Page 30 of A SEAL’s Vigilant Heart

“Thank fuck. So the wedding’s still on?” he asked.

“Please tell me you didn’t just assume we weren’t getting married because of a fight.”

“I immediately clarified, I get points for that, don’t I?”

“Yes, Mason, you get points for that.” She sighed.

***

Thank God for Linnie Gault. Sophia looked around the hotel suite, and it could easily have been pandemonium. Instead, her soon-to-be mother-in-law had everything running smoothly. All of the bridesmaids were dressed, and Ashley was supervising the two women who were doing their hair and make-up. Sophia had protested at the expense, but Ashley had insisted this was her wedding present.

Every one of the women looked like a model. They were getting pictures of one another. All but Sophia. She was still in a robe. Linnie had insisted she be the last one dressed. She was confused because her dress was the most complicated to put on, but she trusted the woman. She definitely had been right about everything else.

“Are you doing all right?” Frannie asked.

“I’m perfect. I couldn’t be happier.” Frannie grinned.

“I never understood women being nervous on their wedding day. I was so excited to marry my Tony. I figured it would be the same for you. Today is going to be perfect.”

Sophia smiled. It would have been perfect if her mom could have been there, but she remembered what she said in the letter, and she tried to keep that in her heart.

“Sophia, I have your something new for you.” Lydia handed her a box. She let out a loud laugh. Inside was a garter that said ‘Hooyah.'

“Oh my God! This is wonderful. I love it.”

“Not as much as Mason will,” Beth said.

“Here’s your blue.” Margie gave the hairstylist blue pearl pins that she placed in her hair.

“Can I give you the something borrowed?” Rebecca asked shyly.

“I would be honored.”

Rebecca took off her charm bracelet and put it on Sophia’s wrist. “Billy gave this to me. The apple is because I taught him algebra.”

Sophia hugged the young girl.

“Thank you.”

“Now she needs something old,” Margie said.

“Yes, she does.” Linnie looked around the room. “You’ll have to go into the sitting room for a bit. Sophia needs some privacy.”

“I do?”

“You do, sweetheart.”

Everyone filed out of the room. Linnie was last. She gave Sophia a warm hug. “I’ll be back to help you into your gown as soon as you’re done.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will.”

The door closed. Sophia went over to the window. She could see the gazebo where they were going to say their vows. She still teared up at the thought of Tony DeLuca giving her away. He had asked for the honor after Frannie had told him Sophia wouldn’t be inviting her father to the wedding.

The air shifted and she knew Mason was behind her.

She turned and gasped. He was resplendent in his dress whites.