Page 69 of Hidden Hero

She didn’t often go to weddings, but Jeremy was invited to Mark and Karen’s wedding, and she was happy to go as his date, especially since she knew Karen. She hadn’t made many friends since moving to the Eastern Shore but was slowly carving out time to meet others, even if they were generally in her profession.

A firm knock on the front door snapped her out of her thoughts, and her pulse quickened. With one last glance at her reflection, she inhaled deeply and steadied herself before stepping into the hallway. She reached the door and opened it, her breath catching as her gaze landed on the man standing on her stoop.

Jeremy was a vision of rugged sophistication. The navy suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, the pale blue shirt beneath highlighting the vivid blue of his eyes. His beard was trimmed, and the fresh cut of his hair hinted he’d taken extra care with his appearance, too. Her eyes wandered over him, taking in every detail, and when they met his again, she whispered the only word she could muster. “Wow.”

His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile. “You can say that again, sweetheart.”

Her gaze locked onto his, and the world outside faded momentarily. His eyes twinkled in a way that made her heart trip over itself. As if drawn by an invisible force, he stepped forward, his hands warm and steady as they slid around her shoulders, pulling her close. His lips captured hers in a kiss that sent a shiver of warmth cascading through her. It was fierce yet tender, his mouth moving against hers with a passion that left her breathless.

Cora melted into him, her hands gripping his jacket as though it were the only thing anchoring her to the floor. One of his hands skimmed the tips of her curls, careful not to undo the work she’d put into them. She kissed him back, her fingers trailing up his chest, needing the connection to steady her nerves. When he finally broke the kiss, it was only to place soft, lingering touches at the corners of her lips.

“I take it you like the dress?” she asked, her voice low, her lips tingling from his kiss.

“Babe, I don’t just like it. I love it. I love the dress, the shoes, your hair, your face…” His eyes softened as he cupped her cheek. “But more than that, I’m crazy about you.”

Her laughter was soft, almost shy, as she eased back just enough to meet his gaze. “I’m glad. It feels like everything is happening so fast, but…” She shrugged lightly, her smile tinged with vulnerability. “I’m glad you’re crazy about me. I’d hate to think I was in this alone.”

Jeremy’s lips tipped upward into a smirk she used to find irritating. Now, it was something she adored. “Alone? Not a chance.”

She stepped back with a small laugh, brushing a hand over her skirt. “Well, I guess I’m ready to go. I just need to grab my purse.”

As she turned, he groaned, a sound that made her pause. “What I really want to do,” he said, his voice rough with desire, “is stay here and take you to bed. Or maybe bend you over the sofa, lay you out on the dining room table, press you against the shower wall… and eventually make it to the bed.”

Her breath hitched, heat flooding her cheeks and pooling low in her belly. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, her voice barely above a whisper as she repeated her earlier emotion. “Wow.”

Jeremy’s grin was wicked. “I hope that’s a good wow.”

“It’s a very good wow,” she murmured, her voice shaky but playful. “But if you keep talking like that, we’ll never make it to Mark and Karen’s wedding.”

He chuckled, his tone teasing as he leaned in closer. “Mark and Karen are so in love, they won’t even notice if we’re not there.”

Cora swatted his arm lightly, laughter spilling from her lips. “Come on, big boy. Let’s get going. The sooner we make an appearance, the sooner we can leave. And maybe…” She glanced over her shoulder, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Maybe I’ll let you make good on some of those plans when we return.”

Jeremy sighed heavily, tilting his head back dramatically as his hands rested on his hips. “You’re killing me, Cora,” he groaned, but the glint in his eyes told her he was far from upset.

Her grin widened as she reached for her clutch, feeling a giddy warmth spread through her. Tonight might be about celebrating someone else’s love, but she couldn’t help but feel the spark of something extraordinary blooming between them.

Once at the church, they slid into a pew near the back, finding the room crowded with friends and family.

Mark stood at the front of the ceremony, and though Cora had only met him briefly, she could instantly recognize the depth of love etched into his expression. His eyes softened with every step Karen’s daughters took down the aisle toward him. There was no hesitation as the two girls reached the front. Instead of stepping aside, they walked straight to Mark, wrapping their arms around him in tight, heartfelt hugs before taking their places.

Cora felt a lump form in her throat. The gesture was simple yet deeply touching. Mark’s face lit up even more as the young boy and girl he and Karen were fostering followed. Just like the daughters, they hurried to him, offering hugs filled with smiles.

Then Mark’s pride seemed to reach higher as his son entered. The young boy strode forward, his gaze locked on his father. When he reached the front, he didn’t hesitate, pulling Mark into a fierce and affectionate hug before stepping to his side.

Cora blinked against the sting of tears, her chest tightening as she watched the scene unfold. When Karen appeared at the back of the aisle, her radiant smile illuminating the room, Cora could no longer hold back her emotions. Karen’s tea-length cream-colored dress swayed softly as she walked, elegance and simplicity perfectly complementing the joy that radiated from her. There was something undeniably magical about witnessing two people so deeply in love pledging their lives together, but it was more than that in Mark and Karen’s case. It wasn’t just a union of two hearts; it was the merging of their families into something extraordinary.

Cora’s gaze slid to her side, catching Jeremy’s profile as he watched the ceremony unfold. His smile was genuine, his blue eyes warm with appreciation for the love and commitment before them. Her heart fluttered when, as if sensing her attention, he turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and in that instant, the world around them seemed to fade.

It was just them.

The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver through her, not because it overwhelmed her but because it grounded her in a way she had never known. She’d never felt so seen. Jeremy’s blue eyes twinkled with something more profound than amusement, and when his arm slipped around her shoulders to pull her close, the warmth of his embrace enveloped her completely. Her head rested lightly against him, and the subtle scent of his woodsy and clean cologne filled her senses. At that moment, she realized she was precisely where she wanted to be.

The reception downstairs in the fellowship hall proved far more enjoyable than Cora had anticipated. The room buzzed with life and laughter, a DJ spinning an assortment of upbeat songs that had even the most hesitant dancers swaying in their chairs. Tables lining the hall were laden with simple yet delicious food courtesy of the American Legion Auxiliary. She’d sampled nearly everything, her plate piled high with comfort foods that brought back memories of family gatherings. On the other hand, Jeremy had unapologetically gone back for seconds—nearly thirds—before eyeing the dessert table with determination.

She laughed as he stood and took her hand, a playful grin lighting up his face. “Let’s dance,” he said, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “That way, I can work off some calories and not feel guilty when I go for round two of desserts.”

Cora chuckled and let him lead her to the middle of the dance floor. Dancing wasn’t something she typically enjoyed—it always felt awkward, like she didn’t quite know where to place her hands or how to move her feet. But with Jeremy, it was effortless. His arms guided her naturally, his hands strong and steady on her waist as they swayed in time with the music.

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