Shadow Guardian
Page 26
“You’re marrying Mercy in twenty minutes.”
Shock rolled through Nico. “Are you serious?”
A nod. “Your bride planned everything while you and your team were gone. Mercy said she didn’t want to wait any longer to be your wife. Get dressed, Patch. Your family is waiting to greet you.” He smiled. “Fortress flew them in on one of the jets.”
Pulse jumping, Nico stepped inside the bathroom and closed the door. When he came out five minutes later, his father was waiting for him. “Dad.” He dragged his father into a bear hug. “It’s great to see you.”
“Glad you’re home in one piece. You have a special woman in your life, son. You’re a lucky man.”
“She’s amazing.” How had she pulled this off in only a month?
“Come into the sanctuary. Your mother wants to see you before the ceremony begins.”
He spent the next few minutes talking to his family before he turned to Mercy’s father and brothers. “I’m glad you came. Mercy certainly surprised me.”
Pat Garwood grinned. “She’s been like a kid in a candy store for weeks.” His smile faded. “Did you take care of business?” he murmured, his gaze locked on Nico’s.
“Yes, sir. Mercy’s safe.”
A nod. “Good.” He looked over Nico’s shoulder. “Looks like you’re needed.”
Nico turned. His lips curved. “Marcus.” He shook his friend’s hand. “Are you here as a guest?”
“I have the privilege of performing the ceremony.”
Nico turned and greeted Marcus’s wife with a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for coming, Paige.”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I’m happy for you, Nico.”
“Thank you.”
Marcus squeezed his shoulder. “Let’s go. Mercy should be ready now.” He led the way to the stage.
“I don’t suppose it matters, but I don’t have rings for us.”
“Mercy took care of it. If you don’t like what she chose, you can turn it in for something else. Zane pulled some strings with a jeweler in town.”
Incredible. He pivoted to face the double doors at the back of the church, anxious to see his soon-to-be wife. As if on cue, the doors opened, and there she was.
Mercy walked into the sanctuary on her father’s arm, a smile on her beautiful face. And her dress? She looked absolutely stunning. The long white dress sparkled as she walked toward him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Nico didn’t know how he’d been so blessed to have her in his life, but he was grateful.
Ten minutes later, Mercedes Powers became Mercedes Rivera.
“Nico, you may kiss your bride,” Marcus said.
Didn’t have to tell him twice. Nico wrapped his arms around the woman of his dreams and took his time kissing her. When he finally lifted his head, the audience of friends, family, and his teammates broke into applause.
He smiled. “Do you have the honeymoon planned as well?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. We’re flying to Orange Beach on a Fortress jet tonight. Your teammates will join us in two weeks.”
“I love you, Mrs. Rivera. I’m going to spend the rest of our lives showing you just how much you mean to me.” She would never have to question his love for her. Mercy Rivera owned his heart and he intended to cherish her as long as they lived.
About the Author
Rebecca Deel is a preacher’s kid with a black belt in karate. She teaches business classes at a private four-year college outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She plays piano at church, writes freelance articles, and runs interference for the family dogs. She’s been married to her amazing husband for more than 25 years and is the proud mom of two grown sons. She occasionally delivers devotions to the women’s group at her church and conducts seminars in personal safety, money management, and writing. Her articles have been published in ONE Magazine, Contact, and Co-Laborer, and she was profiled in the June 2010 Williamson edition of Nashville Christian Family magazine. Rebecca completed her Doctor of Arts degree in Economics and wears her favorite Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt when life turns ugly.
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