Page 76 of Faking it with the Green Beret

“We did them before the wedding. They weren’t totally traditional about not seeing each other before the ceremony.”

He escorted her to the tent for cocktail hour where the studio had even more cameras. He recognized contestants congregated in groups around tall tables. Some women greeted him. Others positioned themselves near the cameras.

John directed Elizabeth to Nate and Cecilia, who circulated and greeted guests.

“Congratulations. Everything was beautiful,” Elizabeth said.

Cecilia leaned in closer, and her voice dropped to a conspiratorial level. “It’s actually a little over the top. Maybe a lot.” She rolled her eyes. “The studio wanted to make a big show. Fortunately, the Biltmore Estate wasn’t available, nor was some castle, so we compromised.”

“Kind of.” Nate chuckled. “You’ll see later. We’re glad you both could come.”

John picked out Shelby and her posse and steered Elizabeth to a table on the far side of the tent with several of the otherSay Yes to the Rosecontestants. “Good to see you ladies again. Can we join you?”

“Of course,” the group welcomed them.

“This is Elizabeth.” He kept it simple with a touch to her lower back and aimed an adoring smile at her to make it look real, not that he had to fake it. “And let’s see if I get this right. You’re Lauren.” She nodded, and he gave her a side hug, careful not to crush the woman half his size. “Diana, and Imani.” They were easy to remember too since he’d had them in the top three with Cecilia. “And . . . I’m sorry, I . . .”

“Beth. We didn’t meet since I wasn’t there long, but I did connect with Cecilia.”

“And this is Trent.” Wearing a bashful smile, Imani introduced the man next to her.

“How long have you been back from your deployment?” Lauren asked.

“Around a month. Nate mentioned you’re starting grad school.”

“Yes! I’ll be studying Clinical Psychology at UNC.”

“You two should talk. Elizabeth is a counselor in Fayetteville.”

“We definitely should,” Lauren said.

“What are you drinking?” John asked. All the women had what looked like the same drinks in martini glasses.

“I think the bartender called it a Flirtini. It’s got pineapple juice and whatever else goes in a martini.” Diana took a sip.

“Want me to get you one or would you like a glass of wine?” John asked Elizabeth.

“I’ll try the Flirtini.”

She and Lauren were talking about psychology when John returned with their drinks. He caught the eye of a server circulating with trays of hors d’oeuvres.

His stomach growled, but he waited for the women to each help themselves.

“These avocado egg rolls are amazing.” Lauren popped the remaining half of the pastry in her mouth.

“Go ahead.” Elizabeth offered him the last one.

“We’ll split it.” He couldn’t resist holding it near her mouth, challenging and tempting her until she caved and took a small bite.

“You two are adorable together,” Lauren said.

“Thanks. I think so,” John said, while Elizabeth choked. “Is it too spicy, sweetheart?”

“Just went down the wrong way.” She gave him that narrow-eyed, teacher-reprimand look that only made him smile bigger.

“Here comes Reginald,” Imani warned out of the side of her mouth.

“Who’s that?” John scanned the crowd for a threat.

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