The SEAL's Valentine. Laura Altom Marie

Tristan said under his breath. “I never agreed to squat.”

      “What is it, Coach? Hi, Tristan!” Cayden stood in front of them.

      For Tristan, the kid’s huge grin and jumping brought on a wicked case of indigestion.

      “Not sure if you knew this,” Jason said to the boy, “but your dad and I were good friends. He was the greatest ball player to ever come out of this town—heck, the whole state. Because of that, I’m betting somewhere inside you is just as great a hitter. You only need a little extra practice to coax him out.”

      Cayden cocked his head. “What’s that mean?”

      His mom stood behind him, her hands on his slight shoulders. “Jason...”

      “All that means,” the coach said, “is that Tristan is going to teach you a few things about the game, and I’m inviting you to play with the Mud Bugs.”