Page 120 of Lucky Charm
“She could talk to the JAG and arrange a power of attorney that will do all that.”
“Jackie…” Hunt stopped. “State your objections.”
“It’s so fast and a byproduct of her being hurt.” She dropped her eyes to her clasped hands in her lap.
“It’s not fast, Jackie. I’ve been thinking about her for a year, and I’m not letting go. She’s already said how much she hated being separated from me, and I feel the same. You are right that it might partially be a byproduct of her being hurt. If shewasn’t, we’d wait, and no doubt have a splashy, fun-filled wedding with all our friends.” He squirmed in the chair. Never in his life had he contemplated having a wedding that was any big deal. For Cait, he’d make every effort.
Jackie quieted in her chair and studied his face. “You’re not doing some drive-by wedding. She deserves more.”
Hunt planted elbows on his knees and leaned forward. “I wasn’t thinking that. I’m going to talk to the chaplain. I know they have a chapel. How hard could flowers, clothes, and rings be to arrange?”
“Are you planning on getting married, LT?” Quaid stood in the doorway, mouth open. The man always looked like he stepped off the pages ofGentlemen’s Quarterly.
Jackie twisted in her chair. “Shh, please, Cait’s asleep.”
Quaid put a finger to his lips, but the glee in his eyes shouted celebrate. “Awesome. I can help. My Aunt Elizabeth can help, too. How about the honeymoon suite, an after-ceremony meal, and springing Doc from this place, too?”
Jackie rose from her chair and pointed at the hall. Hunt followed, stopping to adjust the blankets around Cait’s feet. He left the door ajar behind him. Jackie and Quaid were on opposite sides of the hallway. A nurse passed between, glancing at both.
Jackie pointed a finger at Quaid. “First, I want to make sure everything we do Cait likes. She’s not big on surprises. Never has been.”
Quaid nodded. “Of course.”
Her finger swiveled to Hunt. “Second, we don’t do anything that will compromise her recovery. A wedding day is big. Big on emotions, big on energy. We have to be careful. We can’t have setbacks. Hell, she’s not even stable on her feet, yet.”
Hunt had never been so sure of anything in his life. “Let me talk to the chaplain. Let’s find out if he has time available. I’ll go see him now. Let’s keep it simple. Cait’s not up to much, and I won’t have her worn out by all this either.” He only wanted her to have that ring, have that stability, have him – legally, emotionally, mentally, and physically. “I’ll take care of the rings.”
“She’ll want a dress.”
“You should have pictures, too. You only get married once. And flowers, Elizabeth will make the arrangements. Leave the rest to us.” Quaid straightened and all his glee wiped off his face. “I know Doogie would be your first choice for best man, but I’ll offer my services anyway.”
Touched, Hunt blew out his breath. “Accepted. Thank you.”
Jackie straightened, too. “I came not knowing what I’d find. I didn’t expect a wedding.” Her smile wobbled. “We can make this special for her, please.”
“Yes,” Hunt promised. “We will.”
Chapter Twenty
December 14, 2019
Day 45
Two days later, Jackie unzipped the bag hanging over the bathroom door. “It’s time.”
Cait stretched from her long morning nap. Pain still barely stayed manageable, but here excitement allowed her to ignore it. Hopefully, the sleep would hold her through her wedding. Her shower had been earlier and sapped her mostly non-existent energy. Now, she dangled from the bed, curlers in her hair and makeup finished. She was out-of-sync with sprucing up – part caused by the accident, part a byproduct of deployment. She knew this feeling well and hated it. Add the injuries and still suffering through that broken feeling, and she was shaky. Had nothing to do with getting married.
They’d worked for the last twenty-four hours on getting her to her feet. Because she would stand to make her promises to Hunt.
Jackie bit her lip. “I know you hate surprises, but I think you’ll love this.”
Cait straightened and frowned. “I thought we agreed to a plain short dress.”
“No, you asked for that, and I found something else.” Jackie grinned at her. Releasing the dress from the bag, she fluffed out the fabric and turned to show it to Cait.
“Oooh,” Cait breathed out. “Jackie!” The delicate ivory lace caught her eye first. A gentle, overlaid wind of decorative lace flowed from the boat neckline in an A-line shape to the floor, all covering white organza. The sleeveless creation would fit over her bandages and cast. It was understated, elegant, and stunning. Tears flooded her eyes.
“You love?” Jackie’s uncertainty finally penetrated.
