“You look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mom.” We picked up some strappy white heels that complimented the dress before heading home.
When we pulled into the driveway, we saw Drew’s truck and beside it was Dad’s car. The guys were all back, and I wondered if Dean had talked to his dad yet. I reached for my phone, but there were no messages or texts, so I was guessing he hadn’t said anything yet.
“You ready?” Mom asked, detecting my nerves.
“To see Dean, yes. To be in the same room with everyone knowing we’re together except Dad, not so much.”
“Tell me something. If I hadn’t walked in on your text with Dean this morning, would you have told me before the wedding?”
“Yes. We were actually going to tell you both tonight.”
“Good. I only have one daughter. I wouldn’t want to miss your wedding.”
“I know, Mom.”
We got out of the car and headed inside to chaos.
CHAPTER16
DEAN
Ifound the perfect ring for Nora, it wasn’t huge, but it was simple and beautiful—much like her. She was a natural beauty and didn’t fuss over herself. It was one of many things I loved about her. She had no damn clue how she affected men around her, how their eyes gravitated to the sway of her hips as she walked.
“She’ll love it.” Drew was smiling as we drove back home, and I kept looking at the ring that I couldn’t wait to put on her finger.
I’d already called the courthouse and asked if there was any availability tomorrow to get married. I only had three days left stateside, and I was determined this was going to happen. If not in Sunset Falls, then we would go to Savannah.
“I know.” I snapped the box closed again and put it in the small bag with the other two boxes. One held the diamond studded band that I would slip on her finger as we said I do, and the other had my simple band that she would place on my finger. “Thank you,” I said quietly as we approached our town.
“For what?”
“For stopping your life for me to finally start mine. I know you need to be studying right now and none of this was in your plans for the week.”
“No.” He laughed. “I can’t say that I ever would have suspected my brother would come home and marry my sister.”
I groaned. “Don’t say it like that.”
“You better not let your buddies on base know you married your stepsister because they will probably say worse.” Drew grinned and I laughed.
“You’ve got that right. Evelyn was good about it at least. She and Nora were going dress shopping, so I’m guessing she is on board with this. Now, we only have to tell Dad.” I let out a heavy sigh. This was the part that I was dreading most. I didn’t need his blessing to marry Nora, but I wanted it. I wanted his approval for this. Nora was the start of the next chapter of my life, and she would be there for all the rest of them too—as my wife.
“Well, we can go find out how he’s going to take it before she gets home.” Drew nodded toward the drive where Dad’s car was parked. He pulled in beside it, and I got out carrying the bag with the familiar jeweler’s logo on it. “You got this, Dean, and I’m here for you—and for Nora.”
“Thanks, brother.” I nodded and opened the back door.
Drew followed me inside, and we found Dad sitting in the living room watching the news. “I took half the day off to spend with family and came home to an empty house,” he grumbled.
“Sorry, Dad. We had to make a trip up to Savannah.” Drew plopped down on the couch and put his feet up on the coffee table.
“What’s that?” Dad asked, noticing the bag in my hand.
“It’s an engagement ring and wedding bands,” I stated flatly.
Dad turned off the television and stood up. “Who’s getting married?”
“I am and so is Nora.”
