“Excellent! Then we’ll continue.” He raised his voice. “Ed, Connor, do you come before me of your own free will, asking to be married today?”
“We do.”
“Do you swear that you are aware of no lawful impediments to your union?”
“We do.”
“Great! I don’t suppose either of you had time to prepare some vows?”
“Sure, we did,” Ed said, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. “We’ve been planning this.”
If possible, Leanna turned even redder at his words. At some point, I’d have to talk to her. But she’d never storm down the aisle and interrupt the wedding while the cameras rolled. For now, I focused my attention on the grooms.
As they exchanged vows, happy tears slid down my cheeks. When the officiant asked for the rings, I stepped forward, pulling two platinum bands from where they’d been hidden inside my bouquet. And when they were officially pronounced “spouses for life,” I clapped wildly, grinning so broadly, my cheeks hurt.
Before they greeted the crowd, Ed turned to me. “Thank you so much.”
“Yes, thank you,” Connor said. “Especially after everything you’ve been through.”
I pulled them both into a hug. “None of that matters now. We’re so happy for you. Thank you for saving me from Logan.”
“He is rich and handsome,” Ed said. “You could do worse.”
“He’s also basically evil.”
“It’s Los Angeles,” Connor said. “Everyone’s a little bit evil.”
They both kissed my cheek before turning toward the crowd. The officiant introduced “Mr. and Mr. Silva-MacLaren,” and everyone stood, clapping and grinning. The agent Ed pointed out when we walked in held his thumb and pinky finger to the side of his head in the universally recognized “call me” gesture.
Once they reached the end of the aisle, Justin stepped forward, still holding the camera aloft with his left arm and offering me his right. “Mrs. Reid?”
“Mr. Taylor. Lovely to see you.”
At the back of the crowd, Leanna strode toward the center aisle. Apparently, she wasn’t going to give us time to make a getaway before she swooped in to voice her displeasure.
“Are you ready to face the music?” Justin asked.
“Sure. After all, I’ve got a great lawyer.”
Chapter 24
Confessions from the Chapel, Saturday evening:
Justin: This wedding wasn’t about us. It was never about us. All our ideas, everything we wanted, went right out the window. But as long as Jen and I have each other, that’s what matters. And look, I brought a picture of our wedding certificate, in case there were any questions.
Jen: I’m ecstatic for Ed and Connor. They’re the most amazing couple. I couldn’t believe when Connor told me the Network refused to let them do the show, so Justin and I decided to help their dreams come true.
Sarah: If Jen and Justin agree, sure, you can see the video. But you’ll have to get in line. Talky Ted wants it, too, and he’s a persistent guy.
Leanna grabbed my elbow as soon as I reached the back of the church, speaking in a low voice. “We need to talk.”
Heart in my throat, I nodded, gripping Justin’s hand harder. She steered us toward the screened-in porch that served as the secret smoking area during filming.
Facing away from us, she gazed out the porch across the grounds, watching the people mill around the grounds. “I’m not even sure I know what to say. I can’t believe you guys did that.”
Assuming she had quite the rant planned, I crossed my arms and leaned back against the wall. No need to interrupt until she got out everything she wanted to say. Justin stood, hands at his sides, also waiting.
Then she spun around, a wide smile obliterating her face. “That was amazing!”
I did a double take. If I’d been drinking something, liquid would’ve spewed out everywhere. “Really?”
“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “The ratings will be off the hook. People will be talking about this wedding for years! I was planning to move to a new network, but I’ll be able to leverage that episode into a huge raise. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, I guess,” I said. “You’re not mad?”
“No way. After this, the Network will put me on whatever show I want. Less drama, more gritty reality. Real shows. The type of thing I got into this business for.”
She sounded like Vera. And Connor. How many people walking around reality television started with big dreams of changing the world?
“We thought you liked the drama,” Justin said.
“I liked the paycheck. I did my job, paid my dues,” she said. “I’m very sorry about everything you two went through. Janine kept pushing things through without telling me, and I had to act like I had it under control so the Network wouldn’t give her my job. But she’s done.”
For a heartbeat, I almost felt sorry for Leanna. But it was tough to forgive everything Justin and I had been through. She should’ve been on it, not letting Janine run wild. Instead, I made a clucking noise with my tongue and let her interpret it as she would.
“Jen, I talked to Vera this morning.”
The hair on the back of my neck stood up. If that whole conversation was a set up, I was walking out here and now. Not wanting to give too much away about our talk, I said, “And?”
“First, I’m not the one who talked to Justin’s boss. Yes, I dated his daughter years ago, but I don’t even know how Janine found out about that. She emailed him from my account and set everything up. I never would’ve blackmailed you into coming onto the show. I originally pushed to let Connor and Ed get married live. I’m sorry the show steamrollered you.”
“Thanks.” Justin spoke dryly, the tic in his jaw betraying his true emotions. “What about brainwashing my bride into marrying someone else?”
“That was Janine, too. I was giving Jen lots of time with Logan, sure, told him to pile on the charm, but I never wanted to take it this far. Janine’s been fired. And when I’m done with her, not even Fox News will put her on another TV show. No way. I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’m sorry we thought we couldn’t trust you.”
“I don’t blame you. In your shoes, I wouldn’t trust me, either,” she said. “Anyway, guys, America loves you. I’m going to want to talk to you about a follow-up to Jen & Justin’s Big Day.”
“Some other time,” I said. “It’s been quite a roller coaster.”
Justin wisely changed the subject. “Do you have to change the title of the show, since we didn’t get married after all?”
She waved one hand dismissively. “It works. It’s still your big day, in theory. I can talk to the powers that be, but I don’t see any reason to change it. The other nine episodes are all about the two of you.”
“So you’re not mad at all about what we did?” I asked.
“Honey, I’m ecstatic. Not only did you deliver the reality show wedding you promised, you added drama, plus a twist no one will see coming. At least not once I’m done editing it. You’ve more than earned everything we promised.” She pulled an envelope from the pocket of her green day-dress. “Here. I’ve got something for you.”
“Is it a summons?” Justin asked, still wary.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “It’s the itinerary for your honeymoon. Take a vacation, on us. You’ve earned it.”
I took it hesitantly, still expecting some kind of trick. This wasn’t the Leanna I’d come to know during Real Ocean. It was, however, reminiscent of the friendly, overeager production assistant I’d first met two years ago on The Fishbowl.
Inside the envelope, I found two tickets from LAX to San Juan, Puerto Rico, plus an itinerary confirming our stay at an all-inclusive resort, prepaid. “Not to look a gift horse, but what’s the catch?”
Justin nudged me with one elbow, speaking out the side of his mouth. “Shut up.”
“No catch, I promise,” she said. “I have to be the hard-ass sometimes, because it’s my job to make a good show. I have to answer to the network executives. But every single person in attendance signed a confidentiality agreement when they got here. As long as I can keep this twist from a couple of the more conservative bosses until the show airs, we’re golden.”
Justin and I exchanged a look. I nodded, guessing what he was thinking. “I feel weird going on this honeymoon when we’re not the ones giving you the huge ratings on the final episode. Shouldn’t you give it to Ed and Connor?”
“No need,” she said. “As soon as you switched places, I texted my assistant. They’re going with you. I booked a room near yours, but not too near, if you know what I mean.”
To my surprise, I hugged her. To my even greater surprise, she hugged me back. “Now get out of here, you two, and go enjoy the party!”
* * * *
The reception was absolutely lovely, despite the gluten-free, all-vegan crap they served on the buffet. Instead of eating anything, Justin and I danced and danced, lost in our own world. After everyone finished eating, Sarah pulled me to the dessert table, revealing the cake she’d made of me and Justin kissing in the driveway. I clapped one hand over my mouth, too moved to speak.
We gave the cupcakes she’d also brought to Ed and Connor, since they deserved refined sugar for their help. I glanced around, but Logan was nowhere to be found. Neither was Janine. Perhaps they’d gone back into the now heart-shaped maze to celebrate Logan’s freedom. I didn’t care. If I never again saw Logan Cassidy again, it would be too soon. Justin and I moved quietly around the room, talking to Danielle, Brandon, and the few other guests in attendance who were there to see us. It was the first time I’d managed to truly relax since landing in Los Angeles.
After the toasts, Justin and I said our quiet goodbyes, made Mom promise to come to Florida for Christmas, and slipped out. For the first time in ten days, no cameras followed me. A thousand-pound weight fell from my shoulders.
We wheeled our suitcases to the end of the driveway to wait for a cab. We probably could have asked the Network for a ride, but neither Justin nor I wanted anything else from the producers. In my hands, I cradled a small box containing two slices of Sarah’s cake.
“Are you sorry we didn’t get married on national television?” Justin asked.
“Not even a little bit. Our wedding last week was perfect, and it was us. This circus would’ve been neither,” I said. “Besides, you saw how happy Ed and Connor are. The Network refused to give them a wedding, you know. Connor offered, when Braden and Amanda first broke up.”
“Yeah, he told me.” Justin shook his head. “Think about all the drama we could’ve avoided if they’d just gotten their wedding in the first place.”
A taxi pulled to a stop in front of us. We stood quietly while the driver loaded our bags into the trunk. Behind us, music from the wedding played.
“Sounds like a fun party,” the driver remarked.
“It’s a good time, with some great people, but it’s not our scene anymore,” Justin said. “We’re ready to head home.”
After we settled into the cab, I said, “Imagine if we’d just been regular wedding guests. That would’ve been nice. No one would’ve tried to make me attend naked.”
“No forty-hour drive across the country in two days.”
“No Logan trying to seduce me purely to bump the ratings.”
“No actor pretending to be your father.”
I sighed and shook my head. “The things we do for money.”
“Not anymore,” Justin said. “My boss emailed me about an hour ago. The Network signed the retainer agreement, and I’ve got a job in the pro bono department for as long as I want. I start interviewing interns when we get back.”
“What happens if the Network cancels the deal and claims we breached by not getting married?”
He leaned over and kissed me. “Then we deal with it. You and me. Together, we can get through anything.”
I leaned my head on Justin’s shoulder, and he put his arm around me. My eyes fluttered shut. The rest of the trip passed in silence.
Half a mile from the airport, my phone rang. Leanna’s name appeared on the display.
“Why do you think she’s calling?” Justin asked.
“They probably want to film our honeymoon baby’s conception or something,” I said. “Let me turn it off.”
He caught my eyes as the phone rang again. “Come on. You’re not a little bit curious, after the things she said earlier?”
“We said after the cruise we were done with reality TV. It almost broke us up.”
“And today, it brought Ed and Connor together,” Justin pointed out. “She did say she’s going to have full creative control over her next show.”
“Less drama, right? Shows that people can learn?” A third ring. If I didn’t answer soon, the call would roll to voicemail. “I suppose it can’t hurt to hear her out.”
From the front seat, the cabdriver said, “Hurry up, answer it! Even I can tell you want to.”
Justin nodded at the phone in my hand. “Go for it. My wedding gift to you.”
I mouthed ‘I love you’ to him while lifting the phone to my ear. “Hi, Leanna. What can we do for you?”
Epilogue
SHOCKING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ONLINE
Reality Royalty SAYS “I DON’T”
Last minute wedding switch = gay ratings bonanza
by Talky Ted
The finale of Jen & Justin’s Big Day was shrouded in secrecy. Everyone turned in their cell phones at the front door, no media allowed, guests were required to sign lengthy nondisclosure agreements. When the show aired last night, viewers across America finally understood why.
As the sun set over Los Angeles, The Fishbowl’s Jen Reid walked down the aisle on the arm of handsome fellow contestant Ed Silva. However, when the two reached the front, Ed didn’t hand Jen off as expected. Instead, Jen stepped aside, and the groom’s spot was filled by Connor, one of the show’s producers. Ever since The Fishbowl ended, Ed and Connor have been seen around town.
Rumors of an upcoming engagement have circulated for some time, but swapping in a gay wedding was unprecedented for television, which can be oddly conservative at times.
The groundbreaking episode will re-run Saturday night at 10:00 pm. As of this writing, more than ten million people had streamed the episode live via the Network’s app in just one day after news broke. Trust me, this is one show you don’t want to miss!
Neither Jen nor Justin responded to a request for comment. However, a lovely source close to the couple revealed that the two may have actually tied the knot before filming began. They intended to repeat their vows in front of the audience, but discord arose when a canceled flight stranded the groom in Florida.
According to my source, the Network insisted that the wedding must go on, with or without a love match between bride and groom, which is when Jen threw in the towel. Producers allegedly had no idea what would happen until Jen reached the officiant and stepped out of the way.
So now the real question: who gets to go on the show-sponsored honeymoon? And what do I have to do to convince Justin’s sister to go out with me? Call me, Sarah!
For a full recap of the episode, click here.
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Acknowledgments
Somehow, writing acknowledgments for the end of a series seems even more daunting than for the first book. As if this is my chance to fit in everyone I may have forgotten along the way. I’m so very grateful for everyone’s
support, and I apologize to anyone left out.
First and foremost, thank you to my husband for your unwavering love and support. Thank you to Stephanie Thornton again for inspiring this series. None of this would be possible without you, Marie, and Michelle. Go Team Steph!
Thank you again to my wonderful agent, Michelle Richter, and to the Kensington team, especially Wendy McCurdy, Norma Perez-Hernandez, Lauren Jernigan, and Lulu Martinez. Thank you also to the copy editors (and I’m sorry I can’t use hyphens).
Marty Mayberry and Kara Reynolds, thank you for being the absolute best. Thank you to K.D. Proctor and Elizabeth Newmann for your valuable feedback and insight. Thank you to Karen Sargent and Kari Lemor for your first-chapter critiques. A special thank you to Lex Leonov for your help with the LGBT+ characters. I apologize for any mistakes that crept in due to my ignorance.
Thank you to all my friends and family who’ve supported me. You’ve been amazing, and I’m incredibly grateful to have you all in my life. Thanks, Adam, for telling me how to pasteurize eggs to make cookie dough and fuel this book. Oh, and thank you to my local gym.
I hope you enjoyed REALITY WEDDING. Writing this series was a privilege. The best thing for a writer is to know when readers liked their book. If you did, please consider leaving an honest review.
Find me on Twitter @LH_Writes
or at www.facebook.com/lauraheffernananbooks.
Meet the Author
Laura Heffernan is living proof that watching too much TV can pay off. When not watching total strangers participate in arranged marriages, drag racing queens, or cooking competitions, Laura enjoys travel, baking, board games, helping with writing contests, and seeking new experiences. She lives in the Northeast with her amazing husband and two furry little beasts.
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