“I’m fine,” I said automatically. She studied my face.
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
She nodded and stepped back, but Chin and Oay flanked me protectively as we walked toward the bride’s room. Through the open door of the main chapel, I caught a glimpse of what waited inside—rows of uniforms, dozens of them, maybe more. Navy dress whites and blues. Army service uniforms, Marine Corps dress blues, Air Force service dress. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows caught on medals and ribbons and brass buttons, turning the chapel into something that looked more like a Joint Chiefs meeting than a wedding.
“Holy hell,” Chin breathed.
I recognized faces as we passed—Admiral Richardson, who’d overseen my last deployment; Brigadier General Santos, who’d written one of my recommendation letters for captain; Major General Patricia Coleman, one of the few women to reach two-star rank in Army intelligence. These weren’t just wedding guests. These were people who shaped military policy and strategy at the highest levels. And scattered among them, looking slightly overwhelmed, were my friends from earlier in my career—petty officers and junior officers I’d served with—people who’d never been in the same room with this much brass before.
The bride’s room was quiet and mercifully empty except for Chin and Oay. I sat down in front of the mirror and tried to steady my breathing. My dress was simple—white, floor-length, cap sleeves—nothing elaborate or expensive. I’d bought it off the rack at a bridal shop in Alexandria because I didn’t want to spend thousands on a dress I’d wear once. But looking at myself in the mirror, I felt suddenly inadequate. Everyone out there was dressed in formal military attire—medals and ribbons on display—and here I was in a department-store dress.
“You look beautiful,” Oay said quietly.
“I look terrified.”
“That too, but mostly beautiful.”
Chin knelt beside my chair. “Elena, look at me.” I met her eyes. “You’ve deployed three times. You’ve briefed admirals and senators. You’ve made decisions that affected operational security and intelligence operations. You can handle walking down an aisle and saying ‘I do.’”
“This is different.”
“Why? Because there are important people watching? Those people are here because they respect you and Mark—because they want to support you. This isn’t a test or an evaluation. It’s a celebration.”
I wanted to believe her. I tried to let the words sink in and calm the anxiety turning in my stomach. There was a soft knock on the door and Colonel Harper stuck his head in. “Captain Ward, may I come in?”
“Of course, sir.”
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He was in his Army dress blues, and I’d never seen him look more formal—or more serious. “I wanted to check on you before things get started,” he said. “How are you holding up?”
“Honestly, sir, I’m overwhelmed.”
He smiled slightly. “I imagine so. I’ve been to a lot of military weddings, but I’ve never seen a guest list quite like this one.”
“I didn’t expect it to be such a production.”
“That’s because you don’t realize how respected you are—both you and General Hall.” He paused. “Your family isn’t here.”
It wasn’t a question, but I answered anyway. “No, sir.”
“I’m not going to pry, but I want you to know that the people out there— they’re your family, too. Maybe not by blood, but by choice and shared experience. That counts for something.”
My throat tightened. “Thank you, sir.”
“You’ve earned every bit of respect in that chapel, Ward. Don’t forget that.” He straightened. “Now—are you ready? Because I believe I have the honor of walking you down the aisle.”
I blinked. “Sir?”
“General Hall asked if I would. He said you don’t have family present, and he thought you might like to have your commanding officer do the honors. I told him I’d be proud to—but only if you’re comfortable with it.”
I looked at this man who’d mentored me for three years, who’d fought for my promotions and defended my decisions to skeptical superior officers, who’d shown up to my engagement ceremony when my own father couldn’t be bothered. “I’d be honored, sir.”
He offered his arm. “Then let’s go get you married.”
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