Valentine from a Soldier(14)

“Well, it’s no bachelorette party, but I’m glad that I at least got to celebrate with you at the rehearsal dinner.”

“Seriously, you’ve done an awesome job with everything. Thank you so much!”

She squeezed my arm as she bounced up and down with joy, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d see her so happy. “And just wait for tomorrow,” I said. “The best is still yet to come!”

“All right, my bride-to-be,” Josh interrupted, wrapping his arms around Morgan. “Is this the part where I say that I’ll see you at the altar?”

“I’m afraid so. I need to get my beauty sleep and then spend all morning getting ready!”

“This is one of those times I’m glad it’s easier being a guy. I plan to shower, shave, and throw on my tux. Done,” he said with a grin.

“Just remember that the next time you’re complaining about how long it takes me to get ready. Men have it easier.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” I chimed in.

“Will do,” Josh said good-naturedly.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, honey,” Morgan said, twisting around in Josh’s arms to give him a tender kiss goodbye.

“I still don’t understand why you can’t stay at your condo tonight,” Chris said, confused. “You guys live together!”

“It’s tradition,” I said with a shrug.

“It would be bad luck for Josh to see me tomorrow morning. He knows that!”

Josh gave Chris a look that seemed to say, I know this is crazy, but what can I do?

“So, what, is Sarah staying with you in the bridal suite tonight?” Chris asked.

“No, silly. I’m staying in her room. Tomorrow all the girls will get ready together in my suite, but only Josh and I will be staying there.”

“I sure hope so,” Josh said, wrapping his arms around Morgan’s waist again to pull her close.

“This is why I’m coordinating the wedding and not you,” I teased Chris. “You have to understand all the finite details.”

“I’m happy to let you have the job,” he said with a laugh. “Marketing is more my thing anyway.”

We said goodnight and grabbed a cab over to our hotel. I’d already checked-in earlier, so our overnight bags, dresses, and everything else needed to get ready in the morning were waiting in my room. As we walked across the lobby, Morgan suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me in the opposite direction of the elevator bank. As I glanced over at her in confusion, I thought I caught a glimpse of a tall, dark-haired guy ducking down a side hallway—a guy that looked an awful lot like Ryan. I’d only seen him for a second though and knew logically that he wouldn’t be here in Chicago, at the hotel where Morgan was getting married. My heart was a different matter though, and I found myself wishing more than anything that it had really been him.

***

The next morning was spent in a flurry of activity. Morgan and I ordered room service, but while I enjoyed a quick breakfast, she was too nervous to eat. Before long, hairdressers, make-up artists, and even the hotel seamstress descended on Morgan’s bridal suite, prepping Morgan and all of the bridesmaids, including myself, for her big day. I’d arranged for a light lunch catered by the hotel and a champagne toast, so Morgan and I sat around with the other bridesmaids wearing silk bathrobes, in full hair and make-up, enjoying one last meal together before the ceremony. “I wonder what the guys are doing right now,” Morgan said.

“Just waking up?” I joked.

“They better not be! I told Josh to go straight home last night.”

“I’m just kidding. I’m sure they’re getting ready—or at least thinking about it. They don’t have nearly as much to do as us.”

“I know, I’m dying to get into my dress though,” she said, eyeing the cream lace gown hanging over in the corner of the room. “After searching high and low for the perfect dress, I’m not going to take it off all night!”

“I wonder how Josh will feel about that,” I teased.

“Very funny.”

I glanced down at my phone to check the time and felt a little sad that I didn’t have any messages from Ryan. I hadn’t heard from him since Monday, when I’d told him that I needed time to think, but I’d secretly hoped that he’d at least send me a quick text today. It’s not like I expected a dozen roses or something—who knew if or when I’d see him again. But what girl wouldn’t want to hear from the guy she’d fallen for on Valentine’s Day? I felt a little sad that my best friend was getting married to the love of her life, and the guy I wanted hadn’t even given me a call. He was probably just respecting my wishes; after all, Ryan had apologized, and I was the one who was upset and told him that I needed some time.