The server took our order, and I tried for the third time to talk about something that could help my two intended lovebirds get acquainted. “Gage was in the Navy before he began working as a bodyguard, Jordan. Remember when we went to Fleet Week?”
Her green eyes grew as wide as saucers with surprise, and for a moment I thought she might be angry with me for bringing up the topic, but before she could say anything, West angrily excused himself from the table and stomped away.
As I watched him leave the restaurant, I wondered aloud, “What’s up with him?”
Rolling her eyes, Jordan joked, “Maybe he’s an Army guy.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Varo smile and knew instantly it was one unlike any he’d ever given me. It went all the way up to his eyes. He really did like her. Thrilled my plan was unfolding exactly as I’d hoped, I sat back and let things happen.
Just as I’d believed, he was charmed by Jordan’s humor and occasional snarkiness, and if she liked him before, the mention of him in the Navy made her practically crazy about him. I saw it in her eyes. Only a few times before had I seen them sparkle like they did as the two of them sat there getting to know one another in the back of Brickfire. By the time West returned, I was convinced my matchmaking work had succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
As we climbed into the back of the car to head to her place, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. Jordan was less expressive, but I knew inside she was bouncing off the walls. “Don’t tell me you didn’t have a great time. I know you did.”
“Sure. The food was great. I really liked that fireplace. I bet in the winter it’s great to have dinner there.”
I smacked her arm hard. “Don’t tell me you didn’t love getting to know him. I know you did.”
She giggled like a schoolgirl and blushed bright red. “I did. He’s even better than I thought. I’m trying not to get too excited by things just in case it ends up being nothing.”
“Nothing? When he sees you in that peacock blue dress, he’s going to want to sweep you off your feet right there in my garden.”
Jordan’s expression turned serious, and she squeezed my hand tightly. “I just don’t want to be let down, Nina. He’s gorgeous and hot and everything any girl would want. I don’t want to get my hopes up just yet.”
I understood her cautiousness. Letting someone into your heart was risky business, and as we both knew from experience, it rarely worked out. I still believed she could be happy like I was, so wary or not, I had hope for her and Gage.
Jensen stopped the car in front of her apartment and with a heavy heart I had to accept my time with her was over too soon. She saw my sadness and hugged me tightly to her. “Just a couple more days and we’ll be standing there in our awesome dresses and you’ll be marrying the man of your dreams. No sad faces, okay?”
“Okay. See you in a few days. The wedding is set for six next Saturday, so I’ll have Jensen come for you around two.”
“Two it is. I love you, Nina. Thanks for being such a great friend.”
I watched as she climbed the stairs to her place, already missing her. I wasn’t sad so much as understanding for the first time that everything was going to change. Living with someone was one thing, but becoming a wife meant something far more serious. I knew I’d see her whenever we wanted, but my life was about to change.
By the time we arrived back at the house, Varo and the still miserable West were there waiting for us, and as I got out of the car I saw Tristan pull Varo aside near the garage to speak to him. Both wore very serious expressions, but I didn’t get the sense he was reprimanding my bodyguard. After a minute or so, Varo left and I approached Tristan, happy to see him but curious about what the conversation had been about.
“Hey you! I found a wedding gown and Jordan found her bridesmaid gown, so we’re all set on the dresses.”
He took my hand in his and smiled. “Good. I can’t wait to see it.”
Looking up into his eyes, I tried to discern the meaning of his chat with Varo. “Everything okay? I saw you pull Varo aside as I drove up.”
“Everything’s fine. I have to head into the city, but I’ll be back in a few hours. I’d love it if you’d be waiting for me,” he said with a wink.
“You know I will be,” I said as I stood on my toes to kiss him, missing the feel of his lips on mine after hours away. “Maybe I’ll have a surprise for you.”
“I like that. You’re making it hard to leave, though.”
“Good, but I know you have things to do, so just remember I’ll be waiting when you get back.”