Jordan falls into her embrace. They have become such close friends.
Then we cross the room to sample the creations our caterer has recommended. I spot Alex and Madison. It’s a girl. Poor, stupid Alex is now a father, and payback is a bitch.
I knew all his bad-boy tendencies would come back to bite him in the ass one day. But Madison will balance the scale. Her calm approach to life brings stability to their relationship.
“Sliders: Burger Station? Who does that?” Alex’s grin is warm as he pulls me in. “We’re so happy for you, brother.”
“Or Beef Wellington. Your choice,” I say with a smile.
“And how’s little Miss Gabriella Storm?”
Jordan’s deep amber eyes fill with longing, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m all in. All she has to do is say the word.
“Perfect,” Madison says just as Alex replies, “Teething and cranky.”
I’m amused by the pair as their gaze’s lock, and they both crack a smile.
“Did you dance with our mother yet?” Alex asks as I try to hide the cringe.
Her inability to be present in any real way is a direct result of being the wife of Alexander Kincaid Storm Jr., our Father, and I can’t fault her. But he’s gone now, and it’s time to move on. And I hope she will.
“I think she was looking for you, Alex.”
He slugs me, then consumes a burger.
“Best man comes with certain responsibilities.”
He mutters something with his mouth full that sounds an awful lot like fuck you.
I just grin and move along.
Shit, it’s Jules, the crazy maid of honor, I think to myself.
She proceeds to pull us toward the bar.
“Three shots of tequila.”
“Make that one,” Jordan interrupts.
“Killjoy.”
We watch her lick her salted hand and shoot back the shot, shaking her head in disgust, finally reaching for a lime.
“So,” Jules waves her hand in the direction where Steel and Jordan are dancing. “Is this thing with Steel serious?”
She’s been after the poor guy forever. I would say that she’s not even on his radar.
“Shhh,” she says then. “He’s coming over.”
Jordan shrugs as our gazes meet. She’s telepathically telling me to let it go, which I don’t.
“Yep, it’s serious,” I say, nodding.
“That’s not the vibe I’m getting. It feels… spur-of-the-moment. Or seasonal, like a summer fling. Ever think of that?”
I stare at her in disbelief. Is she for real?
“I’ll take that shot now.”
Then I slowly back away, pulling Jordan with me.
The never predictable Steel Archer presents us with an idea we can’t refuse, inviting the family of his fallen men. There was no hesitation on my part. The answer was clear. Steel had saved Jordan’s life not once, but twice. I’d give him anything he ever wanted.
When the time comes, we take our seats among everyone else, watching as Steel approaches the makeshift pulpit.
“Friends, coworkers, and family, we’ve all come here today to rejoice in the marriage of Benjamin and Jordan Storm, and they have graciously given us this moment to celebrate the lives of our fallen men.”
He has done so much, absorbing the financial costs for each funeral, setting up college trusts for the children, and financial assistance for the wives. And now it’s time he pays his respects.
“It’s never been easy, saying goodbye to a fellow brother at arms, a fellow soldier. Who knows how many lives were spared by these men? Yes, we have lost them, but they gave their life to a cause, protecting the lives of the innocent.”
He quietly clears his throat, swallowing the emotions that threaten to escape.
“We’ll never forget their bravery, strength, and courage. They are the bravest of the brave, and this memorial plaque will hang in honor of each soul lost. Dallas Sanderson, Kenneth Reed, Sean Washington, and Travis Brooks. Today, we honor them, by celebrating their lives. Now please join me in a prayer.”
It feels noble to honor the fallen men who have served him. It represents the pride he holds for each individual man and their families. It’s certainly a unique twist to our wedding, but it’s also the highest form of patriotism. I’m incredibly proud of Steel, and by the looks of it, Jordan’s tears confirm my sentiments.
There are magical moments to last a lifetime, and as the evening’s festivities fly by, I know I have someone who will stand by my side without limits. We’ll let each other grow without limits and love one another without end.
Readers, let me hear from you. Should Steel get his book?
His Happily Ever After?
Midwestern born, Virginia Wine is a longtime lover of romance and well told stories. It was only natural to turn that passion into writing a love story of her own.
Married to a real-life Iron Man with legendary stamina, they have two children who keep them on their toes.
Always up for a challenge, Virginia loves bike riding, kayaking, tennis, and boating. She's a self-proclaimed zip-line junkie and will try any adventure that gets her out of the writing cave and into an adrenaline high.
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Books written by Author Virginia Wine:
Forgotten Series http://geni.us/amznfrgtnsrs
Forgotten Truth
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Forgotten Promise
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Surviving Series http://geni.us/amznsurvs
Surviving Eden
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Surviving the Storm
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Surviving Jordan
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Honoring the Fierce Women in my life.
NIK, a warm thank you to Officer Nick Rizzo, who contributes experiences of her journey through the murky waters of life, at times clear and focused some days dark and cloudy.
Yet, with a firm grip you lead with strength and bravery. You are not afraid of the edges clouded by compassion and understanding, it only inspires the rich layers hidden beneath the surface.
You will stand, you will fight, and you will win because life is not in vain, life is magnified in your presence.
Pride in the value of tradition, family, and loyalty is insurmountable, measured only by how love is returned. I know this, because we are practically sisters.
SAM, a warm beautiful thank you to Samantha Maginn, Artist extraordinaire who contributes her creative gifts and knowledge. A unique, gentle soul, soaring through life leaving whimsical joy in her wake.
Looking at life through a kaleidoscope, seeing colors and magical shapes in every secret corner of life. Your inspired perception of the world we live in, is filled with peace and harmony. Your creative mind has a beauty all its own.
Sacrifices made, in the name of love, freedom and devotion. Loving a soldier who stands on the shoulders of the fallen. Standing side by side with a heart of gold, shouting life has meaning if you search for it. You are who people inspire to be.
Aim high and fulfill your dreams, Goddess Kuan Yin I guiding you.
JEN, a warm beautiful thank you to Jennifer Vonarx for her contribution in the psychiatric field. Your resilience and determination to aim above the stars reaching incredible heights, accomplishing academical goals in your field, a Master in Social Work.
You’re first breath, we were heart to heart, face to face as we stood as one, questioning the universe together. Strong and confident, you challenged me, pushed me down snow topped mountain’s, holding my hand down black run in sight. You wore the armor that Y
lifted me, supported me, guided me through
Whose laughter had the ability to chase the monsters, part the skies above and reach into heaven and touch the hand of God.
You are no ordinary woman. Bound by blood, we are sisters.
And finally, to the readers, exposed, I write. Expressing visible words on the blank sheet of paper. Willing to share, baring my soul for all to judge or be loved. The risk, worth the wager.
The stories will be told, the plots will thicken, the narrative will grow, the scenarios revealed.
Creativity takes courage.
Virginia Wine
Surviving Jordon (Surviving Series Book 3) Page 23