“And for the maid of honor dress, a deep red—not any orange tones for Angie with her olive skin. I’m doing all white flowers—hydrangeas, orchids, roses. I want Angie to be the holiday color.”
Angie, seated in a blue velvet chair, sipped champagne and didn’t say a word. Maddy stuck to drinking water, since she wanted to remember every moment of this day and the design of her dream wedding gown. She didn’t imagine she’d be coming back for more gowns in the future. Designer gowns were definitely not in her pay grade.
She and Hunter had agreed that it would offend Dr. Walters and her mother to try to reimburse them for their gift. Instead, they’d decided they would make a donation to Teen Feed in honor of Dr. Walters’s sister, Cassie. They also hadn’t told Angie, but they planned to pay for her dress.
Julie, standing next to James, carefully studied both women. It was difficult not to flinch under her close inspection.
“Angie, what do you think?” Maddy asked.
“I’m fashion challenged so I have no idea, but I think you looking like a fairy queen is perfect.”
Maddy tried to imagine Hunter’s response to seeing her in in a flowing white wedding gown. He repeatedly reassured her that she was beautiful to him no matter what she wore.
“What do you want to wear, Angie?”
“You’re the bride. What I’m wearing is not important.”
“But are you okay with wearing red? Because you can pick any color you want.”
“James already informed me that red is my color. He wants me in red high heels to show off my fabulous legs. How can I argue with the man? I’ve always wanted red high heels. And I’ve never had a red dress, so this will be fun.”
James ran his hand over his impeccably styled hair as he spoke to Julie. “My only indecision is what to do with Maddy’s hair and whether to do a veil or hat. Of course, it will depend on the dress.”
“Only one indecision?” Julie’s lips curved slightly. Maddy wasn’t sure if she was teasing. “Neither. Her stunning blue eyes should be the focal point. Besides, Maddy doesn’t strike me as a veil person.” If Maddy hadn’t been trained in reading people’s body language, she would have missed the way the designer’s shoulders straightened as her tone got more precise. Julie didn’t force her opinions. She was too skilled to offend her clients, but, like James, she also had definite views.
“I have the perfect dress for Maddy. I had planned to put the gown in the window for my holiday window display.”
Maddy had been stunned by the beautiful window display. It was like something out of Vogue, the white gowns in the window glistening and glimmering like the backdrop of snow and silver lights.
“Julie’s window is my favorite in the entire downtown area. It’s also a prime marketing space,” James added.
Maddy’s heart thundered in anticipation.
Julie walked toward the back of the shop. Her assistant, who had been hovering in the background, followed Julie into the back room.
James raised his dark eyebrows. “Julie loves lace and silks, but I’m thinking more organza for the skirt to make it the best for twirling and swirling.”
Maddy held her breath. She didn’t know squat about the difference between silks and organza.
Angie squeezed her hand. “I can’t believe you’re going to be a bride. And to my brother. Life has the craziest twists.”
“Nothing is going to change our friendship. You know that, right?”
“I know. Now you are officially my sister.”
Maddy squeezed Angie’s hand back. “You’ve always been my family, but now I get both you and Hunter.”
James coughed dramatically. “Did I hear the mention of family?”
Maddy had been waiting for the perfect moment. She stepped toward James. “You and Dr. Walters are family, too. Hunter and I will never be able to repay you for the kindness.”
“Nothing to repay. I love weddings.” He paused. “Well, you could introduce me to one of Hunter’s friends.”
Maddy grabbed James’s arm. “I can do that. But I have one more favor to ask.”
James dragged out the words. “One more?”
“Since Aunt Aideen plans to have an aisle in her living room, would you be willing to give me away?”
The shock on James’s face was priceless. It had never occurred to Maddy that she might surprise the sophisticated man. He took out a pristine handkerchief and patted his tearing eyes. His voice was strained, and he swallowed with effort. “I’d be honored to give you away, but you know we’re never giving you away.” And then he pulled Maddy into his arms and hugged her tightly.
After she had ran from her foster family eight years ago, she had believed she would never find the feeling of family again. But her wandering had brought her around to the truth. Family was made from the heart. And though her parents were gone, she was building a new family.
The wedding would be perfect, not because of the perfect dress or flowers, but because of the love that surrounded her.
And at that precise moment, Julie carried out the perfect dress for Maddy. A frothy cloud of ivory lace and silk.
James beamed at Julie and then turned to Maddy. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful.”
And now it was her turn to cry. She rubbed her eyes, trying to hide her tears. Marines didn’t cry.
“The simple lace sweetheart bodice will enhance your curves, but the textured, layered organza of the skirt is perfect for swirling.” And then the quiet, understated woman’s mouth curved into a smile that reached to her eyes. Julie must have a need to be a fairy godmother, since her fanciful designs created princesses.
“The neckline will work wonderfully with the pearl necklace and drop earrings that Aunt Aideen is lending Maddy for ‘something borrowed,’” James added.
Maddy touched the fabric reverently. She had never imagined anything more beautiful or wonderful.
“Maddy shouldn’t wear anything in her hair. Pearls will be the perfect complement to the dress. The sheen of the pearls against her dewy skin will balance the whimsy of the skirt,” Julie said.
Angie moved next to Maddy. “You’re going to look beautiful. And I can’t wait to see Hunter’s face when he sees you in this dress. The tough woman who can decimate an enemy—all girly.”
James looked at Angie. “Maddy isn’t going to be the only one who will look gorgeous. A short, red sheath hugging your drop-dead body? You’ll be devastating, Angie! But, Julie, I’m not sure about Angie’s hair. What do you think up or down?”
Maddy was surprised at how often James, brimming with self-confidence, deferred to Julie.
Maddy was glad that he and Julie were both brilliant in design and fashion since she had no skill in that area. She gave the same kind of focus to her training and missions. When it came to things like which flowers would wilt or which whites looked good in candlelight, she deferred to the experts.
Julie stepped back and stared at Angie as if she were a painting in the art museum. “Her hair should be pulled back in a chignon to showcase her cheekbones. I have the perfect dangling earrings for her. With her natural beauty and height, I’d like her to have straight but elegant lines as a contrast to Maddy’s soft, romantic look.”
Angie’s face was turning a bright shade of red. “The wedding isn’t about me. It’s Maddy’s day.”
James put his arm around Angie. They were almost the same height. “Maddy is the bride, but there isn’t any reason for you not to have girlfriend fun. Besides, Hunter told me he has invited a lot of his Marine buddies. Which is why you and I both have to look scrumptious.”
Angie snickered. “I’ve had enough of Marines. They’re all yours, James.”
“You’ve had your fill of Marines? Interesting!”
Angie punched James in the arm.
James rubbed the spot. “That hurt.”
Angie laughed. “No whining from you. I know you work out every day.”
“Margot, take Maddy into the fitting room
while I help Angie and James.”
Maddy followed the tall blonde, who was also wearing the simple but elegant Julie look. The day couldn’t get any better.
Chapter Four
Hunter, the Colonel, and Drew stood in Aunt Aideen’s library waiting to be called for the ceremony. Through the pane-glass windows he could see could see falling snow beginning to blanket the Queen Anne neighborhood. Maddy must be ecstatic that her wish for a snowy Christmas Eve wedding had come true.
“Sir, it means a great deal to Maddy and me that you were willing to come on Christmas Eve to perform this service,” Hunter said.
“I’ve got a special spot for Maddy. She is the daughter we never had. My wife would’ve loved to have had a daughter. Three sons, three Marines.”
“I hope you won’t have any trouble getting to the airport, sir.”
“I’m sorry I can’t stay for the celebration. But I know how Seattle closes down when it snows.”
Hunter tried to keep the conversation going with the Colonel, but all he could think about was Maddy. Was she excited, nervous? He had so much wanted to share Maddy’s day. She told him about her conversation with Dr. Walters, and how she had realized how much she would miss her parents on her wedding day.
He didn’t want her to feel alone. It had been only twenty-four hours since he kissed her goodnight before she spent her last night as a single woman with Angie. After today, he would never spend another night without her.
He could hear Aunt Aideen’s commanding voice directing the guests to their seats in the living room. James had decorated the entire house with flowers. The chairs lining the living room had white ribbons and bouquets attached to each aisle seat. White candles burned throughout the house, and the flowery fragrances blended with the smell of pine from the giant Christmas tree standing in the front window.
Two bars were set up on each side of the library, where the twenty-five guests would gather after the ceremony. While the guests had drinks and appetizers, the staff would remove the chairs from the living room and set up tables for dinner. Everything had been orchestrated as flawlessly as a well-organized military operation by James and Aunt Aideen.
Hunter checked his watch again. He didn’t want to admit it, but he had the same nervous tension building in his body that he experienced before a dangerous operation, in spite of the fact that this wasn’t an assignment and there was no threat. This was the beginning of his mission to protect and care for Maddy for the rest of his life.
James entered the library in a black tuxedo with a white rose on his lapel. The debonair man looked like he had just stepped out of a James Bond movie. “You’re one lucky man. Maddy is more gorgeous than I’d anticipated. Maddy and Angie are both spectacular women, so I have to admit they made my job easy.”
Hunter had started to resent James and all the time Maddy had spent planning the wedding with him. But seeing how happy she was, he couldn’t really be upset. And it was obvious that James cared for Maddy.
“Is Maddy okay?”
“She’s more than okay. She is radiant and excited and pleased as can be that it snowed.”
It didn’t sound like Maddy was having bridal jitters. He might be more nervous than his bride.
“Colonel, I’ve arranged for a car service to take you to the airport,” James said.
“Thank you. I’m sorry I can’t stay, but I can’t miss Christmas Eve with my grandkids.”
James stiffened and looked at Drew. “May I have a private word with you?”
Drew, in his Special Forces formal dress uniform, was leaning against the wall next to the window. Hunter and the Colonel wore their Marine dress uniforms, as did all his buddies. The only Marines not in uniform were Maddy and Angie.
Drew laughed. “No need. I truly can handle the ring business.”
James’s dark eyes narrowed. “I’m not worried about the ring. It will only take a minute.”
Drew shrugged his shoulders. “Sure.”
James gave a slight bow of his head. “Gentleman, excuse us.” He looked at his watch. “Only seven minutes before you take your places.”
James walked away with Drew following.
Colonel looked at Hunter. “Drew’s in trouble again. And why do I think it’s about a woman?”
Hunter watched the two men standing outside the door talking. James was definitely incensed about something. His face was red, and he was poking his finger into Drew’s chest. Whatever had James hot under the collar, he didn’t care about the consequences of provoking Drew—or he had a death wish.
If Drew had offended one of Maddy’s friends last night at the rehearsal dinner, Hunter was going to kick his ass—after the wedding, of course. Except Drew was a smooth player and wouldn’t push any boundaries that a woman didn’t want pushed.
The ultimate alpha, Drew—who outweighed James by fifty pounds—stepped back and nodded. The Colonel winked at Hunter, amused by Drew’s submissive response.
James looked again at his watch, then stepped back into the library. “Are you ready to take your places? Colonel, you will go out first. Is there anything you need?”
“Nothing. If you or Aunt Aideen want to join the Marines, I’m always in need of good sergeants.”
James rubbed his chin, pretending to contemplate the possibility. “I would get so tired of wearing the same uniform over and over again.” And then the ballsy man winked at the Colonel.
The Colonel responded with a loud guffaw.
James looked directly at Hunter. “Give the Colonel and Aunt Aideen a few minutes, and then come out.” Hunter felt his heart kick against his chest. He was finally going to make Maddy his wife.
The Colonel slapped him on the back. “Never seen that look before, Hunter. Pure terror from the man who was willing to take on the Taliban singlehandedly.” The Colonel rubbed his hands together. “This a great day for my little Maddy. Never officiated a wedding where both the bride and groom were Marines.”
Aunt Aideen, in a billowing emerald green dress, marched into the room. “It’s our time, Colonel. Let me escort you to your spot.”
The Colonel offered Aunt Aideen his arm. “Let me escort you, my lady.”
Aunt Aideen fanned her face. “I always did have a soft spot for a man in uniform.”
Drew waited at the doorway while the Colonel and Aunt Aideen exited. He looked at Hunter. “Are you ready?”
Hunter shook his head. “We’re supposed to give them a few minutes. Just enough time for you to explain what that little side conversation with James was about.”
“Nothing to concern you on your wedding day,” Drew said laconically.
“What did you do to get James riled up?”
“I think the wedding planning has gotten to his nerves.”
Hunter grabbed his arm. “Spill it.”
“It really isn’t anything. Your sister didn’t like me joking with some of the guys about getting hitched.”
“That’s it?”
“She got all fiery about defending you.”
“That doesn’t sound like Angie. She’s really easygoing.”
Drew stopped. “No she’s not. She’s…”
Hunter would have to finish this conversation later. He needn’t worry about his sister, she could take care of herself. Besides, it was time to marry Maddy.
“Let’s go.” Hunter’s heart raced, and his palms were sweaty. He looked straight ahead as he took his spot next to the Colonel in the packed living room. Drew followed and positioned himself next to Hunter.
Everything happened in a blur. The Colonel nodding to him, Angie coming down the aisle, stunning all in red. Hunter didn’t really know much about music, but Angie moved gracefully with the music despite her impressively high heels.
And instead of turning to her place, she walked straight to Hunter and hugged him tightly. She whispered, “I’m so glad you came to Seattle.” Tears were in her eyes as she stared into his. Eyes that looked just like his and his father’s.
&
nbsp; If he hadn’t come to find his missing sister, he’d never have met Maddy. He hugged Angie so tight that he felt her breath tighten. “Me, too.”
Angie stepped into her spot across from him. And they all waited until the church music changed to “Love is All Around.” Everyone in the room stood and faced the foyer.
And then Maddy emerged. She was magnificent in a white fluffy gown, her blond curls bobbing. From across the room, he could see her blue eyes focused on him. His heart swelled with possessiveness and love.
James held her arm as they started toward him. The song matched the feeling in the room. Love was all around because of Maddy. She was love incarnate. Her eyes sparkled like the snowy night. She took her time coming down the aisle, smiling first at her VA group, then at Dr. Walters and her parents, and finally at Aunt Aideen. He understood. Everyone was under her spell. He hadn’t been to many weddings and didn’t know how brides were supposed to act, but Maddy’s genuine joy enveloped everyone.
James had tears in his eyes when he presented her to Hunter. He felt a primitive satisfaction when James placed Maddy’s hand onto Hunter’s. “Take good care of my princess.” James’s voice broke. He turned and sat next to Aunt Aideen in the front row, dabbing at his eyes with a red handkerchief.
Hunter took Maddy’s arm, pulling her next to his side. She never took her eyes away from his face. James was right. Maddy didn’t look like the tough Marine. She was a snow angel or a princess, a feminine love goddess, and now she belonged to him.
He didn’t care that he was supposed to wait to say it. He didn’t care what anyone thought. “I love you, Maddy, now and forever.”
Maddy’s blue eyes softened. “Now and forever, Hunter.”
Epilogue
Drew took his spot next to Hunter in the lavish living room. Trained in subterfuge, he gave no indication that he was he was steaming mad—in fact, seething. Not his usual MO, but since he excelled in clandestine work, he could easily pretend that he was happy to see his friend tie the death knot. He could overlook that his friend had moved on without him and pretend that he didn’t want to take down the suave jerk who had the nerve to reprimand him like he was some sort of primitive Neanderthal.
The Grayce Walters Romantic Suspense Series Page 74