Summer with the Soldier

by Amy Lamont

  I giggled and nuzzled his cheek. “So what’s your idea?”

  “Well, we’re here. We don’t have to leave for a couple of days. Why don’t we wait until tomorrow to get married? We can do a little shopping for rings and whatnot, take our time looking at chapels.”

  My heart leapt. I loved the idea of taking a little time to plan. I might not end up having a traditional wedding, but we didn’t have to do a rush, drive-thru job either. I could find a dress and flowers.

  “I love that idea,” I said breathlessly.

  Logan’s hands slid down my shoulders, taking the straps of my dress with them. “And if we’re going to wait until tomorrow, than we have a little time now to revisit that thought you had.”

  “Really? You don’t think we should hold off until after we’re man and wife? It is tradition.”

  Logan froze and took a step back, using his hold on my shoulders to turn me to face him. “Do you want to wait, baby? We can do that if you want.”

  His face was so earnest, his words so at odds with what the hard length of his body was telling me, I couldn’t resist teasing him.

  I tapped a finger on my chin. “Well, we could wait until after we’re married and just chill out tonight...”

  The disappointment that flashed across Logan’s face was there and gone so fast, I would have missed it if I hadn’t been watching him so closely. I pushed down my urge to giggle.

  “But it seems like a real shame not to give this bed a try.” I let myself fall backward onto the mattress, my skirt billowing out around me. I braced my hands behind me and gave him my best come hither look. “Don’t you think it would be a shame?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Logan nodded. “A crying shame.”

  And without another word he was on me, carrying me backwards into the mattress as I finally allowed my happy giggles to break free.

  I woke up alone. I stayed under the thick comforter, hiding from the refrigerator the air conditioning had turned the hotel room into. Without opening my eyes, I ran my hand over the sheet next to me.

  Cold. Though it was hard to tell if it was cold because Logan's body heat left it a while ago or because it froze instantly when the covers were turned back.

  I grumbled about brides and wedding mornings and threw in a few swear words with demands of caffeine, but I did manage to pry my eyes open. A quick glance around the room told me Logan had vacated more than the bed.

  Grumbling more, I sat up. I pushed my tousled hair off my face and squinted at the digital clock on the nightstand.

  I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. Logan must love me. After years of military training, his internal clock had him hopping out of bed no later than six every morning. But he’d lingered over making love to me last night. Between getting used to the time difference and late night sex, my internal clock would rather I slept right through today.

  And apparently my husband-to-be was in agreement.

  I listened, but I didn’t hear any sounds from the bathroom. Just as I was contemplating exactly how much energy I’d have to exert to get out of bed and go explore the bathroom, my phone chimed with a text.

  Good morning, Sweet Pea. I hope you’re awake. We have a big day ahead of us!

  I grinned and did a little dance right in my spot. Elvis be damned. I was going to be Mrs. Logan Murphy by the end of the day.

  Morning! I’m up, but I’m a bit of a grouchypants at not having my groom here to help me get the day off to a good start, I texted back.

  Sorry I left so early, but I had a few things to take care of. I do have a little surprise for you, though, so you might want to get yourself decent. If I’m not mistaken, you should have someone arriving at the room soon.

  I wrinkled my nose at my phone. What was he up to?

  As if in answer to my question, a knock came at the door. I scrambled out from under the sheets and snatched one of the fluffy, white hotel robes from where Logan must have left it at the end of the bed.

  I opened the door to find a waiter with a table.

  “Good morning, Miss Roberts.” He breezed by me, pushing the table in and setting it up by the chair near the window. “Captain Murphy already took care of the bill. Is there anything else I can get for you?”

  In a daze, I shook my head. “No, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He smiled and pulled an envelope from inside his black vest. “Captain Murphy asked me to deliver this along with your breakfast.”

  He headed out the door while I wandered over to the table, envelope in hand.

  I smiled when I realized the table held all my favorites—a large pot of dark roast coffee, Belgian waffles, bacon and some kind of crumbly, cinnamon-y muffins that made me debate long and hard over whether to start with those or coffee.

  As usual, caffeine won. I poured myself a steaming cup from the carafe and eyeballed the envelope. My name was written on the front in Logan’s firm, even print.

  Funny how I recognized his handwriting. So much about our relationship was brand spanking new, but these small things gave me the feeling of comfort and safety you got only from a long relationship.

  I took my time doctoring my waffles with butter and syrup, munching on some bacon and pinching a few pieces off a muffin at the same time. For some reason I wanted to draw out the moment I opened that envelope.

  Once I had a cup of coffee in me and a refill on its way, I opened it. Inside I found a single piece of hotel stationary with more of Logan’s writing.

  Dear Jade,

  Just because we ran off to Las Vegas to get married, doesn’t mean we have to forgo all the traditions. I left the room without looking at you this morning, and I’ve made some arrangements to have you brought to the chapel.

  I hope you’ll trust me to pick the right one. Not that we need luck. We have each other. How much luckier could I get? But I thought you might enjoy sticking to the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding.

  While you’re waiting to take that walk down the aisle, I made some arrangements to have you pampered and ready for your wedding day. When you’re done with breakfast, shower and then head down to the spa here in the hotel. All you need to do is give your name. The rest is taken care of.

  Can’t wait to see you walking toward me.

  Love, Logan

  My heart melted. Cheesy, but utterly true. All those trite words anybody had ever spoken about love suddenly seemed insightful and poetic.

  I couldn’t wait to walk down that aisle either. With that in mind, I hurried toward the bathroom.

  Logan might have understated things when he mentioned having me pampered. I spent four hours in the hotel spa. I’d been plucked, waxed, rubbed, polished, massaged and made up to within an inch of my life. I stood at the counter ready to leave, half in a daze from the pampering I’d gotten.

  The woman behind the desk offered me a sweet smile. “I hope you enjoyed your time here, Miss Roberts.”

  “Every minute,” I assured her, and it was true. I felt more taken care of than I had in a long time. “Um, I feel funny asking, but did my fiancé leave...umm, enough tips for everyone?”

  I cringed inwardly. I hated asking, but realized as I was leaving that I didn’t have so much as a dollar on me. And the women who had taken such good care of me deserved way more than that.

  “Yes.” Her smile grew. “Captain Murphy took care of everything.”

  Captain Murphy was going above and beyond with the spoiling today. Captain Murphy was going to get so lucky tonight.

  “Oh, before you go, he left something here for you.” She reached under the counter and came up with another envelope and a box.

  Captain Murphy had been a busy boy this morning. I smiled at the woman and thanked her as I headed back to our room. I ripped into the envelope as soon as I got on the elevator, not able to wait one more second.

  Dear Jade,

  I hope you enjoyed your pampering. I can’t imagine you looking any more beautiful than you
already do, but I look forward to seeing the results as you walk down that aisle.

  In the spirit of keeping up traditions, I wanted to make sure you have a few things you might need for our wedding day. I believe your engagement ring, the one given to me by my grandmother, can count as your something old. In the box, you’ll find your something new.

  I know you haven’t had much time to go dress shopping, but I don’t want you to worry. I have a light lunch being brought to the room now. In a few hours, a driver will arrive to bring you to me.

  Until then, you have all my love.

  Logan

  I clutched the note against my heart and fought off tears. I stared up toward the light in the ceiling, determined not to ruin the makeup the cosmetician just applied so artfully. I wanted Logan to see it first.

  As soon as I arrived back in the room, I opened the long, black leather box the spa receptionist had handed me along with the letter.

  I gasped. I slowly pulled out the necklace I found inside. Small pearls were laced between platinum with a diamond center reminiscent of my ring with a single pearl pendent that dropped from it.

  I rushed to the mirror to try it on. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever owned. I placed a hand over the pendent where it laid in the hollow of my collarbone. I pulled in a shuddering breath as I fought back tears.

  I allowed my eyes to drift open and as I looked in the mirror, all my sadness over what I’d miss at my wedding drifted away. Logan had given me more than I could ever want. The dress didn’t matter, the guest list didn’t matter, the flowers, the music, the cake—none of it would mean anything compared to seeing Logan waiting for me at the end of that aisle.

  Chapter 20

  Before I knew it, I’d eaten a late lunch of salad, shrimp cocktail and champagne and I was whisked off to a destination the driver refused to share with me. It didn’t escape my notice that it was the same cab driver that brought us to the hotel yesterday.

  I peered out the window, but gone was the anxiety. Gone was any sinking feeling that I might be missing out on something. In their place, the surety that as long as Logan was at the end of this ride, my world was perfect. I’d worn a pretty cream colored sundress with tiny blue flowers and blue kitten-heeled sandals. My something blue.

  The driver pulled up in front of a pretty little white chapel. I blinked at Logan’s choice. Even amid all the garish displays that were Las Vegas, the chapel looked quaint and untouched.

  The driver helped me out of the car and a middle-aged woman bustled down the sidewalk toward us.

  “You’re here!” She clapped her hands in delight, peering at me over the top of her black-rimmed glasses. “We’re all ready for you. This has been such an exciting day! I couldn’t wait for you to arrive!”

  The woman, who somewhere in the middle of all the chatter introduced herself as Delores, ushered me to a side door, up a short flight of stairs and stopped us in front of a large white door.

  “I’m supposed to have you read this before you go inside.” Delores handed me another white envelope addressed to me.

  Giddy with excitement, I tore it open without hesitation.

  Dear Jade,

  It’s almost time. I know you have your something old and your something new. I hope you like the something borrowed I found for you.

  Delores is here to help you with anything else you need to get ready.

  I’ll see you soon.

  Love,

  Logan

  Delores threw open the door and led me into a large bridal suite, complete with a chaise lounge and comfy chairs, a bucket of champagne, red and cream roses scattered in vases throughout the room.

  And hanging on a rack next to a full-length mirror, a wedding gown. I took slow steps toward it, my hands coming up to cover my mouth.

  The dress was beautiful—off white, delicate sheer lace over a heart-shaped neckline, and bell shaped skirt. It looked like something a black and white movie star would get married in. I raised a hand but stopped before I actually touched it, too afraid to hope.

  “This…this is for me?” I asked Delores.

  She hooked an arm through mine and leaned into me like we’d been friends for years. “Your man asked me to tell you that this belongs to his mother and that she’d be beyond thrilled to have you wear it today.”

  I clasped Delores’ hand tightly. “I’m going to need you to help me fix my makeup, Delores.”

  She patted our clasped hands. “That’s what I’m here for, dear.”

  And I finally let the tears of sheer, unbridled happiness slide down my face.

  Before I knew what hit me, I was ready for my wedding. Turned out Delores was some sort of magical creature. She really had everything covered.

  She helped me calm down, sitting me in the chaise with a glass of champagne. She turned on soft music and hummed along as she moved around the bridal suite.

  When my nerves had settled at least to the point I wasn’t a sobbing puddle, she helped me reapply my makeup and tame my hair. She had a photographer popping in and out to get a few shots of me getting ready. She discreetly typed what I assumed were texts to the rest of the staff every now and then. She zipped me into the dress.

  And oh my, that dress. As gorgeous as it looked on the hanger, on me it came to life. The bodice clung to my curves. The skirt swished around my legs. I’d never been one for fairy tales, far preferring real life, but I had to admit, I was having a bit of a Cinderella-going-to-the-ball moment.

  Delores stood behind me as I stared at myself in the full-length mirror. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a small pang of regret, wishing for one teeny tiny moment that it was my mom standing there with me.

  I don’t think any of my friends or family would be as shocked as I was myself to realize just how traditional I was turning out to be.

  I sucked in a deep breath. The two most important people would be here today—Logan and I. If we hadn’t come to Vegas, we wouldn’t have had time to pull together a wedding in New York before he left for Afghanistan.

  Faced with the choice of Logan as my husband now or postponing the wedding until we could have all our loved ones with us, I chose Logan.

  That thought squared my shoulders, straightened my spine and brought a secret little smile to my lips. I might not spend a lot of time worrying on serious issues. But I wasn’t oblivious to what Logan faced when he returned to his unit.

  Fear for him had been a tiny tickle in the back of my mind since he joined the Army. Now, though, I knew the voice of fear would be much louder. But I wouldn’t miss the chance to be Logan Murphy’s wife for even a second.

  “Ready?” Delores asked.

  My small smile grew and transformed me into a radiant bride. “I could not be more ready.”

  She handed me a bouquet of simple red roses, the stems held with a creamy satin ribbon. I buried my nose in the flowers, closing my eyes as the velvet soft petals brushed my cheeks. I pulled back and looked at Delores. “This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

  “Oh, it’s my very great pleasure.” Delores patted my shoulder. “You are one of the loveliest brides I’ve ever laid eyes on. And that’s saying something. A lot of brides come through here. Your groom isn’t going to know what hit him.”

  I glanced one last time at my reflection. “I think you’re right.”

  Delores led me toward the doors of the suite. She paused before she opened it. “One last thing before we head outside.” She leaned over and pulled one more envelope from a drawer in the table next to the entrance. “Your groom asked me to give you this before we left the room.”

  I handed my bouquet to Delores while I opened the new note. I all but danced in place in anticipation at what my unexpectedly romantic fiancé might have in store for me.

  P.S. Don’t worry. I didn’t forget your something blue…

  Those were the only words on the hotel stationary. I flipped it over to double check before looking at Delores. “Was th
ere something else you were supposed to give me with this?”

  She smiled serenely. “No, dear. My instructions were to give that to you and then bring you out of the bridal suite.”

  I took back my bouquet and shrugged. “Okay. I guess it’s time to take a walk down the aisle.”

  Butterflies took flight in my stomach as Delores turned the knob. She pushed the door open and gestured me to precede her out.

  I took two steps out of the room and ground to a halt.

  “Surprise!” Paige, Emma, and Katelyn stood in front of me decked out in matching navy blue bridesmaids dresses.

  “Oh my goodness! What are you guys doing here?”

  “Like we’d miss your wedding.” Paige rolled her eyes and leaned in to hug me. “The lengths some people will go to win a bet.”

  I laughed, still trying to absorb the fact that they were here.

  Emma nudged Paige aside to get her turn to squeeze me. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Before I could respond, Katelyn pushed her way in.

  “You look so beautiful, Jade.” Katelyn’s eyes filled with tears. She wrapped me in a tight hug. “And you’re going to be my sister for real.”

  Her whispered words had me fighting tears again. “No, no, no. You will not make me cry. I’ve already had to redo my makeup twice.”

  My friends laughed and gathered around me, a gaggle of teary-eyed, smiling-wide bridesmaids. Delivered to me by my husband-to-be.

  “Which one of you helped Logan plan all this?” I asked.

  Katelyn shook her head. “None of us. Aside from picking out these dresses on the fly, Logan didn’t want us to do anything.” Her voice got softer. “He wanted to be the one to give you the wedding of your dreams.”

  I looked up, staring at the ceiling with my eyes wide open as I fought tears. When I finally managed to compose myself, I turned a smile I knew must be blinding on Katelyn.

  “Your brother is going to get so lucky tonight,” I told her.

  “Gross!” She wrinkled her nose and covered her ears with her hands. “We need some ground rules here, Jade. I do not want the details of your sexy times with my brother.”