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“Yes,” Rose said, rubbing her almost-ready-to-pop belly, her face soft with tenderness, her eyes dancing with humor. “Iceman and I are expecting our first children.”
“Ah, yes, intercourse is an integral part of human interaction, to perpetuate the species.”
“But you’re missing the best part. It’s so much fun,” Luna said, waggling her brows.
“Is that a reference to the highly anticipated wedding night?” Ailee asked.
All three of them burst into laughter. “Most definitely,” Celeste said. “I’m very much looking forward to the wedding night and the honeymoon.”
Luna looked at her watch. “Ooh, it’s time to get dressed.” The door opened and Mrs. Diana Booth came into the room. Hazard’s gorgeous mother had been a model in her youth and still dabbled here and there when she was requested for shows, but her day job was taken up as a wedding planner.
“Oh, Celeste. You look stunning. You’re going to knock Remmy’s socks off when he sees you in that dress.”
“It is exquisite and a black and white wedding was such a great idea, Mrs. Booth. Rose and Luna will look great in black and the flowers you chose are exquisite. I love white roses and have totally fallen for the chocolate cosmos. You even found a great place for Gertrude.” That house plant was near and dear to her heart, especially after Remmy had helped her to repot the plant when they were in Cheltenham, England, working on trying to stop the NSH attacks there.
“It’s Diana, Celeste,” Mrs. Booth said, and Celeste blushed.
“Right, Diana.”
Diana walked over to the white, satin mid-length dress and carefully removed it from the hanger. The back had to be unlaced and unzipped. Luna helped her into the petticoat, then Mrs. Boo—Diana came over with the dress. Celeste stepped into the white concoction, and like her mom and dad, was unable to believe this day had finally come for her. She despaired of ever finding a man who could understand her quirks. But GQ had understood her, and he had brought her out of her shell in such a natural, unobtrusive way. With his kindness.
Diana helped her into the sleeveless, off-the-shoulder top, Rose holding it in place while Luna zipped and laced her into the boned corset, snugging it tight to her upper body. It fit like a glove.
Then Diana gathered Celeste’s hair into a low, loose bun, pinning it tightly and carefully so as not to lose the elegance. She set the jeweled dragon pins into it, showing Celeste the breathtaking results when she turned to look in the mirror.
Then there was a whirlwind of activity as they got her into the limo seated next to her father, who murmured how beautiful she looked and kissed her on the cheek. She gripped his hand all the way over to the venue. She followed Diana down the brick path in her strappy black sandals, detailed with glittering crystals and topped by an asymmetric bow. Her bridesmaids walked behind her, Rose and Luna in the same sandal version, only in white.
As she came around the low retaining wall, she saw the guests and heard the enchanting trickle of the fountain. Then she saw Remmy. He was standing next to the chaplain, the officiant dressed in a black suit and tie with Kodiak standing next to him, Kodiak’s girlfriend, Kaiya, in the front row looking beautiful. Even his best friend’s hulking frame couldn’t detract from her drop-dead gorgeous fiancé. So many emotions cartwheeled through her that she couldn’t tell one from the other.
He went absolutely still when he saw her, a stunned expression on his face and dazed look in his eyes as they traveled over her. He stood there staring at her. Then he clenched his jaw and bent his head, gouging his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, his face twisting with emotion. She wanted to fly to him and take him in her arms and hold him close, but there would be a time for that. Now, they were going to go through their marriageritual. Proclaiming their love for one another in front of their family and friends.
Ailee had been passed onto her mom, who was being ushered up the aisle on Iceman’s arm between the chairs. Her mom was going to hold the phone pointed toward Celeste and Remmy so Ailee could watch them tie the knot. Iceman came back and joined Rose. Luna had already taken her husband’s arm.
When GQ regained his composure, he grinned at her, and for one electric moment their eyes held. In that instant, Celeste felt his overpowering love as if he’d beamed it from his heart into hers, and that feeling of closeness grew and grew into a harmony that she’d only ever experienced with Remmy. The effect on her was devastating, and tears blinded her.
Diana signaled to the person handling the music and Sara Bareilles’s “I Choose You” started to play.
Preacher and Luna moved up the aisle and split onto either side, then Rose and Iceman. She gripped her father’s arm as they started to move, each step bringing her to the rest of her life.
Up close, Remmy looked even more handsome in his dress whites, white jacket, black bow tie, and black pants. For just a moment, she focused on the rack of medals on his chest and thought about how he’d risk his life to save hers and so many others. Her father kissed her on the cheek, and she went to stand across from him.
“You look stunning,” he said.
“You look so handsome,” she murmured.
The ceremony proceeded to its conclusion as they exchanged rings. Celeste gasped when he slid on the gold band, and she reciprocated with his band. They laced their fingers and held tight until the chaplain declared them married.
GQ leaned in and kissed her, sealing her vow to the only man she’d ever loved.
Loud cheers surrounded them as she drew back and recognized that mischievous gleam in his green eyes.
The rest of his team, Iceman, Preacher, Kodiak, Hazard, Skull, Boomer, and Breakneck along with Reck’d, formed the Sword Arch, four men on either side of them. She and GQ started toward the reception area but were barred by Iceman and Breakneck’s crossed swords. She laughed softly as she turned to kiss Remmy as was tradition, showing how the team would protect them as a married couple. Then, the swords were withdrawn. As she passed Iceman, he brought his sword down and slapped her on the butt. It was official. She was one of them.
* * *
At the reception,dancing in full swing, Hazard stood watching Celeste and GQ swirl around the floor and found he was a bit envious. It was difficult to find a woman who didn’t care one whit about what GQ looked like, a woman of substance who had the courage and commitment to pledge herself to a SEAL.
His mom sidled up to him, and he gave her a sidelong glance. “Don’t start.”
