Winning the Lottery

Ch. 35 Family Drama

February was right around the corner.

On the first, I got dressed in a red dress and heels. I curled my hair and did my makeup.

Adam took Diane and me to Jake's base.

I went in.

The woman at the desk smiled. "Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Sgt. Major Hamilton," I smiled.

Lt. Booth came over. "I'll take you to him, ma'am."

I followed him to an office.

Jake was sitting at a desk, doing paperwork. Hawk and another man were seated at his desk.

Lt. Booth spoke, "Sir?"

"Yes?" Jake spoke, not looking up from his work.

"You have a visitor, sir."

Jake looked up. He instantly smiled. "Thank you, Lieutenant."

He nodded and walked off.

"Come on over," Jake smiled.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

"Ready for what?"

"Jake, really? City Hall, remember?"

His eyes widened. "We're we supposed to get our marriage license today? It's kind of early."

"Jake-"

"I didn't forget. I swear, I didn't forget. I've just been busy. I-"

"Jake, Lou and George are getting married today," I reminded him.

"Oh," he sighed, clearly relieved. He relaxed in his seat.

"The ceremony is in an half an hour."

"I can't go. I have to work."

I sighed, "Jake, really?"

He shrugged. "I'm sorry, honey. I have work to do from where I missed so much last month."

"You told me you'd come."

"Britt, I can't."

I sighed, "Great. I'm going to be third-wheeling. At a wedding, their wedding. You know, I'm going to your sister's wedding. It's not fair that you won't take an hour out of your day to go to Lou's."

"It's not that I don't want to. If I could, I would."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Whatever. I'll see you at home."

"Bridget-"

I left.

When I got in the SUV, Adam asked, "Where's Sgt. Major?"

"Busy. Let's go. I can't be late."

He nodded and drove off.

When he pulled up to City Hall, he let me out and told me he'd be parked around the block.

I went in and found the marital court.

Lou and George were waiting in black suits with white button downs. They wore rainbow bow ties. Their hair was slicked back. They held each other close. They were so happy.

Lou looked up. "Britt, hey. Where's Jake?"

"At work. I'm sorry. I tried to get him here, but he insisted he had to work."

"Well, you're here. That's all that matters," George smiled.

I handed them flowers Diane had brought me that morning, which I had requested. They were Lou's favorite.