Jack's Surrender (Holiday Cove 5)

I laughed at the memory. “God, that feels like it was someone else’s life. I was such a hot mess.”

Carly looped an arm through mine. “Well, honey, pregnancy has a tendency to do that. But not anymore. And especially not today. You are the most beautiful bride-slash-mama-to-be in the world, so let’s get you and baby McGuire ready to go.”

I ran my hands over my stomach, smiling at the surprise I had planned for the reception.

The melodic sounds of the ocean greeted me a couple of hours later as we arrived at the Rosen Air Museum. Jack was stashed away inside Aaron and Gemma’s house and I was taken through the museum to the hangar. Carly had insisted on a blindfold, so while I knew my surroundings well enough to know where I was, and where I was going, I couldn’t see anything until Carly finally directed me to a stop. The hangar doors were open and the gentle breeze blew across my face as Carly reached up and untied the blindfold.

The fabric fell away and tears instantly sprang to my eyes. “Oh my God…you guys…it’s so beautiful!”

Gemma and Rachel were standing there like the models on The Price is Right, waving at the hangar turned gorgeous reception area. If you didn’t know the space’s true purpose, it would have been impossible to guess it was normally covered with dust and grease and half a dozen planes in various states of assembly.

White and lilac linens covered a dozen round tables, each set up with overflowing floral arrangements, pricey china, and crystal. String lights were hung above, giving the hangar a warm twinkle that would no doubt only look even more enchanting once the sun set.

The concrete floor was covered with a wooden dance floor and a white vinyl monogram in the middle with a breathtaking chandelier hanging overhead. A DJ booth and bar were positioned on opposite sides of the room and along the back, nearer to the offices, three long buffet tables were set out. A catering crew from the upscale seafood restaurant a few miles up the coast was already preparing the meal and getting it ready.

“Is this what you had in mind?” Gemma asked.

I nodded; my throat clogged with emotion. “Even better.”

Rachel came over and embraced me. “I’m so happy for you, Holly.”

“Thank you, Rach. For everything.” She pulled away and we shared a secret smile. She knew exactly what I meant. Her tough-love moment was a huge piece of the puzzle that had clicked together and led me to this perfect moment, standing in the middle of the beautiful room, less than an hour away from meeting Jack at the altar. “Can I go see the ceremony spot?”

Carly glanced at Gemma who shook her head. “Nope. No can do. The men are out there, going through their mini-rehearsal.”

“Well, good thing we did that last night,” I said.

Gemma smiled. “Yes, but while we were enjoying manicures and mock-tails, the boys had a few too many and are paying for it today. I think it’s hilarious. Men will always be boys at heart.”

I rolled my eyes. “Safe to blame Aaron for that one, Gem?”

Gemma laughed. “Oh, I’m sure. Some things never change and I’m afraid I’m set to marry the instigator of our little group.”

We all laughed and then wandered around the place so I could absorb every little detail. It really was perfect, as though someone had reached inside my mind and brought the images there to life. “Thank you, guys,” I said, turning to the three of them when we reached the back of the room. “Seriously, I have no idea how I got so lucky to have such amazing, beautiful, and talented friends, but I am forever grateful. You all put up with me when I was losing my mind and going bat-shit crazy and now…I can’t believe I’m here.”

They all took turns hugging me and then Gemma insisted we go to Aaron’s office where she had snacks and my wedding dress waiting for me.

Seeing Jack at the altar was a moment I’d never forget. He was the perfect image of everything I loved about him. Strong and smiling at me, even as tears glistened in his eyes. He took my hands and brushed his thumbs over the backs of my knuckles. “You look gorgeous, baby.”

“Thank you. You clean up pretty good yourself, lieutenant commander,” I said, smiling up at him. He’d chosen to wear his full-dress whites, with his shiny medal of honor front and center. His sword hung on his side. This was the Jack I knew. Tall, reserved and incredibly delicious. My own dress was a delicate combination of lace and small bead pearls and my hair hung over one shoulder in a gathering of curls.

“How’d they do?” I asked, directing a glance at Hunter and Princess who were seated in the front row. Hunter decked out with a bow tie around his neck—the same color as the groomsmen wore. I was surprised not all the men wore their dress uniforms but thought maybe they wanted Jack in the limelight. Princess sat with a collar made of flowers, and a white basket beside her. None of us had any children to serve as the ring bearer and flower girl, so we decided that we already had the perfect pair to do the honors.