Eight Years of Maybe One Day of I Do—Bride Swapped Deal With It novel Chapter 95

Chapter 3

But he didn’t hear me.

Because outside, Betsy’s scream rang out, mixed with the screech of tires.

Kaelan dropped me and bolted out the door.

Not long after, my phone dinged-a message from Betsy:

[You think Kaelan making me apologize meant he hates me?]

[Let me tell you-half an hour ago, he kissed me to comfort me.]

[And now? I almost got hit by a car, and he couldn’t even care about your precious anniversary. He’s taking me to the hospital.]

[I matter more to him than you ever will!]

Through the glass window, I watched that familiar Jeep disappear into the distance. I laughed bitterly at myself.

Back at the residential compound, I started packing for Virginia.

Kaelan, who’d said “I’ll be right back,” went radio silent all afternoon.

It wasn’t until well past midnight that he finally texted:

[Avelaine, Betsy got into a car accident. Forget that she’s my subordinate-as a soldier, I can’t just abandon her. Let’s celebrate our anniversary

another day, okay? Don’t be mad.]

I didn’t reply.

Early

the doorbell rang urgently.

in stood there looking anxious.

reply last night? Are you still mad?”

tired from packing. Fell asleep.” I brushed him off casually.

His eyes fell on the camouflage duffel bag in the living room. He grabbed me in panic.

“Why are you packing? Where are you going?”

I pulled free from his grip, answering calmly. “Virginia.”

At that, he relaxed.

“Oh-going to see your parents? When’s your flight? I’ll have my aide prepare some gifts to bring to them. Say hello to them for me.”

“Tonight’s flight.”

“Okay, I’ll drive you to the airport. But come back soon, yeah? I’ll miss you.”

His voice even carried a hint of playful sweetness.

09:27

Eight Years of Maybe, One Day of I Do-Bride Swapped, Deal With It!

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Kaelan didn’t think twice. He shut the door for me.

“Actually, some West Point buddies are having a reunion lunch today. Come with me.”

I didn’t refuse.

After I left for Virginia, the chances of seeing old classmates again would be slim. This was as good a farewell as any,

When I got in the car, I saw Betsy sitting in the passenger seat, her calf wrapped in bandages.

Kaelan rushed to explain, “She can’t walk well, so she’s riding with us.”

I nodded calmly, my tone flat. “I understand.”

Kaelan’s brow furrowed slightly, as if surprised by my reaction.

But in the end, he said nothing and drove off.

We arrived at the venue shortly after.

The moment we stepped into the private room, we became the center of attention.

“Can’t believe after all these years, the West Point’s golden couple is still inseparable! Your relationship is as strong as ever!”

“Seriously, you must be married by now, right? Any kids?”

Before either of us could answer, Betsy jumped in.

“Don’t get ahead of yourselves-they’re not married! Commander Sherwood’s marriage follows family tradition. Nothing’s been decided yet!”

Kaelan’s face darkened. He put his arm around my shoulder, his thumb brushing the plain ring on my finger-the one he’d made from a bullet

casing.

the Blessed card yet. But we’re definitely getting married. When we do, you’re all invited to the Fort Bragg officers’ mess.

eader pulled out a metal box.

everyone’s here, let’s open the time capsule from graduation and see whose wishes came true!”

the mood in the room instantly lifted.

“Come on! Dump ’em out! You reads each one out loud in front of everyone-that’s the fun part!”

The first one was Kaelan’s:

[Once I make Major General, marry Avelaine immediately. I’ll make her my one and only wife.]

The second was mine:

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