Page 20 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“Hello, ma’am. My name is Celine. We chatted earlier—and this is Jade, your hair and makeup artist. We’ll be working together.” The woman with the dresses sets them down, and I see a smiling woman with wrinkles around her eyes. She looks friendly, at least, and I breathe a little easier.

“I’m Nora. It’s nice to meet you.” I smile and open the door wider for them to come in.

“Alright, I’ll leave you ladies to it. Meet me downstairs when you’re done, Celine.” Chase gives a small wave and turns the opposite way.

“Okay, so which one do we try first?” Celine places the dresses on the bed, and I pick one up.

“This one is fine. Let’s head into the closet so I can try it on.” She zips it up for me and adjusts the hem.

“What do you think?” she asks. I look at the mirror on one section of the wall unsure.

“I’m not sure.”

“Yes, it doesn’t quite match your energy, does it? But let’s have Jade also take a look.”

There’s a look of approval on Jade’s face when I come out, but it changes when she sees me shaking my head.

“Try on the remaining two.” Jade urges, and I take the two gowns into the closet. We settle on the last one which is simple and elegant. Unlike the one for my wedding to Ethan, this dress is more like a slip, thin and unbothered. There’s no jewels or tulle or beading. I greatly prefer it.

“Mr. Steele asked us to pick a jewelry set. We hope you like it.” Celine hands me a box and I open it, admiring the beauty of the pieces at first before putting them on. Like the gown, they’re simple and elegant. I wonder how much they cost or if Chase will let me keep them when the photos are done.

“It’s beautiful.” I say looking at the mirror in front of the dress. I take a seat on the chair where Jade has setup her tools and starts working on my makeup. She brushes my hair and rolls it into a bun and attaches a bridal pin.

“And we’re done. You look beautiful.” Jade says as she drops the brush, and I look at the mirror.

I do look nice. The makeup is a bit heavier than I’d like myself, but all in natural tones and not too shiny or glossy. I think it’ll make for a convincing bridal blush.

“Thank you.” I reply. Celine attaches the veil and gives a look of approval. “Do you like it?”

“Yes, of course. Thank you.” I stand and pat the dress down lightly as they begin to pack their items.

“We’ll take our leave now.” I take a deep breath as they leave. I just hope I’m doing the right thing.

I make my way slowly to the backyard where the wedding will be held. Chase hasn’t told me many details, but then again, I didn’t ask.

I hold the gown up so I don’t trip on it. When I make it outside, I have to lift a hand to shield my eyes from the sunlight.

Then I see Chase.

He looks breathtakingly handsome.

For a moment, I’m trapped between now and a memory—I remember how it felt to see Ethan just a few short weeks ago, on what should have been myrealwedding day.

I had only felt fear.

I know that this isn’t the same. That the fear is gone because it’s not real.

But I see Chase and I’m just… eager to walk to him.

Javier is there, dressed in a suit, alongside four people I don’t recognize and two I do.

Sarah and her cousin, Maddie, are standing off to the side with wide eyes, champagne glasses, and cocktail dresses on. Their expressions morph into shock when they see me. I stop by them first.

“Hi,” I whisper.

Sarah and Maddie exchange a glance. “Hi, hon,” she says. “So, what the hell?”

I snicker. “I’ll explain later. Can you just be happy for me right now?” I don’t mention that I need her topretendto be happy for myfakehappiness.

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