Page 40 of Casey's Hero

Casey drew in a breath and let it out slowly, making a decision. “I’m going to call the venue and the preacher and let them know we won’t be rehearsing tonight. That will be one less thing to stress about.”

Kalea blinked back tears. “That makes sense.” She gave Casey a weak smile. “I’m glad I don’t have a gaggle of bridesmaids to call. Just my BFF, and she’s here.” Kalea reached for Casey’s hand.

Casey squeezed her friend’s fingers. “We can handle a wedding without a rehearsal.”

Kalea’s lips twisted. “But not without a groom.”

With a lift of her chin and a confident toss of her hair, Casey stated, “He’ll be there.” She prayed she was right

Kalea nodded. “He’ll be there.”

“Damn right, he will.” Casey pulled Kalea into a tight hug. “That man is crazy about you.” She stepped back and smiled. “He’s a lucky man.”

“What about you?” Kalea said, changing the subject. “What’s this thing between you and Rooster?”

Casey shrugged. “What thing?”

Kalea’s lips twisted. “Seriously? You’re going to pretend he means nothing to you? After all that kissing in the hallway before he left?”

Casey’s cheeks heated as she glanced away. “We’ve only known each other for a day.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of love at first sight?” Kalea asked.

“Heard of it.” Casey shook her head. “Don’t believe in it.”

“No?” Kalea cocked an eyebrow.

“Is that what happened between you and Hawk?” Casey asked.

Kalea laughed. “Not hardly. I resented him. He followed me around until I called him out on it. My father had hired him to protect me without my knowledge or permission. He irritated the hell out of me.” Her lips twisted into a wry grin. “But he was darned sexy…and a real cowboy. How could I resist?” A frown pulled her brow low. “And he saved my life.”

“I thought you saved his when you had to crash-land the plane on that deserted island.”

Kalea shrugged. “I saved my life. It was a bonus that I saved his as well. I’m a trained pilot. I had to land that plane, with or without him.”

“I imagine you gained his respect when you did that.”

“We’re lucky to be alive.” She stared down at the tulle and birdseed in her hand.

Casey laid a hand on her arm. “He’s going to be okay. You two didn’t go through all that hassle, crash-landing an airplane and dodging death, to have it end here. He’ll be back. You’ll get married and we’ll all converge on the Big Island for the celebration after your honeymoon.” She squeezed Kalea’s arm and went back to work on the bag she was making. “Speakingof honeymoons, where are you two going? Many people go to an exotic island. But wait, you two will be living on one.”

Kalea laughed. “Right. Hawk is taking me to a mountain hideaway in Eagle Rock, Montana, for two weeks. Hank and Sadie have a friend who’s letting us stay at her ranch retreat. It has everything. A pool, horses to ride, trails to hike, an incredible view, a chef and a large master bedroom.” Kalea sighed. “What more could I ask for? I’ve never been on a ranch in the States. I’m looking forward to it.”

“You should love it. I hear Montana is gorgeous in the summer.”

Kalea nodded. “And we’ll get to ride horses, something Hawk and I have in common.” She smiled across at Casey. “Who would’ve thought I’d fall in love with a cowboy?” She looked down at herself. “Who would’ve thought a cowboy would fall in love with this Hawaiian? I’m not the usual rodeo queen.”

“Sweetie, you’re gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have you. I’d give my eyeteeth for your wavy hair and the way you move to music.” Casey sighed.

“You have gorgeous dark hair.”

“Yeah, but I can’t dance to save my life.” The memory of her dancing like a stripper made her cringe inwardly. She must have been a disappointment to the men at the bachelor party.

“You don’t have to know how to dance to attract a lover,” Kalea said.

“Obviously, if Jacob is any indication.” Casey smiled. He’d seen her dance and still wanted to make love to her.

“Back to you and Rooster…” Kalea started. “I thought you never wanted to get into a relationship with a military guy.”

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