Page 28 of A Soldier's Secret Romance

“Seriously, Ryan made it very clear when he left here that he didn’t want a relationship,” he says solemnly.” How did you meet?” Everyone looks at me curiously.

“We were pen pals for months before he came to visit me,” I say.

“He came to the States?” Where?”

“I live in Maine,” I say

“Wow.”

“Ellie, you can use the bedroom upstairs to the right to get ready. It’s Ryan’s room,” Mrs. Finnegan interrupts to change the subject.

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” I say, picking up my bags and going upstairs, finding Ryan’s room. When I walk in, I take a moment to take in everything before I put my garment bag on the bed, drop the other to the floor, and sit down on the bed.

Looking around, I can see Ryan everywhere here. I look at the time and realize I need to get dressed. I pull out a light pink dress with different colored jewels sewn in along the top. I heat the curling iron, so I can put some curls into my hair. I quickly do my makeup, curl my hair, before putting my dress on, then adding pink lipstick to my lips. I add earrings, slide into my light pink heels, and head downstairs.

“Oh, you look so beautiful, dear,” Mrs. Finnegan says.

“Thank you, and you look beautiful as well,” I tell her, making her smile.

“Oh dear, you are so sweet. Come on, it’s time to head to the church, you can ride with us.”

“Thank you.”

We arrive at the church and find our seats before the doors open for the bride. The ceremony itself is beautiful, but I find myself staring at Megan. I can see the love she and Jeremy have for each other, but I also know how much it hurt Ryan to be betrayed, so my feelings are conflicted about this union.

On one hand, if he had married her, I would not be here, and I would have never met him. On the other hand, I never want to see him hurt.

We all stand and clap as the new couple makes their way down the aisle. I look over and see Mrs. Finnegan wiping the tears from her eyes.

“It was a beautiful wedding,” I tell her.

“Yes, it was. I only wish Ryan could have made it.”

“Me too,” I say with a sigh, my heart feeling empty.

“I’m just so glad you are here. Come, let’s head to the reception.”

I nod in agreement.

We head to the event center where the reception will be taking place. Walking in, I’m stunned and speechless by the beauty of the room. There are flower arrangements on each of the tables with lavender tablecloths, and white lights strung up so elegantly.

I find my seat just as the DJ announces the newly married couple, and they walk into the room. The couple goes straight to the dance floor for the first dance while everyone watches on. I sit looking on with an ache in my heart, wishing Ryan was here with me. At this moment, I realize how much I have fallen for him.

The servers are placing the food on the tables in front of the guests, as the couple finishes their dance, and heads to their table. When everyone finishes eating, the toasts begin, the cake is cut, then it’s time for the father-daughter dance. I decide to make my way to the restroom, as everyone makes their way to the dance floor.

When I make my way back to the room, my heart skips a beat, I see Ryan standing by the door waiting for me. He looks so handsome in his tux.

“Ryan?”

“Hey, baby. I’m sorry I’m late, you know how flights can be delayed,” he tells me as he opens his arms for me, and I rush into them. I look up into his eyes and see the injuries on his face.

“Are you ok?” I ask, touching his bruises lightly.

“Yeah, baby. I’m fine. I told you I would move Hell and earth to be here.”

I continue looking at him, touching him to make sure he’s okay.

“Babe, this is me. This is who I am. Injuries are going to happen. I need to know; do you still want me?”

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