Hot SEAL, Confirmed Bachelor- Cynthia D'Alba Page 0,63
laid the jacket on his bed. The six brass buttons sparkled under the light in his bedroom. His numerous campaign ribbons and metals gleamed. The matching blue trousers joined the jacket, along with a white dress shirt and black tie. From the top drawer of his dresser, he added his master chief petty officer tie clasp, belt, and a pair of black socks.
Dressing quickly, he sped to the church. He’d make it on time, but just barely. He exited his truck and set his cap on his head. His hair was at least two weeks past needing to be cut, but there’d been no time. He hurried up the steps and through the vestibule door. Placing his hat between under his arm against his side, he entered and found a seat near the rear on the groom’s side.
His ass had barely touched the pew when the music started. A door at the front of the church altar opened, and the minister entered, followed by the groom, his two brothers, and his dad, who was serving as best man.
The doors he’d just entered opened, and Diana Long entered wearing a long peach-colored dress and carrying a bouquet of flowers.
When she’d made it about halfway down the aisle, a second woman he didn’t know entered, wearing an identical dress to Diana’s and carrying an identical bouquet.
Then Holly stepped through the door and his heart swelled double its normal size. Her hair was up, leaving her long, beautiful neck exposed. Her dress was also floor-length, but was a darker shade than the first two. He didn’t care what she wore or carried or did to her hair. Seeing her was a sucker punch to his gut. His breath left his lungs in a whoosh. His chest tightened. His stomach fell to his floor. She was stunning.
She had a small smile on her lips as she took her first step. He wanted to stand and wave at her, to draw her attention to him. But she kept her gaze forward as she walked to her assigned place.
If someone had asked him later, he couldn’t have described the bride if his life had depended on it. His gaze remained on Holly through the entire ceremony.
The minister pronounced Lawrence and Bethany husband and wife. Lawrence dipped Bethany into a long kiss. When he returned her to upright, he shot his fist triumphantly into the air, making the wedding crowd chuckle. Then, to everyone’s surprise, including apparently Bethany’s, he swept her up into his arms to make the walk out of the church to thunderous applause.
Behind the wedding couple, Holly took her father’s arm and started down the aisle, her smile broad and her gaze moving among the crowd. Her gaze met Ben’s, and her smile grew brighter.
He exited from the church and found Katie standing on the sidewalk.
“Hey, Ben,” she said. “Mom wasn’t sure you were coming.”
“Hello, Katie. I’m glad it worked out. Your mom looked great, didn’t she? And I’m betting that’s a new dress on you.”
Katie grinned and held out her arms and spun around. The dress was a deep blue, floor-length dress with a ribbon that tied at the waist. The style and cut were ideal for her age. He suspected this might be her first long dress.
“It is. Don’t you love it?” She twirled again. “And check out my shoes.” She lifted the hem to reveal a low set of heels.
“You look gorgeous.”
“Thanks for the SEAL stuff for my birthday.”
“You’re welcome. I would’ve loved to have been there but…” He shrugged.
“I know. Mom said you’ve been working overtime.”
“True. Do you know if your mom needs a ride to the reception?”
“She has a ride, but I suspect she’d rather ride with you.”
Her words warmed his insides. “You think?”
“Yeah. Hey, there she is.” Katie pointed over his shoulder.
Ben turned, and there she was, her dress lifted off the ground as she walked down the steps. He moved toward her and held out his hand.
“You made it,” she said, sounding breathless. Her gaze took in his uniform. “And wow. You clean up well.”
“I told you I’d do everything in my power to be here.”
“Love your dress blues. Very sexy.”
“Eww, Mom,” Katie said. “I’m out of here. I’ll catch a ride to the reception with Hillary and her family.” She swung around and called out, “Hillary. Wait up. I want to catch a ride with you.”
Then it was just them. Benjamin didn’t care if people had to walk around them. For him, the rest of the