (Baker's former commander)
* (Ben's birth father)
* Leonard
* John "Tex" Keegan
* Jonny (Baker's surfer friend)
== Synopsis ==
=== Chapter 1 ===
At a surf competition, Jody Spencer, a de facto surf mom to the younger crowd on the beach, rushes to find Ben Miller. As one of her favorite "kids," she's upset to hear that he's suffering from heat exhaustion. Her friend and crush, Baker Rawlins, hurries next to her. They arrive in time to watch Ben get treated by paramedics. Jody observes that it seems as though Ben is living in his car, which worries her. After the paramedic leaves, Ben gets in his car to drive away. Jody rushes forward, offering to help him, but he politely declines and leaves the beach. While Jody's mind is still on Ben's situation, Baker declares he's going to take her to his house so he can get her something to eat and she can relax. They grab her cooler and head out.
=== Chapter 2 ===
Baker and Jody arrive at his house and make a spaghetti dinner. They have a companionable meal, then settle onto the couch for a deeper talk. Baker admits to Jody that he is attracted to her and wants to date her. She attempts to dissuade him, telling him that she isn't sure she can love anyone ever again, but he eventually convinces her to try to see what happens between them. Jody wants to kiss, but Baker tells her he's pushed her too far for one day, so they decide to walk hand-in-hand along Polo Beach instead.
=== Chapter 3 ===
The next morning, Jody reflects on the previous day's events. As she's getting ready, Baker texts her. They have a short conversation before he calls her instead. Baker tells Jody that he spoke with Mustang that morning, and mentioned that they were a couple. He warns Jody that Elodie will likely get in touch with her to get to know her. After some general chat and flirting, they end their conversation, and Jody heads to the desk in her bedroom to get to work. Three hours later, she's just finishing up a project when her phone rings. It's Elodie, who invites her to lunch with Monica, Lexie, and Ashlyn. They arrange a time the next weekend. Jody texts Baker to keep him informed, and they have a brief (yet intense) conversation before Jody gets back to work.
=== Chapter 4 ===
Baker meets Jody at Waimea Bay. They have a brief conversation before he heads into the ocean, promising to get information about Ben. In the water, he casually brings up Ben, and listens as the others discuss Ben's new girlfriend, Tressa, and how a jealous classmate named Alex wants to beat him up. They let slip that Ben always has big parties. Baker inquires about this, but the kids go quiet, heading back to shore ASAP. Baker returns to Jody, who is surprised that the kids left so quickly. They chat before she gets in her van and drives home.
=== Chapter 5 ===
Jody wakes up at a start, after hearing Mana's keys hit the dresser. She rushes to his room, ready to scold him for returning home after curfew, when she realizes that he isn't there. Crying, she goes to her phone and calls Baker. Despite the early hour, he picks up and asks her what's wrong. She explains her nightmare. Baker philosophizes about the afterlife, and suggests that Mana's spirit is near Jody, looking out for her. He also theorizes that they are soul mates, having spent several reincarnations together. They continue to talk for another hour about lighter topics before they hang up, and Jody falls asleep.
=== Chapter 6 ===
Jody arrives at the Sunset Smokehouse for lunch with Monica, Elodie, and Ashlyn. As they settle in for lunch, they chat, getting to know one another. The women express surprise that Baker is taking it slow with Jody, as he doesn't appear to be someone who "messes around." They sing Baker's praises, and explain to Jody a bit of their backgrounds and how Baker has helped them. Jody is shocked, as she thinks she's too "boring" for him. Ashlyn reassures her, saying that Jody brings "normalcy" to Baker's life. Jody opens up to the women, letting them know about Mana's death. She reveals that he died while trying to safe a younger, less experienced surfer from a riptide. She looks after the kids on the beach so she can call for help if one of them needs help. 
The other women encourage Jody to tell them about Kaimana, just as Baker has. She recounts memories of him, which leads Monica to speak about her daughter, Charlotte. Jody thanks the women for allowing her to speak about Mana. Now fast friends, they add each other's numbers to Jody's phone and discuss when Kenna will host another sleepover, After they part ways, Jody texts Baker to let him know she's on her way home. She reveals to him that she wasn't able to answer their question about whether or not he's a good kisser. He promises to remedy that the next time they see each other. Smiling, she heads home.
=== Chapter 7 ===
That night, Baker and Jody eat a casserole at her house. They talk about Theo, Mana, and their perceived faults. After they finish eating, Baker encourages Jody to change into something comfortable so they can have a discussion about what Baker does. When she reappears in the living room, Baker is clearly pleased with her appearance. They settle on the couch, Baker covering Jody with a soft blanket, and begin to talk. Before launching into his work history, he reiterates that he wants to take it slow with Jody, and only wants to have sex with her after they fall in love. She hesitates at this, but he reassures her they'll still fool around until they get to that point.
Baker then describes his job, which is essentially information gathering and brokering. She assures him that she's okay with what he does, as it's ultimately for the greater good. She states that she accepts him completely, and is proud of what he does. Baker warns her before kissing her. He pauses after a moment, revealing to Jody that he's now positive she's his soul mate, before going in for round two. After some time, he rights them on the couch and turns on a football game, to which Jody falls asleep. After the game, Baker carries Jody to her bed, asking her if she needs anything before he leaves. They make plans to meet at the beach on Monday morning before Baker locks her in, using the key Mana put under a flowerpot outside. Baker thinks of Kaimana as he leaves.
=== Chapter 8 ===
On Monday morning, Jody is upset that Ben didn't arrive at the beach. Baker lets her know he spent some time researching Ben, but still has some work to do. While on the beach, Jody's thoughts stay with Ben, and she resolves to track him down to make sure he's okay, after she takes care of a work assignment. She decides not to tell Baker about her plan. After the kids leave, they share the breakfast sandwich she made for Baker. He asks if he can bring her malasadas from Leonard's Bakery later, and she extends an open invitation to him. He carries her cooler to her car before watching her leave.
=== Chapter 9 ===
Jody has been looking for Ben, to no avail. Baker calls, filling her in on what he's discovered about Ben thus far. According to him, Ben is a good student who hasn't gotten in trouble. His father died when Ben was young, and Emma, his mother, struggled to take care of him, work multiple jobs, and maintain her own mental health. She spent time in some psychiatric wards while a neighbor took care of Ben. After a brief courtship, she married Al Rowden, a judge. Baker and Jody agree that it's odd that Rowden has no negative reports of his work, as punishing juvenile offenders isn't a cheerful occupation. Baker informs Jody that Rowden has had Emma committed twice in the past year, claiming she was suicidal and delusional. Despite his record, Ben's grades have been slipping in the past few months and he's skipped classes. Jody lets slip that she didn't see Ben's car at his school, and Baker scolds her for not telling him she was on the hunt for Ben. He gives her some suggestions of where else she can search, and they chat before he hangs up to return to his meetings. Jody looks at a map of the island on her phone before heading out to continue her hunt for Ben.
=== Chapter 10 ===
Jody has found Ben's car at the Ka‛ena Point Trail parking lot. She looks around for him before heading out on a trail. At the end of the trail, she finds Ben, sitting alone while staring at the ocean. She joins him, remarking that he picked a good spot to look for whales. They sit in silence before Jody tells Ben she's worried about him. He bristles, claiming he's not going back home. She offers to find another solution for him. This shocks the teen, who expected her to reprimand him for not being at school. She notices his dirty clothes and slight body odor before trying again to get him to open up to her about his issues. He prevaricates before revealing that he's broke but refuses to go home. Then he reveals that he knew Mana, when Mana was a surf instructor at a program Ben attended in fifth grade. Jody invites Ben to come to her house so he can shower, eat, and plan his next move. She promises not to tell his mom, if he doesn't want her to, but encourages him to reach out to her to reassure her he's okay.
While Ben mulls over Jody's offer, Baker calls. She tells him she's found Ben and explains where they are. Baker rightly surmises that Jody hiked out to the point in her flip-flops and is currently getting sunburned. He asks he to put him on speaker before addressing Ben, encouraging him to take Jody up on her offer. He asks Ben if Jody will be in danger for helping Ben (undetermined) and asks them to head out now, so Jody can get out of the shade. He informs them he'll meet them at her house, but for them to stay outside of the house until he gets there. When Jody questions this request, he admits that it's because Ben will be with her and Baker wants to protect her. Jody is offended by the unspoken implications, but Ben agrees and promises to stay outside. Baker hangs up and Ben helps Jody back to her van.
=== Chapter 11 ===
Baker arrives at Jody's house about 10 minutes after she has. He heads straight for her, making sure she's okay. He greets Ben and informs him that a friend will be dropping off his car, full of gas, later that evening. He gives Ben a short lecture--and endures Jody's scolding at his language, which both men try not to smile at--before asking Jody to get the malasadas out of his car. As soon as she leaves, Baker warns Ben not to hurt her. Ben, misunderstanding, promises to leave that night, but Baker rejects that idea. Ben reveals that his stepfather is "not a good man," but Baker reassures the kid that he'll help him, as long as Ben gives him the information he needs to make sure Jody's safe. She returns with the baked treats before heading to her front door. Ben and Baker continue their clandestine conversation, with Ben informing Baker that he won't return home because he's "trying to keep other people safe," as well.
The two enter the house, finding Jody halfway through a malasada. She asks Ben if he'd like to eat or take a shower first, but Ben admits he doesn't have any clean clothes to put on. Without a beat, Jody offers some of Mana's clothes to Ben. He initially refuses, not wanting to hurt Jody by wearing her son's clothes, but she insists that she must have kept them for a reason, and jokes that Ben's dirty clothes cause her more pain. He thanks her before retreating to the bathroom. As soon as Ben leaves, Baker pulls Jody into his arms. She expresses concern at Ben's situation, but Baker assures her they're going to help him. Baker suggests that Jody take a shower and clean up after her unexpected hike, and they flirt before she departs.
That evening, Baker informs Jody that he'll be spending the night. She tries to dissuade him, as her couch isn't terribly comfortable, but he tells her he isn't leaving her alone in the house with Ben. Jody protests, saying she trusts Ben, but the teenager agrees with Baker, saying that he'll have to prove with his actions that he's trustworthy. Baker offers to take Ben out on the waves the next morning, and even offers him a loaner board to use. Before Ben leaves, Jody invites him to stay for as long as he needs, even months. He thanks her and departs. Baker asks Jody how she's doing, with Ben taking Mana's room. She reiterates that she believes it's all for a reason. They discuss their relationship and make out before Baker sends her to bed. He requests her pillow to use, so he can smell her scent, and she retrieves it before saying good night.
=== Chapter 12 ===
Jody wakes after a restless night full of dreams of Baker. She hears movement from her son's room, and after an initial hope that Mana was home, she remembers that Ben is there. She realizes that she feels "comforted" knowing that Mana would want her to help Ben. After hearing Ben turn on the water in the shower, Jody climbs out of bed with a smile on her face, wanting to make a big breakfast for him and Baker. She literally runs into Baker on her way to the kitchen, and he pulls her close. They discuss their nights as Baker takes down Jody's hair and shifts their embrace to dancing. After a few moments, Ben interrupts them. Jody insists upon feeding Ben and Baker before they head out, and sends Baker to shower while she and Ben make waffles and bacon. Sitting down to eat, Baker asks why Jody has pulled out a strawberry Pop-Tart with her meal. She admits that Mana had one for breakfast every morning, except for the morning of his accident. He reassures her and the trio have a pleasant breakfast.
After they finish eating, Jody asks what the others enjoy eating. Baker gives her his bank card and PIN, telling her to buy groceries with that. They have a brief conversation about who will pay for what in their relationship before coming to an understanding. She repeats her question to Baker, who doesn't like broccoli, and Ben, who isn't fond of green beans. Ben heads outside to clean out his car while Jody and Baker discuss their timeline for the day. Later, after Jody returns with groceries, she sees Ben's things in Mana's room and feels content.
=== Chapter 13 ===
Over the next 10 days, the trio has fallen into a routine where they would go to the beach in the morning, Ben would go to school, Jody and Baker would do their respective work, Jody would make them all a large dinner, and Ben would do homework or they'd watch TV until bedtime. After the first night, Baker moved into Jody's bed. They've made out but haven't felt a rush to be more intimate with one another. Jody has noticed Baker's constant touches and checking in with her, and has appreciated both. Ben hasn't said much about his current situation, but Jody and Baker have left it open for him to discuss. Baker has done more research, but may reach out to his friend Tex for help.
Jody thinks about this as she and Baker lie in bed. Baker asks what's on her mind, and she refers to a previous conversation where Baker suggested that they have a major lesson they have to learn in their lives. She thinks that hers is trust, because in recent years she's been reticent to let people in. Jody admits that she's afraid Baker will get into trouble while trying to protect her. He tries to reassure her that he's good at what he does and has powerful connections, and eventually promises that he'll never "do anything that will...take [him] away from [her]." He then admits that he thinks his lesson is that of love, and that he can see himself falling in love with Jody. As they end that conversation, Baker announces that he'd like to take Jody on a date that evening. They make plans before getting up.
=== Chapter 14 ===
That afternoon, Jody and Ben stand in the kitchen. Ben asks how Jody knew she wanted to date Baker. Jody responds that she noticed his respectful actions and was attracted to him. She asks Ben about Tressa, and he admits that he likes her but that he doesn't want to bring negative attention toward her. He says that his former friend, Alex, keeps harassing her, and while Ben wants to protect Tressa against that, he doesn't want his history with Alex to exacerbate the situation. Jody encourages him to reach out to Tressa and try to make that connection.
Jody then asks Ben about his home life, and Ben admits that Al kicked him out while Emma stood aside. Ben said doesn't want to reconcile with her. He mentions wanting to get a job so he can find a place of his own and "get out of [Jody's] hair." She discourages him from getting a job, telling him he "will always have a safe place" at her house. He still insists on getting a job to help contribute, and Jody concedes, as long as it's part-time and doesn't interfere with his school work or personal life.
Baker arrives and notices the serious tension in the room. He asks them what's wrong, but they both reply that everything's fine. Baker reiterates that Ben can talk to him, if he needs anything. Lightening the mood, Baker and Ben negotiate about Baker and Jody's curfew, Baker and Jody bicker about how to treat a woman, and Jody nags Ben about the dishes. Baker eventually pulls her out of the house. Once alone, he asks if everything's okay. She recaps her conversation with Ben. Baker offers to find Ben a flexible job, using one of his contacts who owns some food trucks in the area.
After their dinner, which was a picnic Baker arranged on the beach, they return to Jody's house. As he closes up, she checks on Ben, who said that he texted Tressa and has plans to hang out with her at school. Baker and Jody retreat to her room, where they get ready for bed.
=== Chapter 15 ===
A week later, Baker announces that he has to leave that day for about a week. He asks Ben to watch after Jody, then asks the boy if there's anything in his recent history that will "blow up in Jodelle's face." Ben admits that he hasn't even spoken with his mother since he left, but that he'll protect Jody if something does happen. Baker clarifies that he wants to make sure Ben is safe, as well, and warns the boy that he'll want to know about what's bothering him soon, so he can protect him. Ben hedges, saying that his stepfather has many powerful local connections. Baker replies that he has more, and those "in low and high places." When Ben mentions that his mother hasn't taken care of him for years, Baker argues "that doesn't mean she hasn't struggled." Baker drops the topic for the time being, and redirects his attention to Jody. She promises that she'll be careful, but that she's not going to let Ben protect her; that she'll go after anyone to make sure Ben is safe.
After Ben leaves for school, Jody lets down her guard and talks to Baker about being worried for him and where he's going. He reassures her that he'll be fine. She admits she wants to be intimate with him when he gets back, to which he readily agrees. He also mentions that he stole her pillowcase, so he can carry her scent with him when he's away. They share a tearful goodbye before he finally leaves. Before he takes off at the Naval base, they share texts reaffirming their feelings for one another.
=== Chapter 16 ===
Jody prepares a comforting dinner for herself, Ben, and Tressa. She thinks of how Baker's friends have reached out to her since he's been gone, keeping in touch and making her feel included. Ben arrives with Tressa and introduces them before Jody shoos them to the back deck to hang out while she finishes cooking. During dinner, Jody asks Tressa questions and learns about the kind girl. Ben and Tressa clean up, then they all watch a true crime show before Ben leaves to take Tressa home. When he arrives back at Jody's house, she gives him her stamp of approval, and warns him to take things slow with Tressa. Ben angrily admits he isn't a virgin, as his stepfather paid a woman to have sex with Ben on his 14th birthday. Ben is bitter about this, as he wasn't ready for it, felt bamboozled, and wouldn't put Tressa in a position to make her uncomfortable. He even admits that he's offended Jody would think he's that kind of a person, but she quickly apologizes and explains. Ben accepts, telling Jody that she's "been more of a mom to" him than his own has been.
Their tense conversation is interrupted by banging at the front door. Ben's stepfather and mother have arrived to take him home, and he seems terrified at the prospect. Jody opens the door and confronts Al, who smiles at the thought of Ben living out of his car. Jody announces that Ben is staying where he is, which further angers Al. When he tries to approach the front door, Jody blocks him, threatening to call the police and telling him to leave. She turns her attention to Ben's mother, asking why she was seemingly unconcerned about the state of her child. Al drags Ben's mother back to their car and they leave. Jody closes the door and finds Ben trying to apologize for the situation, but she refuses to accept it. She tries to find out more about their dynamic, but Ben ignores the question. They share a comforting embrace, after which Jody reassures him that he isn't a burden, and that she wants him to relax and focus on being a kid. Ben muses that he'll speak with Baker once he returns, which Jody encourages.
Ben says he's going to stay up to watch TV, but suggests that Jody goes to bed. She warns him not to leave her house, and he admits that he doesn't want to leave; he's happy where he is, and he kissed Tressa for the first time that night. Ben worries Al will return, but Jody promises that Baker will take care of the situation when he returns. Ben expresses his surprise at Jody standing up to Al, and she expresses her willingness to always stand up to someone to protect Ben. He quietly admits that he wishes Jody were his mom. She replies that from now on, he's her adopted son, and she'll always have a place for him in her home, and will always protect and care for him. They hug again before Jody retreats to her bedroom and cries, releasing her tension.
=== Chapter 17 ===
Baker returns to Jody's house, and she rushes outside to greet him. She fusses over him, asking if he needs anything. Ben calls out from the door, and Baker notices something off with the boy. He quietly asks Jody about it, and she confesses that two nights earlier, Al and Emma had arrived to take Ben home. She lays out the incident, including that she's hoping Baker can take down Al. Baker calls out to Ben, warning him that he's about to make out with Jody and for the boy to go inside. When they no longer have an audience, Baker tells Jody that he's glad she didn't try to lie to him about the incident, and vows to take care of the situation. They make out for a while before he pulls away, informing her that they'll be having sex that night, which Jody confirms. She fills him in on some more details about the past week before they head inside. He greets Ben, and they all chat while Baker eats the poke bowl Ben had picked up for him earlier. When he finishes, Jody tells the guys that she's going to her bedroom to work, and that she'll have her headphones in, so they can speak candidly. She wishes Ben a good night, and thanks him for being there for her over the past week, before heading to her bedroom.
=== Chapter 18 ===
Retreating to the couch, Ben recounts the incident to Baker, who is pissed that Al was at Jody's house. He tells Ben to explain the situation, so Baker can figure out how to fix it. Ben recounts that although things were going well when his mom married Al, he soon became abusive. When he was 12, Ben believed that Al pushed her one day, which is how Emma became injured and eventually got addicted to pain medication. While she was in a haze, Al started training Ben to break into cars and steal belongings, which Al sold for cash. Ben's best friend, Alex, soon joined him in his petty theft, while Al egged them on. While Ben never got caught, his friends did, but in his position as a juvenile judge, he let them off with community service and warnings.
At age 14, Ben told Al he was going to stop participating. Al was upset but still had Ben's friends to carry on. Al bought recreational drugs for Ben's friends, and began throwing drunken parties for the teens. During these parties, Ben explains, Al recruits more teens to his enterprise. Using hidden cameras, he records the teens stealing, getting drunk, and using drugs, then uses the footage to blackmail them into continuing with their crimes. Ben regrets not stopping it before, but didn't want to leave his mom vulnerable. Al took over providing her with stronger drugs, and keeps her in a dazed state most of her life. Ben doesn't want to turn in Al because he isn't sure what will happen to his mother, and because he doesn't want he or his friends to become incarcerated. Baker tells Ben not to worry about the footage of him, as it was clear he was younger and complicit with his stepfather's instructions. Baker asks Ben why Al kicked him out, and Ben replied that he told Al that he wouldn't help him recruit any more teens. Al kicked him out, threatening him to stay silent or Al would throw Emma onto the street and she'd become a prostitute to pay for her addiction.
Baker reassures Ben that he did nothing wrong, and that he showed how strong he was by refusing to play Al's games anymore. When Ben brings up that he left his mom in a bad situation, Baker states that Emma is an adult and decided to stay. Ben argues that Al likely blackmailed Emma into complicity, but Baker points out that in that same situation, Jody wouldn't have acquiesced. Ben says that now that Baker knows what's going on, Ben can leave and get away from Jody, in order to protect her. Baker refuses this proposition, pointing out that Jody has taken Ben under her wing and given her a purpose. When Ben argues that Al won't stop until Jody is hurt, Baker vows to bring Al down, getting Emma help and protecting Ben and Jody in the process. He warns Ben that if Al shows up again, Ben needs to lock himself in Jody's house with her and call Baker to take care of it.
After Ben retreats to his bedroom, Baker takes a few moments to compose himself before heading to Jody's room. He showers before climbing into bed with her, laying out Ben's story to her. Jody fumes, asking Baker if Ben mentioned the prostitute on his 14th birthday. She fills in Baker, who is also furious at Al. They continue to process the situation before moving onto discussing their relationship, sharing their like opinions that they are happy to be with one another. Jody falls asleep while Baker plots Al's demise.
=== Chapter 19 ===
A few days later, Jody is worried about Baker. He's been in investigation mode since he returned, dedicated to bringing down Al. When Baker arrives at her home that night, she informs him that Ben is at Tressa's for the evening, and that she wants to move their relationship forward physically. He drags her into her bedroom, where they consummate their partnering. After, Baker tells Jody he loves her, listing the reasons why. She replies that she loves him, too, and likely had from the first time she saw him. Baker says he'll sell his house and move into hers, since it's where she lived with Mana. They eventually get up and head into the shower together.
=== Chapter 20 ===
Jody has been busy with the changes to her formerly lonely routine, but she loves it. She and Baker are in her house, waiting for Ben to arrive home from school, when Jody opens up about not wanting to do or say the wrong thing to Ben. She doesn't want to overstep as a de facto parent, but still worries about the boy. Baker reassures her, remarking at how lucky Ben is to have someone in his corner who cares about him so much. He continues with his loving declarations to her, causing her to cry. When Ben arrives, he sees Jody's tears and asks if Al has struck again. She explains that she's emotional at Baker's kindness, then asks him about his plans for the evening. She gives Ben a standing invitation for Tressa to come over, if he wants her to. Ben goes to put down his belongings in his room, and Jody calls out to Ben that she can teach him how to make pork chops for dinner that night.
After dinner, Baker watches as Ben allows Jody to try to help him with his homework. Ben's phone rings, and he freezes before snapping to action, heading to his room to retrieve his keys on his way out the door. Baker stops him, demanding to know what's going on. Ben shows him a text from Rome, who says he heard through the grapevine that Tressa is at Al's house for a party, as she thought Ben would be there. Ben is fraught, as he's positive Al knows Ben has been dating Tressa, and worries about what he'll do to her. Baker tells Ben to try to text her, and that he'll drive them both to the house. As Ben walks out the door, Baker returns to Jody, telling her he's going to stop Ben from doing anything rash that Al would press charges for. She responds that she trusts him to take care of this situation before joining Ben.
Ten minutes later, Baker and Ben arrive at Al's house. Baker commands Ben to stay in the car and off Al's property, saying that he will be the one to retrieve Tressa. Baker marches to the front door, laying on the doorbell until a teen answers. Baker orders the kid to get Tressa, and he scampers off as Al arrives. Al warns Baker that he has cameras recording everywhere, and that Baker can't just arrive and steal one of his son's guests away. Baker doesn't back down, and as soon as Tressa arrives, he gets her out of the house and points her in the direction of his car, where Ben is waiting. Now that it's just the men, Al threatens Baker, warning him that he's going to take him down. Baker laughs in Al's face, inviting the chaos, before heading back to his car, where Ben and Tressa are waiting. Baker tells them to get in the car, and he drives them to Sunset Beach. He tells the kids to take a walk and talk about everything, and that when they're done, he and Ben will take Tressa home. Baker watches as the youths head out for what is bound to be an emotional and awkward conversation. While he waits, Baker calls Jody, reassuring her that Tressa is fine. They rant about Al, with Jody elucidating that Ben is under her protection, before switching topics to their relationship, finally ending their call with Baker's promise to bring Ben home before midnight.
=== Chapter 21 ===
A few days later, Jody sits at her picnic table and watches the waves. Ben spent most of the weekend hanging out with Tressa, which gave Jody and Baker space to share their love. This morning, Baker told her he had to spend most of the day in closed-door meetings at the Naval base in Honolulu, and likely wouldn't be available to her. He encouraged her to call Mustang or one of his team if she needed anything. They continue to look after the kids in the water, before setting them up with breakfast sandwiches and heading back to Jody's house. They discuss future plans before Baker leaves for the base.
That afternoon, Felipe and Lani arrive at the beach, where they inform Jody that Ben was beaten up at school, and that Al came to pick him up. Jody sprints to her van, calling Baker and leaving him a message that she's headed to Al's house to retrieve Ben. She tries him a few more times before she remembers to call Mustang. After leaving him a message too, she debates staying in her car until she hears from them, but she can't leave Ben alone in that house.
Jody stomps up to the front door of Al's house, banging on the wood and demanding that Al let her see Ben. Al smugly answers the door, feigning innocence, but Jody begins shouting for Ben, hoping to attract neighbors. Al grabs her and hauls her into the house, yelling at her before punching her face. After some threats about having her arrested, Jody bites back, comparing his pathetic self to Baker. Al lashes out, punching her shoulder, kicking her, and dragging her upstairs to Ben's locked door. He shoves her inside the room, telling her he's going to stage her imminent murder as an accidental overdose, after he has his minions leave her car at a beach. Ben speaks up, weakly demanding that Al let Jody leave. Jody, realizing the boy is in the room, rushes toward him, taking in his injuries. As Al locks them inside, Jody begins to comfort the distressed boy, promising that Baker is on his way. In an indirect way, she tells him she loves him as she continues to soothe him. Ben notices Jody's winces of pain and commands her to lie down and rest. The two hold hands and admit they want Baker to save them. Ben worries about Baker losing his cool, but Jody reassures him that Baker wouldn't do anything to keep himself locked away from her.
=== Chapter 22 ===
Baker is rushing to Al's house, accompanied by a police escort. He's cashed in several favors to have Al's arrest fast-tracked, including a SWAT team ready to force entry into the house. Mustang and Midas have followed him, too, with the rest of the team staying behind to watch over their families. As the SWAT team use the battering ram on the front door, Mustang tries to hold Baker back, but Midas encourages Baker to go look for Jody. Baker rushes into the house, shouting for Jody. Along the way he sees officers apprehending several teenagers. Eventually he hears Jody calling for him, alerting him to their presence. Baker shouts out a quick warning before kicking in the door. He sees Jody smiling, sitting next to Ben on the bed. Baker bends over, trying to catch his breath and his relief, when he feels Jody approach. In his rush to hold her, he sends both of them to the floor, and they embrace as the SWAT leader gently reprimands him for entering without permission. 
Ben weakly calls out that Jody's been hurt, which sends Baker into a frenzy, demanding that someone bring the medics upstairs. Jody agrees, but for them to care for Ben. They hear Al shouting in the hallway, threatening to have the officers arrested. At his emotional limit, Baker steels himself to go after the man and enact his revenge, but Jody's soft reasoning has him staying with her instead of getting himself into trouble. As Baker evaluates Jody's bruises, she admits that she egged Al on so that it would be clear he hit her.
Midas announces the arrival of the paramedics, and Jody snaps into mama bear mode, directing their attention to Ben. Baker makes sure she knows he's going to have them look after her, as well, and they share a sweet kiss. Baker asks Mustang to find the whereabouts of Jody's van, and asks Midas to inform the crew that all is well. As they get to their tasks, Baker and Jody turn their attention to the paramedics telling Ben that he's fairly lucky, but will definitely need to be checked out to make sure there are no broken bones or internal bleeding. On their way to the ambulance, Ben asks about his mother, who Midas says is on her way to a detox clinic.
Later that evening, Jody sits on the couch. She and Ben were cleared to go home, and now that everyone is clean, safe, and fed, they've retreated to their own spaces: Ben to his room, so he could speak with Tressa in privacy; Baker outside, to collect himself after the stressful and emotional afternoon; and Jody to the couch, responding to her friends' texts before watching Baker angrily hurl mangos at a tree. She silently cries, overwhelmed with her concern and love for Baker. He returns into the house and washes up before hauling her into his lap. They recount some of the events of the day, dealing with their emotions as they arrive. Baker settles them into the couch, claiming that if Ben needs them, they can hear him better from the living room than Jody's bedroom. They exchange plans for the near future as Jody falls asleep.
Baker can't sleep. Eventually he hears his phone buzzing in the kitchen, and silently retrieves it before heading outside to answer. Slate is on the phone, and, after asking about Jody and Ben, informs Baker about Al's interrogation. According to Slate, Al has been throwing everyone under the bus to save himself, starting with Ben. When confronted with evidence of his crimes, which Baker had been compiling, he clammed up. Still, Slate is convinced that Al will be convicted and sent to prison. Slate kindly warns Baker that "the women" (Ashlyn and the other team members' spouses) will be at Jody's house the following afternoon to check on them. Before hanging up, Baker asks Slate to pick up malasadas and strawberry Pop-Tarts for Jody. They share a good-natured goodbye before Baker returns to Jody's side, snuggling in with her.
=== Epilogue ===
A year later, Jody is confused that Ben wants them to go to the beach in the afternoon. He's a freshman at the University of Hawaii, and she wanted to spend his weekend home hanging out with him instead of at the beach. Baker left early with her cooler to start handing out snacks, and now Ben rushes Jody to her van. On the way, they discuss Al's trial and sentencing, Ben's mother's return to rehab, and Ben's worry that his mother will soon die. Jody comforts him, as she is wont to do, as they arrive at the beach. Jody is surprised at the crowd at the beach, and even more confused when Ben rushes her to the sand without grabbing his board. As he pulls her along, she notices her friends in the crowd, along with her surf kids. Baker greets her before leading her to her picnic table, where he gives a short speech mentioning Kaimana's sacrifice, and dedicating the picnic table to Mana and Jody. Jody tears up at seeing a plaque on the table top, while Baker hugs her and tells her it was Ben's idea. 
Her friends approach, reminiscing about the spot. Baker gives Jody one last kiss before grabbing his board and heading out into the waves. She and her friends continue to chat over the next hour, with Jody correctly guessing that Carly is pregnant, before she comforts Elodie about her fertility issues. Jody watches Baker head toward her and start to dry off, before he pulls out a ring and proposes to Jody. She attacks him, launching them into the sand, as Ben approaches and laughs at their state. Jody announces their brand new engagement as Ben announces he's taking Tressa out for a while. Ben asks if Jody is making lasagna, and says he and Tressa will be there. After he leaves, Baker rushes to get Jody home so they can celebrate before Ben returns.
Six months after that, Jody and Baker are in his friend's backyard, getting married in a casual and intimate ceremony. After the officiant announces them man and wife, it starts raining, causing the guests to rush toward the shelter of the home. Jody and Baker stay in the rain, slowly and sweetly having their first dance on the beach.
After another six months, Jody, Baker, and Tressa watch as Ben spreads his mother's ashes into the ocean. Jody thinks about the letter Emma wrote to Ben, which he let her read. It was an apology for letting him go, a thank you for forgiving her, and a final vow of love and regret. Ben approaches the rest of his closest supporters, before they all head back to Jody's house for dinner and fellowship. After Ben returns from taking Tressa home, Jody approaches his bedroom. She finds him on his bed, reading his mother's letter, before sitting next to him and embracing him. She comforts him as he cries, before she tells him she loves him and that he always has a place in her home. Retreating to her bedroom, she embraces Baker and lets out her own emotions. She asks Baker if Al is suffering in prison, and he assures her he is.
Two years later, and a month after Baker's retirement, Jody can't wait to watch Ben graduate from college. She and Baker had booked a hotel room in Honolulu so they didn't have to deal with traffic. Baker answers the knock on the hotel room door and Ben enters, surprising Jody (but not Baker). Ben approaches her and asks her to sit down, as he needs to tell her something. Worried at how nervous Ben appears, Jody comforts him, promising that "it'll be all right." Ben explains that to honor Jody and her place in his heart, he'd like to change his name to Spencer, to match Jody and Mana, and that hopefully his future wife and children will share the name, as well. Jody bursts into tears, and Baker embraces her in comfort. Ben, worried that Jody is upset, asks if she gives her permission for the name change, which she is ecstatic to provide. Ben hugs her and tells her he loves her before heading out for his ceremony. Jody and Baker share a charged kiss before she heads to the bathroom to freshen up.
Another two years later, Elodie announces to their friends that she and Mustang are expecting. The clan erupts in congratulations, while Baker reveals to Jody that Elodie is pregnant with triplets. Robert, the former concierge of Aleck and Kenna's condo, directs everyone together for a chaotic group photo.
Four years later, Baker thinks about how old he is as he watches Jody dance with Ben at Ben's wedding. Ben is a marine biologist, and Tressa is a paralegal. Baker knows that Tressa is pregnant, but hasn't yet told Jody. He has spent the evening looking after her in love and awe, while providing her with plenty of champagne and water. They return to their hotel room, where Baker presents her with a gift from Ben: a drawing by the now-famous Theo, based on one of their wedding pictures. Jody tears up as she takes in the picture, but notices a smudge over her shoulder. Baker picks up an envelope, which includes a letter from Ben to Jody. In it, Ben mentions the smudge, which he asked Theo about. The artistic man said that whenever he sees Jody, he sees a "floating ball of mist" near her, which Baker tearfully realizes is Mana. They embrace and discuss the rest of the evening's festivities, before Jody calls out to Mana that he might want to leave, since she and Baker are about to get busy.
== References ==
Category:US Navy
Category:SEAL Team Hawaii
Category:Full Bibliography