Valentine from a Soldier by Makenna Jameison Read Free Book Online Page A

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 ou r 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, h airdressers, make-up artists, and even the hotel seamstress descended on Morg an’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 gla nced 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 .
    “Should we get you into your gown?” I asked Morgan, trying to get my mind back on the task at hand.
    One of the other bridesmaids and I helped her slip it on, and the hairdresser that had remained hovering around provid ed a few final touches.  I stepped into my red satin gown , which hung to the floor and clung to my curves in just the right places.   As we got ready to head downstairs to the banquet hall where the wedding ceremony and reception would be held, Morgan leaned over and whispered in my ear.  “He doesn’t know what he’s missing.”   I knew she could tell I wasn’t my usual cheerful self, and I was grateful that she’d said anything at all since this was her big day.  Plastering a smile on my face, I walked with her and the other girls to the elevator bank, and we crowded into one elevator for the ride down to the lobby.   Chris was there to escort me down the aisle as the ceremony began and we made our way through the opening procession.  Moments later Morgan herself was being escorted down the aisle by her father, and my smile was genuine this time as I saw how happy my