AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She’d been a loner in college, so focused on her GPA and making it into the DEA that she’d ignored the normal things that college kids did. And since she’d become an agent, she really hadn’t had time for that kind of close relationship.
“Father José has been so happy to see you, mija. And he really likes Cal. I think the Church has it right when it makes you go to counseling before you get married,” her mother said.
Vic lived with a mild sense of guilt because she rarely made it to church nowadays. Either she was out of town or busy on a report or too exhausted to drive across town to attend with her parents. “It’s been good to see him, too, Mom.”
The waitress came, and Vic ordered fajitas, Spanish rice, and refried beans. All the spicy aromas were making her stomach rumble.
“I wondered if you were ever going to get married, Vic,” Maria said.
Vic grinned. “I’d wondered that too. But Cal changed all that. I’ve never met anyone like him.” Warmth swept through her as she remembered those early days when they’d first gotten to know each other. He really was an extraordinary man.
“So are you serious about this guy you’re seeing?” Vic asked.
Maria raised a brow. “Jack? I really like him, sure. And we have a lot in common. He has his MBA, too. But still, a workplace romance can get messy if it goes bad. We don’t work in the same department, but I’m still thinking about whether I want it to go much further.”
Vic took a sip of her margarita. “Exactly. That’s why I didn’t date any of the guys at the DEA.”
Their mother brought her up to speed on all of the extended family news until their food came, and Maria talked about work while they ate. Vic was always so proud that her baby sister was so incredibly smart and accomplished.
When dinner was over, she picked up the tab, despite the protestations of her sister and mother. “Listen, I couldn’t have done this without you two.” She gave them each a hug and a kiss. “Let’s get together more often.”
Her mom patted her cheek. “You and Cal come to Sunday lunch after church.”
Vic smiled. “Thanks, Mom. I’m not promising anything. You know that work takes precedence. But we’ll try.” She walked the two of them to her sister’s car, and they all hugged again before saying goodbye.
As she watched them drive off, she smiled, happier than ever with the day. She was one step closer to marrying the man of her dreams.
***
Eight months later, on a Saturday morning, Vic knelt before Father José, the priest who had been her spiritual leader all her life.
Cal held her hand, his broad-shouldered frame extraordinarily handsome in a black tux. He glanced down at her, and a warm wave of love swept through her.
She squeezed his hand. She’d been looking forward to this, the most important day of her life, for so long.
Her mother had insisted on six bridesmaids and six groomsmen. Maria was maid of honor, and Vic was so happy that her cousins had been able to fill the rest of the slots.
Cal’s brother Todd was best man, and his other brother Chris and Vic’s two brothers were three of the other groomsmen. The final two slots had been filled by some of Cal’s Ranger friends.
She and Cal, who wasn’t Catholic, had finished their counseling a few weeks before the wedding, and Cal had agreed that they would raise their children Catholic. Her parents had been so relieved; having their daughter married in the church was incredibly important to them.
There had been so much going on leading up to this day. Not only the dress shopping, but the wedding showers and the rehearsal dinner. It had all been so much to deal with, but she’d wanted to make her mother happy.
She leaned against Cal as Father Jose continued to talk. Thank goodness the kneeler was cushioned. They were going to be in this position for a while.
In the beginning, she’d stayed away from her parents during the time that she’d been healing from her beating. They worried too much about her already. Once her face was back to normal again, she’d taken Cal over to their house to introduce him. Her father had quizzed him pretty hard at their first meeting, but Cal had taken it in stride and assured her father that he loved Vic with all his heart and that he’d take care of her forever.
Suddenly the priest asked them to stand. Cal helped her to her feet.
Her sister smiled at her, and Vic gave her a tiny wave. Having Maria as her maid of honor made this day extra special. They’d grown apart over the years since Vic had joined the DEA, and planning the wedding had brought them together again.
As the ceremony went on, she let her mind wander over the past eleven months since she’d been rescued. So much had changed in her life. She and Cal had finally completed their move and had finished unpacking a week before the wedding. Knowing that they’d come home from their honeymoon to their very own home was a wonderful feeling.
She’d also been given a promotion and was now a Senior Special Agent, which was the next rung up the DEA ladder. It had been given to her in part as recognition for her bravery under interrogation.
At last, the priest said, “Cal, you may state your vows.”
Cal took her hands in his. “Honey, you’ve been my best friend, my confidante, and at times my greatest challenge.”
