My head starts to spin as Justin opens the door to his apartment.
“I have to go buy a wedding dress,” I repeat faintly as he ushers me inside.
And then the overwhelm and uncertainty fades away, leaving only wonder in its place. Because this—as modest and simple as it is—feels like Justin.
It feels like the cabin, and safe refuge.
The small hallway is decorated with photos of his siblings and landscapes from home. I recognize the lighthouse, and touch the photo as we move past into the main living space, which has a small, spartan love seat facing an oversized wooden armoire, and a dining table with two chairs. I recognize the craftsmanship immediately.
“You built these.”
He nods.
“And that?” I point to the armoire.
“No, that came from my parents. It’s an entertainment unit. Hides all my video games.”
My eyes light up, and he nods. Yes, he’ll teach me how to play video games, too.
He sets down the bags. “Sit,” he says to his sister, pointing to the love seat. “We’ll be right back.”
Then he takes my hand and tugs me into his bedroom.
Our bedroom.
“You okay?” he asks, pulling me into his arms.
I nod as he lowers his mouth to hover just above my lips.
“The next twenty-four hours are going to be a lot.” He nuzzles the tip of his nose against mine. “But then you’ll be all mine.”
I push up on my toes and capture his mouth.I know, I pour into my kiss.Because you’re my Daddy.
CHAPTER22
JUSTIN
My hands shake, just a little, as I send off a series of texts. First individual messages to some of my closest friends on SEAL Team Romeo, Emmitt, Remy, and Finn—who might still be in Australia, and I’m not sorry if I wake him up in the middle of the night. Then a group blast to everyone, covering the bases.
Lowe is off the market.I was neveronthe market to begin with.I was waiting my whole life for Abby, and she’s upstairs, getting ready for our exchange of vows.
“You ready, son?”
I set my phone down, grateful for the interruption. I don’t need to see everyone’s responses until later. Much later.
I nod at Commander Pierson.
Jenna’s brilliant plan was to ask the commander if we could use his lush backyard garden—and I didn’t hesitate before making that phone call last night.
The rest of it came together. Jacob flew down with Sienna this morning, and I picked them up at the airport while Abby was fussed over by Pierson’s wife and daughters.
Right now, my brother and Sienna are setting up their phones to capture the wedding from every angle, and I’m just waiting with the commander.
“I really appreciate this,” I say for the tenth time. “You agreeing to marry us, and have us in your home.”
He glances upstairs. “Admiral Forrest’s daughter? I’d do anything for her.” Then he grins back at me. “And you, too, son.”
“That means the world to me.” I huff out a nervous breath. “They’re taking a while, huh?”