Words of love and friendship came from the circle of women around her.
There were also a few last-minute reminders of the gifts that she'd been given at the bridal shower. A few dainty but daring sleep-sets. Some lotion that smelled like spice and warmed the skin. And a few toys that had made Seaton blush over and over for hours.
By the time she stepped inside the house, she was buzzing like a live wire, waiting to see Sam and to spend their first night as a married couple.
CADDO
Sam felt like he was about to crawl out of his skin.
Seaton was outside on the porch, saying goodbye to the ladies.
Viviana had been the ringleader of the group and the first one to send him inside with a look and a wave of her hand, shooing him away.
Inside, he was pacing around waiting for Seaton to come in.
They'd just had a ceremony at the office of the Justice of the Peace.
When Sam had mentioned it to the others at the firehouse, he knew they were planning a reception at the Blaise house, but he wasn't expecting everyone to show up at the courthouse.
The room was packed. Every seat taken, standing room along the sides of the courtroom.
He'd seen Seaton's reaction when they stepped inside to see the gathering.
Tears gathered in her eyes and coursed down her face during the ceremony, making her murmur apologies during the ceremony.
The handkerchief that the chief had given him had been handed over to Seaton, only to be replaced with another that came out of Chief Blaise's pocket.
The reception had been a blur of activity. Good food. Good people. Good music.
And a lot of good memories.
The chief had dropped him off a few minutes before the ladies arrived.
And Sam felt a little anxious and nervous waiting inside.
The laughter out on the porch eased some of his anxiety.
He knew that the women were taking good care of Seaton. They'd done that since the moment they met her.
It was something he'd expected. The ladies connected to Station Seven were all exceptional people.
The door opened and Sam held his breath, waiting.
Seaton stepped inside and her eyes met his across the room.
As the women outside continued to talk softly and laugh, Seaton slowly closed the door and let it click closed. She set the lock before she turned her back to the door and leaned against it.
She smiled at him and his heart was somehow fuller than it had been a moment before.
"Damn..." He let out a breath. "You're so beautiful."
Her smile deepened. "You've never looked so handsome."
He grinned at her. "Yeah? Not even in my bunker gear?"
She wrinkled her nose a little at that. "You're usually dirty when you're in your bunker gear. So, no."
"You don't like the hero look?"
