As we head down the strip toward the wedding chapel, we come to a grinding halt.
I fiddle with all the buttons until I find the one for the divider. “Hi, what’s going on?” I ask.
“Not sure, miss. I’m checking with dispatch now.” He says a few more words into his phone then turns back around. “Bad news, I’m afraid. A produce truck turned over at the intersection. We won’t be able to even get up there, let alone turn onto Fremont Street for maybe a couple of hours. I can try to turn around, but it’s going to take some time to do that. I’m sorry, miss.”
No, no, no! This is not happening! He’s going to think I bailed again. I can’t let that happen.
I hit the button for the moon roof, stand on the seat, poke my head out, and crane my neck to see as far as I can. There, just in the distance, I see the accident. No one seems to be hurt. It looks like the truck just took the curve too fast and turned over.
As I scan the scene, the reason this will take so long to clear becomes immediately evident.
Lemons.
There are what have to be several tons of lemons, most of which have spilled from their crates and tumbled all over the cars and street in every direction, blocking the entire intersection.
I look skyward for a moment, contemplating whether or not I can walk ten blocks in this dress and heels on a crowded Vegas sidewalk. I roll my eyes and blow out a deep breath, and when my eyes land on what’s sitting on the sidewalk to my left, I smile.
I roll down the divider again. “Okay, if you can just get another limo to the chapel to bring us back after the ceremony, that would be great.”
I open the door and the driver hops out. “Miss? Where are you going?”
I point in the direction I’m running and yell over my shoulder. “I’m going to marry my prince!”
Running in heels with five hundred thousand yards of crinoline hiked up around your thighs is far tougher than one would think. By the time I get to the sidewalk, I’m a little out of breath. “Hi,” I say, sucking in and huffing out shallow breaths between words. “Can you…get me…to the…Lucky You wedding chapel in that thing?”
I point, and the guy on the bicycle seat at the front of the rickshaw shrugs. “Sure. Forty bucks.”
“A hundred in cash if you can make it in the next fifteen minutes.”
“For a hundred? I can make it in ten. Hop in, and hang on!”
I do, snapping a quick photo of the citrus catastrophe as we ride by, then returning both hands to the job of keeping my dress inside the rickshaw. I take advantage of a stoplight to call Dad and explain the situation. He might hyperventilate from laughing so hard, but he seems to understand.
The rickshaw driver darts in and out of traffic, but he must have some serious leg muscles, because we make it in what feels like almost no time at all.
By the time we get to the block where the chapel is located, my entire family, Baileys and Adlers, are standing on the sidewalk awaiting my arrival. Andy, of course, is filming the whole thing. I stick my tongue out at him immediately. I know my head must look like the cherry on top of a fluffy cupcake, but I’m just hoping he isn’t catching my bare ass on camera as I try to wrangle myself out of the rickshaw when we pull up.
“Hundred bucks, Daddy. Please pay the man?” I say, my heart pounding, the adrenaline pumping as everyone walks up to the rickshaw. Dad immediately pulls out his wallet and takes care of business, though I’m not sure how he can even see what sort of bills he’s handing out, as hard as they’re all laughing.
Mom, Eleanor, and I all try to hold the dress up as I get out. I stumble, and a pair of strong hands just catch me before my ass hits the ground.
“Nice save, Theodore,” Eleanor says, giving Mr. Adler a playful nudge.
“I did play ball in college, after all,” he says with a shrug.
As we head toward the chapel, I realize I’m missing a heel. “Mom, I’m down to one shoe. Is it in the rickshaw?”
She looks around and Andy joins her, running his hand under the seat. “No luck, Bailey girl. Sorry.”
“Okay, then.” I lean on Mr. Adler’s shoulder, pull off my other heel and hand it to Mom. “Don’t need this one, I guess.”
I stand there, on the sidewalk in bare feet, smooth down my dress, straighten my tiara, clear my throat, and stand tall. “Everybody ready? Let’s get married!”
Chapter 37
At the chapel, I pace back and forth. “What if she changed her mind? What if she ran…again?” I can’t take the thought. I should never have let her come to the chapel alone. I should’ve insisted Peter come with her, or her dad, or someone that could talk some sense into her if she thinks about bolting again.
“She’ll come. Quit stressing out.” Peter says, patting my shoulder.
“Yeah, she’s been nuts without you. Besides, she’s loved you forever. She’s not going to blow it this close to the finish line,” Andy adds.
I walk over to where Mrs. Bailey is standing with Doctor Bailey to check in. “She was okay, though? When you left her?”
“Noah, sweetheart, she loves you. She’ll be here,” Mrs. Bailey pats my forearm sweetly.
“Oh, that’s my phone!” She digs into her clutch and pulls out her phone. “Hello, darling. We’re all waiting.” She winks up at me. “Are you almost here? Wait, a what, now? You’re not making sense, darling. Here, talk to your father.”
“You okay, Princess?” Doctor Bailey asks, taking the phone. Suddenly, he bursts out laughing. “Could you repeat that, Ariel? I don’t think I could’ve possibly heard you right.”
I step forward to stand in front of him, eyes pleading for an explanation.
“Okay, okay. Do you want me to come get you?” He shuts his eyes and purses his lips as he waves his free hand back and forth in a motion as if to say it’s nothing to worry about, but worried, I definitely am.
“Okay, do you want to talk to Noah?” He pauses. “I don’t think that’s bad luck, but if you want to be superstitious, it’s your day. Be whatever you want. Okay, I’ll come outside and be on the lookout for you…love you too.” He hangs up, hands the phone back to Mrs. Bailey, and shrugs.
“Anything you might want to share there, sir?”
“You worry too much, Noah. She’s fine. Had a little mishap on the strip. A citrus situation came up, apparently. She’s got it all sorted out though, and she’s on her way. I’m going to wait for her out front.” He dons the top hat that he very clearly loves and I suspect will end up buying from the rental place that our tuxes came from, and steps outside.
I’m instantly flanked by the other two most important women in my life: my mom, and Elle’s.
“It’ll be fine, dear,” Mom brushes my shoulders as she says the gentle, reassuring words.
“She’ll be here, Noah. She loves you, and why wouldn’t she?” Mrs. Bailey strokes my cheek softly. “I mean, it’s a pity you shaved that beard, but still…just gorgeous.” She winks at me.
“Thanks, Mrs. Bailey.”
“Please, call us Joann and Frank, won’t you? We’re family now, after all. Right, Eleanor?” She nods at my Mom.
“Of course, Jo. We have a lot to look forward to. Just think, we could be grandmothers in no time.”
“Ahem,” Joann clears her throat. “Hot grandmothers, thank you very much.” They both laugh and I’m a little stunned but pretty damn happy they’re getting along so well.
Suddenly, the front door of the chapel flies open. Doc Bailey, Frank, is laughing almost uncontrollably. “You have got to see this!” He crooks a thumb over his shoulder and we all start to walk outside but he puts his hand up to stop me. “Not you, Noah. Sorry. Bad luck and all.”
My shoulders tense, wondering what sort of mayhem might be occurring on the other side of that door.
“Don’t worry,” Andy slaps my shoulder as he steps past me. “If it’s good, I’ll get video for you, and knowing Elle, well, who knows what to expect.” He shrugs and joins the others outside, leaving me
standing in the foyer, pacing.
A few minutes later, everyone returns inside, laughing so hard they can barely breathe. My mom and Joann are wiping tears from under their eyes. Even my dad is laughing. “Son,” he says, putting a hand on my shoulder, “She’s kind of ridiculous. You’re absolutely perfect for each other. I’m glad I came after all, because nothing could top that.” He shakes his head and walks in to take his seat.
For some reason I don’t fully understand, Elle’s mom is holding one shoe, even though she has on two herself.
“Let’s do this, big brother,” Peter says as he walks toward the front, Andy right behind him, and I join him to take our places by the altar.
“Can you at least tell me if she’s okay?” When I ask, they both turn, look at each other, look at me and then shake their heads.
Okay, this is Elle we’re talking about. She’s the most resourceful person I know, so stupid question, I guess.
As we stand and wait for the music to begin, it occurs to me that I didn’t even have time to share the link with Todd or anyone from the office. I quickly grab my phone from my pocket, but Peter stops me before I can even start typing.
“Dude, come on. We got this.” He nods toward Andy. “We texted Todd, I talked to Jessica at your office and gave her all the details.”
“Yep, and I talked to Ian Legare. I could barely understand the guy, but I think he said everyone at Banshee was going to watch the webcast, too,” Andy adds.
Shit. Banshee. Elle’s job. “In all the excitement, I guess I didn’t think about it, but she gave up her job for me. How am I ever going to make that up to her?”
“Actually…,” Andy trails off and looks around sheepishly. “I’m supposed to let her tell you the details, but she and Ian worked out some sort of deal. Remote work or split time or something.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. The last thing I want is to start our marriage off on the wrong foot, her resenting me for having had to give up her dream job.
Our marriage. Shit, it’s really happening. I’m about to marry Elle.
Just as the thought sinks in, I hear the music start. My dad and both our moms turn to look toward the back of the chapel. I hear Andy mumble, “Damn. Bailey girl brought it.” From beside me, Peter nudges me with his elbow, but I can’t turn and look at him. I can’t look at him. Nothing could take my eyes from the sight in front of me.
When I see her, my heart squeezes tight in my chest, all the air leaves my lungs, and time feels like it just stops. Her eyes are locked on mine and there’s a gleam in them like I’ve never seen before. Her toothy smile lights up the whole place.
The dress she has on is absolutely nuts. It’s sleeveless, fitted tight at the top with a scoop neck that’s modest enough to make her parents happy, but the way it dips in at her waist and scoops down the front, it definitely highlights that fantastic little figure of hers. At the waist, there’s sort of a v-shape, and below it is the biggest, puffiest skirt I’ve ever seen. The thing is easily as wide as she is tall and it’s made of that see-through, mesh-y sort of material. I can’t remember what it’s called, but girls seem to go nuts for that stuff. To top it all off, she’s not wearing a veil, which is fine by me because I want to see her gorgeous face. She’s wearing a tiara. My girl is wearing a fucking tiara and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that suited her more.
When she’s a little more than halfway down the aisle, she gives a sort of half-shrug and the slightest chuckle escapes. I know exactly what she’s thinking.
We’re really doing this, right? Can you believe it?
I smile and let out a little chuckle of my own as I nod.
I know. We’re really doing it. Then I mouth the words I’ve been thinking for so long. “It’s about damn time.”
She can’t hold it in. She laughs out loud and I’m vaguely aware of her dad patting her arm and grinning, but my gaze is still glued on her.
Frank gives my arm one firm pat as he takes Elle’s hand and places it in mine. Andy steps up beside his sister, taking her bouquet, playing the part of, as he puts it, best bro. I look down at Elle’s tiny hands in mine, and I notice the ring on her right hand. I rock it back and forth between my fingers, and when I meet her eye, she shrugs. I look over to my mom.“Thank you.” She nods, dotting a handkerchief to her eye to catch the tears that are already falling.
The officiant clears his throat and I hold my breath.
It feels like everything is about to start. My whole life. My whole world.
And I can’t wait to get to the good stuff.
Chapter 38
You know that phrase, grinning like an idiot? I finally know what it means, because that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Dad looks so dashing in his top hat and tails. I’m so glad I let him pick the suits for the guys. As we step around the corner and I look up at the altar, I see my best bro, and his lips are moving. I can’t make out everything, but I know he says wow, and coming from your kid brother, that’s really saying something. My eyes briefly land on Peter, and I’m so damn glad he asked out my college roommate, because if he hadn’t, we wouldn’t have all become friends and I never would’ve met Noah. I don’t want to think about what that life would be like, though. It’s not worth entertaining, because when my eyes land on Noah, and Oh. My. Heart.
He is clean-shaven and his hair neatly styled. No brooding hero, no landed gentry or titled nobleman Jane Austen could ever have dreamed up could remotely hold a candle to Noah Adler in a tux with tails. As my gaze trails up his tall frame, taking in his narrow waist and broad shoulders, I begin to smile. Then, when my eyes meet his, one brow is slightly dipped, and he’s wearing a cockeyed grin.
I can’t help but let a little chuckle escape as I think: We’re really doing this, right? Can you believe it?
He chuckles too, and I can’t help but imagine him thinking: I know. We’re really doing it.
Then his lips move, and he mouths the words I’ve been thinking for the past couple of hours. “It’s about damn time.”
I smile even wider.
My dad pats my arm as he gives Noah my hand, but I barely feel it. I barely feel anything. I’m vibrating with nerves from head to toe.
I hand Andy my bouquet, and turn back. When Noah takes both my hands in his, he looks down, and the pads of his fingers land on his great-grandmother’s ring. He turns to his mom and whispers his thanks, eliciting a sweet smile.
The officiant clears his throat, and we begin. He starts the ceremony, and when he starts to offer Noah vows to repeat, Noah just waves his palm to him, and keeps his eyes fixed on me.
“You…are a frustrating woman, Elle Bailey.” He says it with a smirk, and everyone laughs. “See? They get it. But what they don’t know is why you’re so frustrating to me. I have wanted you since the first day I went up to see Peter at school and saw you and his girlfriend, sitting on a bench in the quad, talking. I wanted to ask you out that day, but I knew the timing wasn’t right. Later on, as we became friends, I watched you date so many,” ahem, he mocks clearing his throat. “Let’s say less-than-worthy guys.” He rolls his eyes and everyone laughs again. “The trouble was, I felt like I was in that same category: Less than worthy of someone as miraculous as you. When I decided to tell you how I felt, I…well, let’s be honest. I completely screwed that up. But you made my heart so full, I knew I couldn’t wait even another day to tell you how I felt. You make me laugh, you make me think, you make me frustrated, and most of all, you make my heart completely full in a way I didn’t know it could be. I love you, Elle, and you make me a better man because I do.”
I try to stop the trembling of my lip but it’s no use. I mean, seriously, this man!
The officiant pauses a moment, then looks at Noah. “So, we’re doing our own vows, I take it?” Noah smirks and shrugs, and everyone chuckles between the tears that linger from his sweet words.
It’s my turn, and though I’m not remotely prepared, I decide to just say what’s in my hea
rt.
“Noah. I have never met anyone quite like you. It’s a gross understatement to say you’re optimistic, because you kind of make other optimists look like total downers in comparison. You’re funny, you’re intelligent, you’re kind. You can easily reach things in high cabinets, which is always a plus.” I wink and he throws his head back, laughing. “You take care of me in a way that only real family can. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love you. I’m so sorry I ran, but I’m so glad I came running back where I belong. Back to my real home.” I put my palm up to his chest. “I love you more than words can say, Noah. Whatever the future may hold, this,” I tap his chest with my palm again, “What we have…it’s worth everything that came before.”
He busts out another one of those new Noah looks I haven’t seen before. This one includes a soft smile, and a little emotion rimming those eyes of his that are the same deep sapphire color as the ring on my right hand. He silently mouths, “You crushed it,” and winks.
We exchange rings, and the officiant pronounces us man and wife. “You may now…,” he doesn’t get to finish before Noah’s lips are on mine.
He holds my face in his palms and kisses me over and over. “You can’t run now. You’re mine forever.” He wriggles his eyebrows playfully.
“You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried, Adler.” I raise a brow, challenging him.
“I feel the same way, Mrs. Adler.” Hearing it, from his lips makes me giggle like a little kid.
We walk down the aisle, hand-in-hand, pausing at the video monitor at the back of the chapel that’s been live streaming the entire ceremony. “Hey, sorry you guys couldn’t be here, but thank you for joining via web!” We both wave to the camera.
Vote Then Read: Volume III Page 169