But there were some moments, like the one she was living in now, when calling him by his military nickname seemed a bit…unfitting. Less personal.
And when she’d called for him in the throes of passion countless times the night before, she hadn’t chosen the name she’d used. It had simply fallen from her lips like a desperate prayer, and he was her own personal savior.
Jason.
“Are you being serious?” Cassie turned and studied her reflection in the massive three-way mirror.
Ellie blinked, her heart pounding with fear that she’d just said his name aloud. Feeling like a deer caught in a set of shiny, bright headlights, her wide eyes immediately flew to Cassie’s.
Much to her relief, the other woman’s focus wasn’t even on her, but rather Cassie’s own reflection.
“Of course, I’m being serious,” Ellie belatedly answered her friend’s question. Forcing all thoughts of Jason—and Lucky—away, she hollered at Natalie from over her shoulder. “Hey, Nat? Will you please come out here and tell our dear friend how incredibly amazing she looks in her dress?” Looking back at Cassie, she added a small smirk and a sarcastic, “Apparently, she’s decided my opinion is no longer trustworthy.”
“Whatever.” Cassie brushed the teasing comment away. “You know I value your opinion. And as far as trust goes, I would hope that you know I trust you with my life.”
Ellie’s smirk turned into a genuine smile. She did know her best friend trusted her complicity. And she trusted Cassie right back. And Nat…along with the entire Eagle’s Nest family.
Especially him.
Smiling inwardly at her own secret thought, Ellie pushed aside all thoughts of her handsome man to once again, focus on the present. Today was about Cassie, not her. She needed toremember that, as well as her recent resolve to live not for the past or the future but in the moments as they were happening.
“You look amazing, too.” Cassie caught her gaze in the mirror. “I told you that color would look amazing with your skin tone.”
Stepping up next to the beautiful bride, Ellie took a moment to study her own reflection. She had to admit, the navy blue dress Cassie had chosen for her bridesmaids was very pretty. And it’s style was the perfect compliment to the bride’s gown.
The one-shoulder, A-line gown was made of simple blue satin with a sewn-in tulle underskirt for added fullness. Unlike Cassie’s bodice, Ellie’s held no beads or sequins embellishments, but the gown was pleated, and there was a nice, long slit at its side. And the best part?
Pockets.
“You and Natalie both look amazing in blue,” Cassie commented beside her. “So when I had to pick a color for the wedding, it was a no-brainer.”
Right on cue, the door to Natalie’s dressing room opened, and the beautiful CPA appeared.
“She’s right,” Ellie told her sweet friend as her fellow brunette came to a stop to Ellie’s left. “You look fabulous.”
“Thanks.” Natalie grinned. “You, too.” Her brown eyes slid to Cassie. “You both, do.”
For the next few seconds, the three friends stood in front of the massive mirror, taking a stretch to assess their gussied-up appearance.
“Damn, El.” A deep male voice had all heads turning to Ellie’s left. “If you don’t buy that dress for yourself, I will.”
Recognizing the voice immediately, she did everything in her power not to outwardly cringe. “Hey, Neil.” She shot the manshe’d had a brief fling with a forced smile from her reflection. “What are you doing here?”
“Returning a tux.” He held up the garment back draped over one of his forearms. “A buddy I went to college with got married over the weekend, and I was the best man.”
I highly doubt that.
“I see.” Ellie nodded, unsure of what else she should say.
Thankfully, Cassie’s personal gown assistant chose that moment to return their attention back to the whole reason they were there in the first place.
“So.” The forty-something, sharply dressed woman clasped her hands together as she stood to the side. “Do you ladies feel as though the dresses fit like they’re supposed to, or do you see any last-minute changes that need to be made? Our seamstress will be available the next few days, but after that, I’m afraid any alterations done through us would be virtually impossible. Just so you’re aware.”
The three friends dutifully studied their respective gowns with purpose. Turning this way and that, Ellie told the woman, “Mine’s fine.”
“Mine, too.” Natalie nodded.
“Is it bad that I never want to take mine off?” Cassie beamed with pre-wedding joy.