SEALed Under the Mistletoe

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

KNOX

H e adjusted his cufflinks, his fingers trembling slightly as he stood at the front of the sun-dappled chapel. The scent of lilies and roses wafted through the air, mingling with the excited murmurs of the gathered guests. His charcoal suit felt a touch too tight across his broad shoulders as he shifted his weight from one polished shoe to the other.

“Why do you look nervous?” Campbell whispered, giving Knox a playful nudge.

Knox forced a chuckle. “I’m not nervous. I'm cool as a cucumber.”

He lied. His breath caught the moment Vickie appeared in the chapel doorway; her arm linked with Lewis’s. Her sage-green dress skimmed her curves in a way that was both elegant and teasingly familiar. Her honey-blonde hair was swept back in loose waves, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. She was stunning, and for a moment, Knox forgot how to breathe.

Lewis leaned toward her, whispering something that made her laugh softly. The sound was warm and familiar, and he wished he was the one making her laugh. As they walked down the aisle, Knox’s focus shifted entirely to Vickie. Every step she took seemed to amplify the steady drumbeat of his heart.

She caught his eye, her lips curving into a small, private smile just for him. That smile—it was enough to knock the air right out of his chest As she drew closer, Knox couldn't tear his eyes away from her radiant smile.

“Wow,” Knox murmured under his breath, earning another elbow from Campbell.

“Eyes front, “Carson teased quietly from his other side. “Save the googly eyes for the reception.”

Knox cleared his throat and straightened his posture, trying to focus on the ceremony at hand. But as Vickie took her place across from him, he couldn't help but steal glances her way, marveling at how the soft light played across her features.

As the preach spoke, Knox’s mind wandered. The memory of Vickie laying naked underneath him last night, brought a smile to his face. He shifted his weight, trying to focus on the ceremony, but found his gaze drawn back to her like a magnet.

As if sensing his attention, Vickie glanced his way. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, and Knox felt a familiar spark ignite between them. He swallowed hard, his collar suddenly feeling too tight. There was Vickie. The gorgeous woman who he’d fallen for.

And then there was Iraq.

The deployment offer had been running circles in his mind all week, but now, standing here, watching his cousin commit his life to Melody, the answer seemed startlingly clear. He couldn’t leave. Not now. Not when he was just starting something real with Vickie.

Knox's heart swelled with a sudden, overwhelming realization. He couldn't imagine a future without Vickie in it. The thought of losing her forever was unbearable, and in that moment, he knew what he had to do.

“I can't let her go,” Knox whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

Carson leaned in, eyebrows raised. “What was that?”

Knox shook his head, a determined gleam in his eye. “Nothing. I'll tell you later.”

The officiant's voice rang out, drawing their attention back to the ceremony. “And now, the couple will exchange their vows and rings.”

As the Melody and Gage faced each other, their eyes shining with love, Knox couldn't help but picture himself and Vickie in their place. He imagined the words he'd say, the promises he'd make.

Melody’s voice trembled with emotion as she began, “From the moment we met, I knew you were special...”

Knox's gaze drifted to Vickie, drinking in the sight of her. The way she dabbed at her eyes, clearly moved by the ceremony, only made her more beautiful to him.

“I vow to stand by your side, through all of life's joys and challenges,” Gage declared, his voice strong and sure.

Those words struck a chord in Knox. He'd let Vickie get away before, but he was determined not to make that mistake again. As the couple slipped rings onto each other's fingers, Knox made a silent vow of his own.

Knox's eyes met Vickie's across the aisle again, and for a heartbeat, the world around them seemed to fade away. Her lips curved into a soft smile, and Knox felt his breath catch in his throat. He returned the smile, hoping his eyes conveyed all the unspoken words he longed to say.

The officiant's voice broke through the moment. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”

As the newlyweds shared their first kiss as a married couple, the room exploded with applause and cheers. Knox joined in, clapping enthusiastically, but his gaze remained fixed on Vickie. Her face was alight with joy as she cheered for the happy couple, and Knox found himself falling for her all over again.

“Way to go, cousin!” Knox shouted over the noise, giving Gage a thumbs up.

Vickie caught his eye again and mouthed, “They look so happy!”

Knox nodded, his heart swelling with hope. “They do,” he mouthed back, wishing he could close the distance between them and pull her into his arms.

“Ready to party?” Carson nudged him, grinning from ear to ear.

Knox laughed, patting his brother on the back. “You bet. Let's celebrate!”

Knox followed the wedding party out of the ceremony space, his heart brimming with conflicting emotions. The joy of his cousin's wedding mingled with the ache of his own unfulfilled desires. As they stepped into the hall, Knox caught sight of Vickie laughing with one of the other bridesmaids.

“She looks beautiful, doesn't she?” Grams voice startled Knox out of his reverie.

Knox nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from Vickie. “Yeah, she does.”

The reception was a lively celebration, full of laughter and clinking glasses. Knox stood near the dance floor, nursing a beer as he watched Vickie glide between tables, chatting and laughing with family and friends. She moved through the room with an effortless grace that Knox couldn’t look away from.

When the band started a slow song, Knox seized the opportunity. He crossed the room, holding out a hand to her. “Dance with me?”

She glanced at her grandmother, who waved her off with a smile, then placed her hand in Knox’s. “I’d love to.”

Knox didn’t hesitate. Setting his drink down, he took her hand and led her to the center of the floor. Her other hand found his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

“You clean up pretty well,” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

“And you’re breathtaking, Vic,” he replied, his voice low.

For a moment, they swayed in silence, the rest of the room fading into a blur. Then, Vickie tilted her head up to look at him.

“Knox,” she began softly, “I’ve been thinking about Iraq.”

He tensed slightly, but she held his gaze, her expression earnest.

“I know you haven’t made a decision yet,” she continued. “But I want you to know…I’ll be here for you. If you decide to go, I’ll wait. I’ll support you.”

Her words hit him like a wave, equal parts relief and something deeper, more profound. “You’re okay with me leaving?” he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“I won’t lie and say it’ll be easy,” she admitted. “But I understand what this means to you, Knox. And I know how much you care about your team, about your mission. I don’t want to be the reason you walk away from something you love.”

Knox stared at her, overwhelmed by the depth of her understanding. “Vic,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re incredible, you know that? I already made my up my mind. I’m not going.” The words came out steadier than he expected.

Her brow furrowed. “Knox...are you sure? That’s a big decision.”

“I’m sure,” he said firmly. “I’ve spent my whole life chasing the next mission, the next deployment. But now...you’re here. And I don’t want to miss this—miss us—because I couldn’t let go of the job.”

Her hand tightened on his. “Knox, that’s...I don’t even know what to say.”

“Say you’ll put up with me sticking around,” he said, his tone light but his gaze serious.

She laughed softly, but her eyes shimmered with emotion. “You don’t need my permission for that.”

The music swelled, and they moved in silence for a moment. Then she spoke, her voice low. “Knox, I want you to follow your heart. If that means staying, I’ll be here for you. But if it means going to Iraq, I meant what I said earlier. I’ll still be here. I’ll wait.”

His chest tightened. “Vickie?—”

“I mean it,” she interrupted gently. “I love you too much to hold you back. You need to do what’s right for you.”

“The one thing I know is this. You, Victoria Anne, you are what is right for me.”

She smiled softly, but before she could respond, her grandmother appeared at her side, her face pale.

“Grams?” Vickie said, concern flooding her voice. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” Grams replied, though her trembling hands betrayed her words. “Just feeling a little off. Maybe I need to sit down.”

Knox exchanged a worried glance with Vickie. “Let’s get you some air,” he suggested.

But Grams shook her head. “No, no. Let’s not make a fuss. Just help me to my room, Vickie. I’ll feel better after resting for a bit.”

“Grams, you don’t look fine,” Vickie said, her voice trembling. “I think we should go to the hospital.”

Grams hesitated but finally nodded. “If it’ll make you feel better, fine. But don’t tell anyone, alright? No need to ruin the party.”

Knox didn’t like the idea of secrecy, but he could see the worry etched into Vickie’s face. “I’ll come with you,” he said firmly.

Vickie glanced at him, gratitude flashing in her eyes. “Thank you, Knox.”

The hospital was quiet when they arrived, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air. Grams was quickly taken to a room for tests, leaving Knox and Vickie in the waiting area.

Vickie sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her foot bouncing with nervous energy. Knox reached over, covering her hands with his.

“She’ll be okay,” he said gently. “Grams is tough. You’ve told me that a dozen times this week.”

Vickie nodded, but tears glistened in her eyes. “I just… I don’t know what I’d do without her, Knox.”

Knox squeezed her hands. “She’s in good hands. And no matter what, you won’t go through this alone. I’m here.”

Vickie’s gaze softened, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

Reaching into his jacket pocket, Knox pulled out a wrapped box. “I was going to give this to you later, but now feels like the right time. I grabbed it out of the rental car when we got here.”

Vickie sat up, curiosity replacing some of the worry on her face. “What is it?”

Knox handed her the box, watching as she opened it to reveal a delicate ornament. It depicted a snowy mountain scene, complete with a towering Christmas tree in the center. Tiny names were etched onto the ornaments hanging from the tree—names of Vickie’s family members.

Tears spilled over as Vickie traced the intricate details. “Knox, this is… It’s beautiful. How did you?—?”

“I picked it up this morning,” he admitted. “I know how much family means to you, and I wanted you to have something that represents that. Something you can hang on your tree every year and remember that you’re not alone.”

Vickie set the ornament carefully back in the box before throwing her arms around him. “Thank you,” she whispered against his neck.

Knox held her tightly, his heart full. “You’re welcome.”

Pulling back slightly, Vickie met his gaze, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “I love you, Knox,” she said softly.

His breath hitched at her words, but he didn’t hesitate. “I love you too, Vic. More than I ever thought possible.”

When the doctor finally came to update them, it was with good news. Grams had experienced a minor scare, but her heart was fine. She’d be monitored overnight as a precaution but was expected to make a full recovery.

Relief washed over Vickie, and Knox felt it too. They returned to Grams’s room, where she smiled weakly at them.

“See?” she said. “I told you it was nothing.”

Vickie laughed through her tears. “Don’t scare me like that again, okay?”

Grams reached for her hand. “I’ll try, sweetheart.”

As they left the hospital later that night, Knox wrapped an arm around Vickie’s shoulders, pulling her close against the cold. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

She smiled up at him. “I think you’ve mentioned it a time or two.”

Knox chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. In that moment, he knew he’d do whatever it took to make her happy.

As they arrived back at the lodge, the festive lights twinkled against the dark sky, their soft glow reflecting off the snow-dusted ground. Vickie leaned into Knox’s side; her hand warm in his as they walked up the stone steps. The doors to the reception area swung open, and Eve stepped out, her cheeks flushed from the champagne. She took one look at them and grinned mischievously.

“Well, well, look who it is,” Eve teased, pointing above their heads. “And look where you’re standing.”

Knox followed her gesture and saw a sprig of mistletoe hanging above the doorway, its green leaves tied with a red ribbon. He glanced at Vickie, who was already blushing, her lips quirking into a shy smile.

“Guess it’s tradition,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.

Vickie rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away when he stepped closer, the space between them vanishing. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing gently over her skin as he tilted her face up to his. Her breath hitched, her eyes locked on his, and he lowered his mouth to hers.

The kiss was soft, tender—a promise and a confession all at once. Her hands slid up to his chest, gripping the fabric of his jacket as she kissed him back with equal intensity. Time seemed to slow, the warmth of the moment wrapping around them like a cocoon.

Eve’s cheerful laugh and the cheers of Knox’s brothers, who apparently came out while they were kissing broke the spell. Vickie pulled back from him, her cheeks flushed, her gaze lingering on Knox’s. He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Mistletoe or not, I’d kiss you anytime.”

Together, they walked inside, ready to face whatever came next—together.