Page 122 of Lucky Charm
Elizabeth handed Jackie a white rose bouquet. “I believe the music is supposed to start as soon as you both enter. Hunt and Quaid are already at the front with Chaplain Morrison. You might want to note the cameras. There is a photographer here who will take pictures, but there’s also a live stream going to San Diego to Hunt’s team and to Afghanistan to your hospital there.” Her voice broke on Afghanistan leaving Cait puzzled yet stunned at the thought.
Cait couldn’t find words for several moments. “What? Who arranged that?”
“Quaid.”
“Let me go first and get everyone settled.” Elizabeth gracefully stepped around Cait’s wheelchair and opened the chapel doors. Inside, she moved through a small foyer and into the main chapel area. She signaled the Chaplain, then she stepped into a pew and disappeared.
On cue, the music started. Cait recognized the strains ofSomewhere Over the Rainbowand beat back the emotion. She could see a few others seated but didn’t know who they were and didn’t care. Her eyes were on Hunt. Somehow, someway, he’dmanaged to be in a dress uniform with all his medals stacked on the dark blue surface with his trident, and she froze in awe. Quaid stood beside him in a Marine dress uniform.
Jackie took a minute to straighten Cait’s dress, then fussed with her own and started down the aisle. In a few seconds, she reached Hunt and turned off to stand on the left.
Mackey rolled the wheelchair at a slow steady pace. He stopped the chair right before Hunt. Hunt took her hand and slid his other around her waist to help her.
“Okay?” His whisper sent shivers over her.
“Yes.”
“You tell me when it’s not.”
“Yes.” He helped her turn and take a step to the chaplain, keeping most of her weight on him.
The young chaplain had wise, gray eyes that offered comfort. Giving the man credit, he wasted no time. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here, in the sight of friends both near and far, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
And so, it continued. They’d opted for traditional vows because they’d done everything else outside the box. Hunt’s words were solemn when he made his vows, his eyes steadily on hers. Hers were shaky, but heartfelt, flooding her eyes with tears. Her delicate gold band had to be put on the middle finger of her left hand, because the ring finger was broken and wrapped. Her hip screamed at her, but she ignored – praying for every second.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your happiness be endless, your love grow strong, and what has been joined here today be everlasting. Amen.”
Hunt leaned in without instruction and took her mouth in a gentle, intent kiss, and she collapsed against him and celebrated. Hers!
Cheers came through the computer screens and clapping from the audience in the chapel – which turned out to be her orthopedic surgeons and four nurses from the floor.
Hunt broke the kiss and lifted her into his arms. “You look beautiful, honey. I love you.”
“I love you back, Mr. Handsome. Wow, you look good.”
“Guess we both clean up pretty good.” He walked over to the computer monitor and turned so they both could see.
Cait waved at the screen. “Thank you all!”
“Happy for you! Glad you’re not dead, Doc! Congratulations, you two!” flowed over her. Seeing Duncan and Jo’s happy faces felt like warm hugs. Hunt’s team, all back home, were just as vocal, Baxter included. Seeing him looking so well eased a worry from Cait’s mind.
Pictures followed, not too many, but enough to wear her out.
Hunt’s low voice caressed her ear. “Let’s get you back to your room.”
Jackie and Quaid followed them out of the chapel. They said their goodbyes to the chaplainand met Mackey at the elevator waiting with her wheelchair.
Hunt settled her into the seat.
She signaled Major Reynolds to her side. “Thank you, Mackey.”
“Anytime, Cait.”
The five of them rode the elevator to her floor, and she came close to falling asleep. Quaid and Mackey separated from them at the door to her room. Jackie went inside ahead of her.
“I’m going to change, and then I’ll help you.”
Cait’s eyes filled, emotion spilling out. “I don’t want to take the dress off.”
