Ten
Luke
Two hours, three phone calls, one judicial waiver of waiting period, and a promise from my assistant, Roz, not to alert my family to what I was doing, and Laura and I were on our way to the Tie the Knot Chapel that specialized in quickie marriages for tourists and locals alike.
“Your mom is going to be pissed,” Laura reminded me.
“She’s got four other sons,” I said with a shrug. “Missing one wedding won’t make much difference to her.”
My platitude sounded good, but it was total bullshit.
Both of my parents would be livid that I hadn’t included them.
Not to mention my brothers would be pissed—and probably Emerson, too.
Our family was close knit, and I knew I’d be chapped if one of my siblings got married without me in attendance.
But I’d get over it eventually, and so would they.
As Laura and I made our way up town the chapel, I realized at least one member of our extended family was available to stand with me.
“Rick,” I said, catching the reflection of the driver in the rear-view mirror. I’d known him my whole life. “After you park the car, would you please join us in the chapel?”
“Sir?”
“Don’t sir me,” I reprimanded, rolling my eyes. “You’re just as much a part of this family as anyone. It would mean a lot to me if you’d come inside to be our witness.”
“Then I would be honored, Luke,” Rick said, nodding at me in the mirror.
“Laura.” I turned to face her, taking her hands in mine. “I promise, when things calm down, I’ll throw you the biggest, most audacious wedding you’ve ever seen.”
“Don’t be silly,” she insisted. “I want a marriage with you. A big wedding is just frosting.”
“How did I get so lucky?” I brought one of her hands to my lips and kissed it softly.
She giggled. “I guess you just run faster than I do.”
“Thank goodness we’re done with all that.” I stared pointedly at her.
“I’m done running,” she promised.
“Well,” I said as we pulled up in front of the building housing the chapel. “I can buy us rings in the boutique they have here, or we can go shopping for them later.” I didn’t bother mentioning the first ring I’d purchased for her had been…donated.
“Let’s see what they have,” she offered as she slid out of the car. “I’d like the world to know you belong to me as quickly as possible.”
“The world has known I belong to you since the first night I met you,” I said, following her to the sidewalk and linking her arm in mine. “It was only ever you who doubted it.”
“No more doubts,” she said, beaming up at me. “Let’s go get hitched.”
“Rick,” I said, turning back to him. “We’ll wait for you outside the chapel.”
He nodded before getting back in the car and pulling away.
Laura and I walked inside together and followed the signs toward the chapel. The woman at the desk greeted us both and let us know there was a wedding currently taking place, but they should be ready for us soon, then she directed us to the jewelry shop located down the hallway.
I let Laura peruse their offerings, promising her that she could have anything she wanted. After a few minutes, she selected two plain, white gold bands.
“What about an engagement ring?” I asked as the clerk rang us up.
“I’m good,” she said with a shrug. “I’m a simple girl, Luke.”
“I know you think so,” I teased. “But you’re the most complicated woman I’ve ever met.”
She rolled her eyes as she took the bag from the clerk, and we walked back to the chapel.
“Willow!” Laura squealed as we approached a small gathering of people who’d congregated in the waiting area. I’d forgotten Willow had been at Laura’s party that night at Bradford’s . I wasn’t sure how they knew each other, but now, I remembered that they had been friends.
The two ladies hugged, and both began talking a mile a minute while I glared at Jameson.
“Did Roz call you?” I demanded.
“Chill,” he said, clapping me on the back. “I was standing at her desk when you called.”
“You didn’t tell Mom, did you?” I asked, my tone warning. “I want a small service. I don’t need the Cassels crowding in here like the Waltons.”
“I haven’t talked to anyone,” he promised. “But they’re going to be pissed at you.”
“They’ll get over it,” I assured him. “I just need her married to me.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I’m happy for you.”
“Am I happy for you, too?” I asked, looking over at Willow.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jameson said with a sniff. “That woman is a pain in my ass. She followed me to your office, yelling at me the whole way there. When she heard Roz talking about you marrying Laura, she insisted I bring her with me.”
“Okay,” I said, smirking at my little brother.
Everyone who knew Jameson and Willow could see that they’d loved each other their whole lives. Unfortunately, they were the two most stubborn people on the planet, and refused to see it for themselves. The phrase “thin line between love and hate” could have been invented for those two morons.
I walked over to my bride, reaching out to tug on Willow’s hair. I’d known her for what seemed a million years.
“Why don’t you give my brother a break?” I asked her.
“He’s an ass,” she hissed. “But I don’t want to talk about him. Congratulations, Luke. Laura’s a great girl.”
“Oh, I know.” I wrapped my arm around Laura’s waist and squeezed her into my side. “I’m a lucky man.”
“Sir.” The woman who worked at the chapel approached us, smiling. “The current couple is just finishing up. Is your whole party here?”
I looked around and smiled as Rick rushed through the door.
“They are now,” I assured her. “Just let us know when we’re ready.”
The doors to the chapel opened, and I bit back at a laugh as Mark and his fiancée—well, apparently wife now—walked out into the lobby.
“Mr. Cassel!” Mark stopped short when he saw me.
“Mark,” I said, reaching out to shake his hand. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, sir,” he answered, his tone thick with confusion. “Uh…this is my wife, Melanie. Mel, this is my boss, Mr. Cassel.” He turned his head and caught sight of Jameson. “Oh! And my other boss…Mr. Cassel.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Melanie said, smiling at everyone in my group. “Who’s getting married?”
“That would us,” I said, hugging Laura a little tighter.
“Congratulations, sir,” Mark told me.
“Thank you, Mark.” I nodded to them both.
Mark and Melanie waved to us as they left, and I finally broke down into laughter as soon as I thought they were out of earshot.
“What’s so funny?” Laura asked.
“I’ll tell you later,” I promised. “Let’s go get hitched.”
We all walked into the chapel, and without any direction needed, Jameson stood to my left and Willow took the maid of honor spot beside Laura. Rick made to sit in the front row, but I cleared my throat pointedly.
“Get up here,” I demanded.
“Sir, that’s not necessary,” he insisted. “Your brother is here.”
“And you’re like my favorite uncle,” I said firmly. “Get. Up. Here.”
His cheeks turned pink, and his eyes may have gotten a little watery, but he stepped forward and took his place next to Jameson. My brother reached out and wrapped an arm around Rick’s shoulder, squeezing lightly before we all turned to face the minister.
“Dearly beloved,” she began, smiling around at us. “We are gathered here today to join this couple in wedded matrimony. If anyone here has just cause that these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“I object!” a strong male voice barked from the back of the room, making me jump. I turned to glare at the intruder but felt Laura stiffen, her lock on my hands growing painfully tight.
“Dad!” she gasped.
Oh, shit.