Chapter 43
“Connor!” I exclaim as he leads me by the hand to a white limousine waiting at the valet.
“I’ve always wanted to ride in a limo.” The smooth leather seats are cool beneath my bare thighs and palms.
“I know,” Connor says, sliding in beside me, engulfing my knee with his warm hand.
Never having been outside of Colorado, let alone to Las Vegas, I’m spellbound by the neon lights glowing beneath the fading stars, as night melts into morning.
A squeeze to my knee brings my attention back to the incredible man next to me—my fiancé. Oh my god! Connor Hayes is my fiancé!
“Do you want to ask where we’re going?”
“Not even a little bit,” I say honestly. “I don’t want to ruin a single moment of what you’ve put together for me.”
I rest my head on his shoulder, careful not to get makeup on his pristine tux. The drive is short and soon we’ve come to a stop on the notorious Vegas Strip. The limo driver opens Connors door, and he steps out, offering his hand for me to join him.
Dark surrenders to light as the sun teases the sky. Rich navy blue dotted with glitter blankets the heavens, fading to dusty purple as night gives way to morning. Lavender and rose shimmer above the faintest coral kissing the horizon.
“Mr. Hayes, right on time. This must be the lovely Miss Tate,” the kind woman says. “We’re delighted to perform your ceremony this morning. Please, come with me.”
I’m in awe he organized this. I have so much I want to know, but now isn’t the time to feed my curiosity. Living in this moment will fuel me for the rest of my days, and I’m determined to memorize it all.
Connor crooks his elbow for me to link my arm through, and we follow the woman into the adorably themed chapel. Iconic scenes flood my memory, like when Mr. Rachel marries Mrs. Ross covered in permanent marker. My smile’s so wide my cheeks ache.
This is the best day of my life.
“As discussed, the Sunrise Promise Package includes exclusive use of the outdoor garden ceremony space, music, an officiant, your marriage license, and a photographer. After you say, ‘I do,’ we’ll bring out the cake you requested, and you’ll have your first dance.
Then you’ll ride into the sunrise happily ever after as Mr. and Mrs. Hayes! ”
Goosebumps cover every inch of my body hearing Mr. and Mrs. Hayes.
It’s something I’ve always dreamed of but never dared wish I’d have.
The woman ushers us through the chapel to the outdoor space, and the pinks and oranges of daybreak are already battling the darkness of the night before.
My bridal cowboy boots clack softly across the flagstone in harmony with Connor’s, echoing in the quiet morning.
We stop several paces from an older man dressed in a suit standing in a charming white gazebo. A carousel-like roof is supported by fluted columns, over a matching flagstone base.
Movement from the shrubbery catches my attention.
“Izzy?” I cry, tears already welling in my eyes.
My Irish twin, best friend and partner in crime for life, is miraculously standing before me in Las Vegas, the morning after her wedding.
“Don’t cry twinie! You’ll ruin your makeup.” Izzy wraps me in her arms, and I try to calm myself while she rubs my back.
I peek over her shoulder at Connor, a serene smile painted on his gorgeous face. How did he pull this off?
“Did someone order a Best Man?” Izzy releases me as I do a one-eighty to find CJ waltzing into the space like he owns it.
“You look exquisite, Delilah. Absolute perfection. Wouldn’t change a thing.” He kisses me on the cheek on his way to stand beside Connor.
They share a bro-hug with lots of back slaps and exchange words I can’t hear. Connor hands his cowboy hat to CJ and smooths back his hair.
My sister leaves me to stand beside CJ, who extends his elbow for her to hold.
“Absolutely stunning, Mrs. Matron of Honor,” CJ croons to Izzy, who playfully rolls her eyes at him.
Connor’s warm hand sweeps the hair off my back, cupping the back of my neck in his safe hold.
“Stay right here, doll.”
Soft music plays through the space, making it even more ethereal.
I’m rooted to the spot as my fiancé enters the gazebo. CJ escorts Izzy in as well, him standing beside Connor, and Izzy standing opposite next to the spot that I will fill.
Her eyes sparkle, but not at me—behind me. A calloused hand gently cups my shoulder.
“Reid?” Of course he’d follow his new wife to Vegas, I shouldn’t be surprised he’s here.
“Are you here to be a groomsman?” I chuckle. Looking all around for Olivia to pop out an announce herself as a bridesmaid.
“No.” He stands in front of me, commanding my full attention.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to be walked down the aisle by someone important to them. If you’ll allow me, I’d be honored to give you away, Delilah.”
I fan my face, tears dangerously close to spilling past my lashes. I haven’t had a dad in a decade, and no one ever filled his shoes. Mr. Andersen’s been like a new father to Izzy, and poor Connor, his dad is fading before our eyes.
But Reid, he’s taken Connor under his wing at the ranch, mentoring him and becoming close friends. I love him for my sister, and he’s always treated me like family.
“I’d love that,” I manage to answer through my tight throat.
Reid turns to stand beside me, holds up a bent arm, which I loop my hand through to rest on his forearm.
We take the few steps into the gazebo and instead of standing beside CJ, Reid comes to stand behind Izzy, wrapping her in his arms.
How are they here, doing this for us, instead of celebrating their nuptials from yesterday?
“Mr. Hayes, pleasure,” the officiant drawls, shaking Connor’s outstretched hand.
“Miss Tate, lovely to meet you,” he says, kissing the back of my hand.
Connor’s less than pleased and possessively wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me closer to him.
I secretly love it, being cherished and fiercely protected.
The officiant steps back, a knowing gleam in his eye, resuming his post. “Are we ready to get married?”
“You sure about this, doll? Once you’re mine, I’m never letting you go.”
“I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life. I’ve always been yours,” I promise.
“Please, stand here for the photographer and join hands.” I forgot about the photographer. Glee bubbles inside me at the promise of our day memorialized in photographs. I chuckle at the “X’s” taped to the flagstone marking our places.
Connor takes my hands, his thumbs soothing me, any nerves melt away at his touch.
The morning sky is brightening more by the minute, the oranges, pinks, and purples blending into the lightening blue sky. The rising sun creates an ethereal glow over the garden.
I couldn’t have planned a more perfect wedding.
“We’re gathered here, with this sunrise as our witness, to celebrate the union of Connor and Delilah. Today, we affirm your bond, uniting you as husband and wife.”
Connor squeezes my hand, and I beam at him—looking just as excited as me, a glimmer of the boy who I fell for all those years ago.
“Connor, when you’re ready…” the officiant leads.
Connor’s Adam’s apple bobs with a thick gulp, the only hint of his nerves showing.
“I’ve never doubted the existence of soulmates, because I found mine when I was eight years old.
I was riding my bike, and I rode farther than I was supposed to, because something was telling me to keep going.
I know now, the heartstring that connects us was pulling me forward to find you.
I found a little doll sitting in the dirt in her pretty yellow dress, like an angel fallen from the sky, changing my life for the better.
“From that moment on, I’ve had a steadfast best friend who quickly became the love of my life.
You’re it for me, Delilah, you always have been.
Life took us on a winding path to get here, but all that matters is you’re standing here with me, and I’m eternally grateful you’ve chosen me to be your husband.
I wanted to marry you at sunrise because you are my sunshine, the light of my life.
I promise to love and protect you until my last breath.
As sure as I live, this love that I give, is gonna be yours until the day that I die. ”
Through the happiest of tears pouring down my face, I reply, “Oh baby, I’m gonna love you forever.”
“Forever and ever, amen,” Connor finishes.
I can’t help it—I’m kissing him before my next heartbeat.
The officiant wipes a tear from the corner of his eye before continuing.
“Delilah, if you have anything you’d like to say to Connor…”
A rush of nerves hits—I’m completely unprepared for this moment. But Connor’s loving expression tells me whatever I say will be perfect, and I relax.
“This has been the most unexpected, magical day of my life. I always dreamed of becoming Mrs. Connor Hayes, but I never dared hope it would come true. You’ve been my hero since the day you found me—a broken little girl who needed you more than you’ll ever know.
Wherever you were is where I wanted to be.
The connection between us is something from a fairytale—I was destined to be yours, and you mine.
“I love you for your unwavering loyalty, your integrity, and fierce protectiveness. I love you in the big ways that make you the remarkable man you are, but also in the quiet ways. The way you look at me like I’m the only person in the world.
The way you always find me in a crowded room, because our hearts are strung together.
The way you stand behind me and give me the confidence to follow my dreams. I’ve never wanted to be anything more than I want to be your wife.
I promise to devote my life to giving you the love you deserve. ”
Connor sniffs, holding back tears. His quivering lip makes me love him more than ever.
I whisper, “I love you, baby.”
The officiant clears his throat, drawing our attention from our little world back to the sun-brightened gazebo.