Page 121 of Lucky Charm
“Oh, yes. Yes. But shoes.”
“Got ballet shoes, jewelry and undergarments to match.”
“I owe you.”
“No, Hunt paid.” Jackie held up a hand before she could lodge a protest. “He wanted to, and I let him.”
“He’s already done so much.” Cait signaled her over so she could finger the fabric.
“You need to stop keeping track. He wanted to, and you’re going to be husband and wife. Don’t keep that ledger.”
“Will it fit?”
“You and I are close. I had the lady fit it to me. It didn’t need much. It should look wonderful on you.”
“Then we should get busy, right?”
“Yes. We have an hour to dress and finish our hair before we have to go downstairs. I got a stretch of old, antique lace from the shop to sling your arm, too.”
“You thought of everything.” Cait eyed Jackie’s dress hanging over the bathroom door. “The lavender lace on yours matches this.”
“Yes, it does, and that’s what bridesmaids are for.”
The nurse came with a wheelchair fifty-two minutes later. Thankfully, her IVs and other medical support had been disconnected yesterday. They were preparing for her to fly back to the States. Jackie finished the tie on her lace sling. “Did you get Hunt’s gift?”
“Yes. Still don’t understand the significance of that, but I’ll let you not share that.”
Cait smiled, but firmly kept her mouth shut.
Jackie bounced, excited. “We’ve got something borrowed, my bracelet and something blue, your sapphire earrings. Something new is the dress. Something old is the lace in your sling. We’re ready. Let’s go.”
“Yes, let’s. I gotta get this thing done before I need another nap.”
Jackie took her hand and walked beside the wheelchair, letting the nurse push. The winding journey to the chapel tested her calm and the nauseous state of her stomach. Was it all nerves or was she relapsing?
“Keep it together. In twenty minutes, you’ll be Mrs. Hunter. You are using his name, right?”
“Yes.” She had been a Michaels for a long time and, while she loved and respected her father, he’d left her rudderless with no family. Death did that. She’d at least had him for fourteen years. Hunt hadtwo horrible parents who she was determined he would forget, and she’d do that by making a family with him and his name.
The nurse stopped in front of the chapel, then said goodbye, and went to the elevator. They met two other people at the chapel doors. The man in the Army dress uniform with dozens of medals she’d met before. Reynolds. That was his name. The woman Cait didn’t recognize. She wore a soft gray dress that accentuated her curves and her blonde hair but had no frills, yet stunning all the same.
“Captain Michaels, do you remember me? My name is Major Mackey Reynolds.”
“I remember. Nice to see you again.” He must have heard the “why are you here” question in her voice.
“I’m a friend of Quaid’s. He thought you might need some assistance down the aisle, and I’m here to offer mine. I have five sisters and have done the wedding aisle moment with two of them. It would be my honor to help you, too.”
Cait looked at Jackie. She leaned in and kissed Cait’s cheek. “Up to you. I’m happy to make a grand entrance before you.”
“I haven’t been on my feet that much since the hip was fixed. I might collapse.”
The major nodded. “I would catch you before that happened, Captain.”
“Cait. Can’t have that formality at my own wedding. I think I should stick to the chair. I want to be able to stand to say my vows. I’d like you topush me to the front, though, if you wouldn’t mind.” She looked to the woman.
“Elizabeth Stephenson Greer. Quaid’s aunt. I hope everything is to your liking.” She reached to the table behind her for a bouquet of flowers – deep red roses and white poinsettias.
Cait gasped. “These are beautiful. Thank you so much.”
