Page 21 of Holiday Hijinks

“Slate? I’ve got to get going. Anna said we need to head over to Bentley’s house. I wanted to get dressed at the hotel but—”

“It’ll be fine,” he promised. “Get dressed at your sister’s, and I’ll see you tonight. Is Jett with you?”

“No, he’s somewhere else taking a work call,” Ashleigh said, sounding slightly concerned. “We just have the driver with us.”

A multitude of scenarios ran through Slate’s mind. No one would have reason to look for the women at the spa or Ashleigh’s sister’s home. His gaze slid to the open laptop again. Sam was still there, sitting on a chair in the lobby. The big man didn’t look inconspicuous at all. If anyone wanted to come in that way looking for Slate or Ashleigh, he doubted they would.

“All right. It’s best he deals with the situation at hand,” Slate admitted. “I’ll be here at our hotel if you need anything. Keep your phone turned on.”

“You sound worried.”

“Not worried. Just cautious. Go with Anna and get ready for tonight. Say hello to your sister for me,” he said smoothly. “I’ll touch base with you again before I see you later on. It’s going to be a great day, Ash.”

They ended the call, and a brief feeling of uneasiness washed over him. His fiancée going to her sister’s home shouldn’t have been cause for alarm. Slate almost felt he should go with them, but then he’d see his bride before their wedding. She’d no doubt realize what was happening today when Anna produced the wedding gown, but there would still be that element of surprise when she arrived at the venue and discovered him waiting in his dress uniform at the end of the aisle.

He swiped his screen, calling Jett, but it went straight to voicemail.

Muttering under his breath, he went to the closet to get out his garment bag. In addition to Jett’s team keeping him apprised of any updates on the men tracking him, the wedding planner had been texting him throughout the morning. The flowers were at the venue. The cake had arrived. The caterer said everything was a go for the meal. Jesus. Who know coordinating a wedding required so many details?

Several of Ashleigh’s friends were flying in from around the country, as well as her parents. Jett was Slate’s only living relative, and of course he’d be there. Slate had a few military friends flying into town. One of his teams was scheduled to come as well.

Cursing as he pulled out his garment bag, he realized his dress shoes weren’t anywhere to be seen. He’d had to sneak those into his luggage as well but had no doubt left them at the cabin.

Reluctantly, he texted Anna. Hopefully Lena or someone else could run down there. That’d be two hours round-trip, but he needed dress shoes for his own damn wedding.

Her reply came almost immediately.

Anna:Lena’s down there right now. She’s decorating for your honeymoon. ;)

Anna:I know you’ve got plans to whisk Ashleigh off somewhere tropical, but you’ll be at the cabin a few more days before then. Might as well be prepared…

He cursed as she texted him a photo of the shoes, no doubt from Lena.

Anna:Goodness. Ashleigh’s a lucky girl. Both of you Hutchinson boys have big…feet.

Slate snorted. He had no idea what decorations Anna thought he’d need at the cabin and was almost afraid to guess. Morecondoms? Sex toys? He wouldn’t put anything past her. As long as he married Ashleigh, he didn’t care what surprises were in store for them when they returned to their getaway spot. He thumbed a quick response to thank her, glancing at the clock on the wall.

In a few more hours, it’d be go time.

Chapter 10

“I’m getting really suspicious as to what this is all about,” Ashleigh said, shooting Anna a look as their driver maneuvered through the streets of Seattle. They’d spent a relaxing several hours getting pampered at the spa, and now they each had freshly done hair, makeup, and nails.

Anna briefly touched her up-do, smiling. “I know. But hun, it’s going to be amazing. Wait until you see the dress!”

“What’s it look like?”

“Nuh-uh,” Anna said, waggling her finger. “You’ll see it shortly. I’m sure you’ll understand it all then.”

“But I can’t see Slate until tonight?”

“Let’s have some champagne!” Anna declared, popping open the bottle of bubbly. “Wasn’t that food at the spa to-die-for? Wait until you see what we’re eating tonight,” she added. Her phone buzzed, and she quickly exchanged a few texts, smiling.

“Is that Jett?” Ashleigh asked.

“Nope. Just your future hubby. I mean—”

“Anna.”

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