Page 130 of Luck Be Mine
“I was there when he bought those earrings for you.” Jackie leaned to give her a hug. “He was and still is besotted. I’m so jealous.”
Cait smiled but didn’t reply. Jackie had her own man problem she’d have to solve herself. Bets handed her the white flats they found. No heels for her.
Bets recited the tradition. “Something new is dress and shoes. Old is earrings. Borrowed is?”
“Oh.” Jackie rushed to her bag. Her ice blue bridesmaid’s dress design was a copy of Cait’s. “I brought my grandma’s silverbracelets. There’s two she always wore together. I hoped you could wear one, and I’ll wear one.”
Cait’s eyes misted. Jackie had been close to her grandmother. “I’d like that.”
Adele sniffed. “What a wonderful idea. You girls do your families proud.”
Bets fanned her eyes. “Stop it, everybody. My makeup is done.” She wore an olive sheath with a leaf pattern embroidered in the fabric and killer black heels. “We need to get upstairs. What’s blue?”
Cait hesitated, blushing. “My blue lace undergarments.”
All three women grinned.
“Stop. Don’t say it.”
“What?” Bets scolded. “It’s perfect.”
“Thank you. Can we go?” She rubbed her hands together, her ring finger feeling off without the weight.
“Going to change your mind?” Bets giggled. She had a way of bleeding off the tension.
Jackie took her head. “No, she’s not backing out. We’re ready. Let’s go seize the sunset.”
“Indeed.” Adele stood.
The big debate had been between climbing or riding. Elevator won over the stairs. Bets went up with a couple of late-arriving guests and brought it back to her floor. The dayroom was clear. It was as if the whole building held its breath.
Riding up, she stayed quiet. She’d known from the first touch he was her destiny. Might be overly sentimental, but the truth, nonetheless. She loved the crazy man whether stitching his ass or fighting with him in the ocean.
Whatever happened would be a sweet memory.
One she could remember this time and keep.
When the door opened, a somber Mackey waited. He gazed at her from head to toe, then leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Youlook stunning. The man is lucky. Shall we do this without the wheelchair this time?”
Cait’s smile turned tearful. “Let’s do.”
Mackey offered her his arm, and she took it. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Chosen sister, it’s my pleasure always.” He handed her one white rose.
The doors to the rooftop had been opened, letting breeze and light enhance the space. The last ray of sun filtered through the high windows, turning the concrete floor into a watercolor wash of amber and rose. Candles flickered in hurricane glasses along the aisle with white rose petals scattered in their wake. Low vases of winter green and glass bowls of glowing blue ornaments decorated the tables.
The guests rose in a beautiful patchwork of formal attire that flashed with color.
Remy appeared to walk Adele down the aisle to a place of honor in the front row.
Jackie started her walk up the aisle to meet Quaid, a white lily in her hand. At her request, Bets stayed at the back of the church to splay out her dress, sit near Elizabeth, and help her with any problems.
Calum Scott’s “You Are the Reason”filled the room in a quiet, romantic rhythm. Mackey waited until the opening lyrics to step out. Joy surged through her and she smiled. She’d chosen the song because its words echoed their journey – from the Afghanistan mountains to the San Diego shores. And now, they stood together.
A sea of warm smiles and soft murmurs followed her along the aisle. Every face here was proof of the life they’d made together. She smiled at everyone she could. Every seat was full and then some. So many friends here to not only stand withthem, butforthem, too. Composure shaky, she dared to look at Hunt.
Her breath flew away. He wore his whites. She’d never seen him in his white dress uniform. They weren’t the blues he’d worn to bury Baxter, but the color of ceremony, of honor, of hope.
