Chapter 39
By the time we reach our destination, I’m relaxed and well rested.
I didn’t realise just how much I missed Deacon’s warmth in bed while I slept until I woke up with him curled around me.
Despite Deacon being by my side, I’m still nervous about whether we’ll make it to the altar.
He hasn’t put a step wrong, but my heart has been trampled so hard that I’m not sure I could take any more.
It’s so difficult to let him out of my sight.
Together we go to apply for a marriage licence—he even comes with me to find a dress. I think he’s as scared to lose sight of me as I am of him.
When we’re back in our hotel room, he gets online to find a wedding chapel.
I know he’s found what he’s looking for when he whoops and punches the air. I move to sit beside him to take a look, and he holds out a palm.
“Wait one second. I want to book this because it’s perfect, and then we’ll talk.”
My eyes narrow. “What are you hiding from me?”
“Nothing.” He beams an innocent smile at me, but it doesn’t quell my suspicions. “But I can book this for this evening, and then I just have to pop downstairs to do some shopping before we leave to get married.”
“This is insane, you know.”
His grin is infectious. “I know, but you’re going to love it. I promise.”
I sit in a chair nearby and cross my arms, watching him as he focuses on the screen. I’m sure I could sneak over and peek, but he’s so excited, I don’t want to ruin his buzz.
When he’s finished, he closes the laptop and gets up. He walks toward me and leans over, planting a kiss on my lips.
“Is there anything you need while I’m out?”
I nod. “Can you bring back food?”
“Call room service. The menu’s by the phone. I won’t be too long.”
“What are you up to, Deacon Miller?”
He grins again. “Just making today memorable. By the way, the chapel will do both video and photos, so we can share all of this with the family.”
I grimace. “Mum’s going to kill me.”
Deacon shrugs. “Maybe, but you’ll at least be a beautiful bride today.”
Reaching behind me, I pull a cushion out from behind my back and smack his arm with it. “That doesn’t help.”
With a laugh, he turns and heads toward the door. “Love you, Pip.”
“Love you too, jerk face.”
He’s still laughing as he leaves, and despite my irritation that he’s keeping secrets, I can’t help but smile.
* * *
By the evening, I’m champing at the bit to know what’s going on.
Deacon continues to leave me in the dark while cajoling me with food—it’s a winning strategy.
“It’s time to get dressed. There’s a car picking us up in around half an hour.”
I glare at him. “What else?”
He claps his hand together. “There’s something you should know before we go. It’s an Elvis chapel.”
My mouth falls open. “No way.”
“It was the earliest wedding service I could find.” His eyes twinkle with mischief.
“Bullshit.” I laugh. “But I love it. Let’s do it.”
He grins. “I just want this to be as memorable as possible. We’ll have another ceremony when we get home for all our friends and family.”
“One you’ll turn up to?”
For a moment, he falters before he realises I’m teasing and his smile reappears. “I’ll be glued to your side from now on, Pippa.” He leans over and gives me a soft kiss. “Go and get dressed, and let’s get married.”
Once I’m ready, I walk out of the bedroom. Deacon’s fiddling with his bow tie. We’ll look a sight in that Elvis wedding chapel with his tux and my formal gown, but I can’t wait to be Mrs Miller and draw a close to the bad in our lives.
He looks up at me and smiles. “You look beautiful. Come here.”
I walk toward him, and he bends and picks up a box from the couch.
“Turn around.”
His warm hand brushes my collarbone, and the cool metal of a necklace being draped around my neck touches my skin.
“What did you do?” I ask.
“Bought you something for a wedding gift. I figured it was the least I can do.”
And just like the last time we were together like this, he places a kiss on my shoulder.
I close my eyes.
“I love you, Pippa. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
When I turn back to him, he smiles.
I look down at the necklace. It’s similar to the ruby pendant he bought me, but this time it’s sapphire. The shade of blue reminds me of his eyes.
“Lord knows I’m not perfect, but it’s new and blue.”
He leans over and places a gentle kiss on my lips.
“It’s wonderful. I love it.”
Reaching for my hand, he knits our fingers together and squeezes.
A limo’s waiting for us outside the hotel, and we’re swept away down the strip to the chapel.
“Nervous?” Deacon asks.
I nod. “A little.”
“It’ll just be us, the celebrant, and a witness. And then once the ceremony is over, you’re all mine.”
He leans close to me, and I rest my head on his shoulder.
Am I doing the right thing?
I guess time will tell, but it feels right.
“This is kinda crazy, Deacon. What are we doing?”
He chuckles. “I’m setting things right. And yeah, it’s crazy. I know we could have gotten married back home, but this is more exciting, right?”
I raise my head. “That’s one word for it.”
“I’m giving you a wedding to remember, and then we can head home for a while before we take a honeymoon.”
I turn my head. “You just took a month off work.”
He shrugs. “They’ll survive. You can pick where we go. If you want to go to Europe, we can do that. If you want somewhere closer to home …”
“Do you want my honest opinion?”
He nods. “It’s your choice, so sure.”
“I want to go home to our new beach house.”
Deacon grins and leans over, kissing me. “We’ll do that then. And then on our first anniversary, we’ll take a trip.”
“I love that idea.” I cup his cheek. “And I love you.”
“I’ll never get sick of hearing that.”
The limo pulls to a stop, and the driver opens the door before offering me his hand as I step out onto the kerb. Deacon follows me, slipping his arm around my waist and leading me toward the chapel.
It’s dream-worthy.
In the heat and the dust of the Nevada desert is this tiny church-looking building. There’s a colourful garden around it, and as Deacon leads me along the path to the front door, I let out a sigh.
“This is amazing.”
“As soon as I saw it, I knew we had to be married here. It’s so you.”
“You know me so well.”
When we reach the steps, the Elvis celebrant and a woman are waiting for us.
“Welcome, little lady,” he says, and I giggle. “Let’s get you two hitched.”
Deacon gives my waist a squeeze and we follow them into the chapel.
It’s just as pretty on the inside. Candlelight makes the wooden walls glow warm and welcoming, and once Deacon sorts out the paperwork, our ceremony starts.
I spend my time switching my gaze between Elvis and Deacon. The ceremony won’t be long—we’ve got the chapel booked for half an hour and that includes two songs from Elvis.
This is insane. I can’t believe this is my life.
And I love every single second.
When it comes to the rings, I panic for a microsecond before Deacon draws two boxes out of his pocket.
“I got it covered, Pipsqueak. I’ve got your engagement ring too. It’s time to put it back on.”
Inside the boxes are new white-gold rings. He’s thought of everything.
I’m teary-eyed as we exchange them.
“Now it’s time for the vows. Deacon, what do you have to say to your little lady?”
Deacon turns to me and takes my hands in his. He draws in a deep breath. “I messed up. And when I did, I hurt the person I love more than life itself. So, this is me, Pippa, promising to make all your dreams come true and never, ever hurt you again. I swear I’ll never make you cry, and I’ll slay all your dragons. From today until the end of time, I’ll be there for you.”
Tears well in my eyes. Deacon’s sincerity is blinding even in comparison to the bright lights of Vegas. If I still had any doubts about how he felt, they just evaporated.
“I … just give me a second.”
“Take your time, darlin’,” Elvis says.
This whole thing is so absurd, I can’t help but giggle.
“Pippa?” Deacon’s brows knit.
“I’m a little overwhelmed, but I’m okay.”
I press my lips together briefly before blowing out a long breath and giving Deacon a nod.
“Deacon. I love you. I have loved you for as long as I can remember. There might be bumps in the road ahead, but as long as I’m with you, I know I’ll be okay.”
That’s all I can get out before I choke up again. But I smile through the tears as Deacon squeezes my hands.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
I grin, and Deacon dips me, pressing his lips to mine before devouring my mouth in a kiss so hot I’m about to melt into the floor.
“No getting away now.”
I squeeze his hand as Elvis starts singing “Love Me Tender”.
He turns to me, his brow furrowed. “Pippa, I won’t ever?—”
“I know.”