by Force, Marie
“What way did he leave?”
“Pissed off. I assumed it had something to do with me, as I have that effect on him.”
Flynn seems to be deciding how much he wishes to say.
“Did your friends tell you you’re a fool to not have a prenup?”
“I don’t know that fool was the word they used.”
I roll my eyes at him. “For what it’s worth, I agree with them. I’d actually be more comfortable if there was something that protects you. Just in case.”
“In case of what?”
I throw him a look that lets him know I’m on to him. “Don’t be obtuse.”
“I do so love your vocabulary, Ms. Bryant, and just for your edification, this marriage is forever, so I refuse to go into it making plans for it to end.”
“While I appreciate your complete and utter faith in me and in us, it would be prudent for you to ask me to sign something that says I don’t want your money. I only want you.”
“Which is exactly why you’re not being asked to sign anything. I believe you when you say you only want me. You’re the only woman I’ve ever been with who’s with me for the right reasons. Everything I have is yours.”
Tears fill my eyes. How can this be really happening? “I love you so much. Who you are to the rest of the world and what you have… None of that matters to me as much as who you are to me, what you give to me every day, by loving me.”
He leans in to kiss me.
I reach up to keep him from getting away, which disturbs Fluff.
She comes to with a growl and a bark that make us laugh once again.
Caressing his cheek, I say, “I live in mortal fear of her biting this world-famous face.”
“A scar or two would add some character.”
“You’re perfect exactly the way you are.”
A short time later, we land in Vegas, where we’re met by a limo that whisks us into town. I’m dazzled by the Vegas Strip—the lights, the gaudy grandeur and the palpable energy. Flynn, who has been here a million times, enjoys watching me see it for the first time.
We end up at the Bellagio, where we’re taken in through a special entrance and escorted to an elevator that deposits us directly into a palatial suite with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Strip and the elaborate fountains the hotel is famous for. I walk over to the window to take it all in.
Flynn joins me there and slides his arms around me from behind. “What do you think, sweetheart?”
“It’s amazing. I’m not sure where to look first because there’s so much to see.”
“I wish we were normal people, and I could take you for a walk to get closer to the fountains or show you the casino, where you could try your luck at the tables.”
I turn to face him. “I wouldn’t want us to be anyone other than who we are. I’m perfectly satisfied with this beautiful suite and to have you all to myself.”
“You’ll have me all to yourself after we take care of a little business.”
“What kind of business?” I ask with a coy smile, though I know perfectly well.
The doorbell rings. “Hold that thought.” He kisses me before he goes to answer a door that I hadn’t noticed.
I’m still staring out the window when there’s a flurry of activity behind me reflected in the glass. I turn to find four people and a rack of dresses. “What’s all this?”
“I couldn’t ask you to get married without a fabulous dress and, at the very least, having your hair done however you want it. Oh, and flowers. They’re on the way up.”
“Let me guess. Addie?”
“With a little help from me.” He looks adorably uncertain all of a sudden. “I hope this is okay.”
I go up on tiptoes to kiss him. “It’s perfect. Everything about this is perfect.”
“I’ll leave you to get ready, then. See you soon?”
“Yes, you will.”
* * *
An hour later, I’m wearing a gorgeous white silk dress by a designer I’ve never heard of. It fits me like it was made just for me, which is why I chose it. It’s also subtly sexy with a deep V neckline that I’m quite certain my future husband will appreciate. The bodice is beaded with crystals and pearls, but the rest is exquisitely simple, which suits me perfectly.
I’ve brought the diamond earrings and necklace Flynn gave me before the Golden Globes, and my hands tremble ever so slightly as I put them on. I’m still terrified of losing them, even though he’s told me not to worry. They’re insured. Still, I’d die if I ever misplaced the priceless gems.
I’ve chosen to wear my hair down because that’s more “me” than an elaborate updo will ever be. It’s long and curly, the way I like it best. I never feel more “me,” the new and improved me, than when I’m with Flynn, so I want to be beautiful for him tonight.
I wonder about the people who help me get ready and what sort of threats they must be under to keep our secrets. I hope none of them buckles to the pressure to spill the beans. I’m certain Flynn’s team has a plan for how they will release this news to the world.
That, however, is not my concern right now. At the moment, all I can think about is that I’m about to marry the most wonderful man I’ve ever known, and I can’t wait to commit the rest of my life to him.
Everyone else leaves, and I take a last look in the mirror before I declare myself ready. I’m not sure if I should wait in the bedroom or go out to see if Flynn is ready, too.
A soft knock on the door ends my debate. My belly flutters with excitement as I cross the room to answer. Flynn is there in a sexy black suit with a thin tie. His hair has been combed into submission, and he’s freshly shaven. He’s absolutely stunning, and the way he looks at me takes my breath away.
“Natalie… God, you’re beautiful. Come out here and let me see you.” He takes me by the hand and leads me into the enormous living room that’s bigger than my entire apartment in New York. Still holding my hand, he places his other hand over his heart. “I have to be the luckiest guy who ever lived to have found you. And that you love me…”
“I love you so much. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“Then let’s make it official, shall we?” He hands me a bouquet of white roses and snapdragons and other flowers I don’t recognize. Then he places a call on the house phone, and a few minutes later, the doorbell rings again. This time he admits a man in a suit who gestures for the woman who is with him to enter ahead of him. They both have gray hair and warm, friendly smiles.
“Natalie, this is Judge Henry Gallagher and his wife, Teresa. He’ll marry us, and they’ll serve as our witnesses.”
I shake hands with them. “Nice to meet you both.”
“Likewise,” he says. “We’re both huge fans of your work, Mr. Godfrey.”
“Please, call me Flynn.”
“I have a few things for you both to sign,” Judge Gallagher says.
We take care of the paperwork and decide to stand before the fireplace for the ceremony. When Flynn reaches for my hands and flashes a giddy smile, I set the flowers on a nearby table and take hold of his hands.
All of a sudden, it registers with me that we’re actually doing this. We’re getting married, and I’m not even slightly nervous. That’s because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m doing the right thing. The smile that stretches across Flynn’s handsome face lets me know he feels the same way. I squeeze his hands.
“Flynn and Natalie, you have come here tonight to be married. Are you both taking these vows of your own free will?”
“I am,” we say together.
Flynn squeezes my hands.
“Natalie, if you’ll repeat after me.”
I recite my vows, listen to Flynn recite his and become teary when he slides a platinum band on my finger that matches my engagement ring. I panic for a second when I realize I don’t have a ring for him, but of course that’s been taken care of as well.
He produces a matching ring and drops it into my hand
with a wink and a smile.
As I slide it onto his finger, the magnitude of what we’re doing seems to hit me all at once, leaving me light-headed and joyful. It’s been so long since I’ve felt anything that could be described as joy, but standing here in a luxurious suite in Las Vegas, marrying the man of my dreams—hell, the man of everyone’s dreams—I know real, true joy for the first time in longer than I can remember.
And then he’s kissing me and the judge is declaring us husband and wife. I’m Flynn Godfrey’s wife.
Flynn produces his phone and asks Mrs. Gallagher to take a picture for us. She takes a dozen and then asks if it would be too much to get one of her with Flynn. Naturally, he obliges and produces an envelope that he hands to them. “A little something to thank you for your time.”
As we’re seeing them off, two tuxedoed waiters arrive, one pushing a table that’s been set for two and the other carrying an ice bucket containing two bottles of champagne. The older of the two says, “When you’re ready, Mr. Godfrey.”
“Give us ten minutes, please.”
“Of course.”
They depart, closing the door behind them and leaving me alone with my husband. My husband. Someone pinch me, please. He wraps his arms around me and buries his face in my hair. “Hello, Mrs. Godfrey.”
I slip my arms inside his suit coat to return the embrace. “Hello, Mr. Godfrey.”
“How does it feel?”
“Unreal. Amazing. Perfect.”
“For me, too.”
“I’ll never forget this, Flynn. Any of it. The whirlwind has been…”
“Life changing.”
I nod in agreement. “Incredible.” It’s my favorite word to describe him and our relationship.
Without breaking the intense eye contact, he kisses me softly. I can tell he’s holding back because he has other plans before we consummate this marriage.
“We have one piece of business to attend to.”
“What’s that?”
He pulls his phone from his pocket. “Help me pick the best one.” We scroll through the photos Mrs. Gallagher took.
“That one.”
“That’s a good one.” He sets up a text message and fires it off to Liza with the words “green light.”
“What’s going to happen?”
“She’s going to release the photo with a single sentence that says ‘Flynn Godfrey married Natalie Bryant in Las Vegas tonight.’ That’s all we plan to say about it.”
“That’s all there is to say.”
“Oh, sweetheart, there’s so much more I could say, but I’ll save all of that for you. No one else needs to know.”
“Would it be okay if I text the photo to Leah and Aileen so they don’t hear about it on Twitter?”
“Of course. I’ll send it to your phone.”
When I have the photo, I fire off a quick group text to my friends in New York, who reply immediately.
Leah: WHHHAAAAATTTT??? SHUT THE FUCK UP! OMG! So happy for you guys! You both look beautiful—and happy. Congrats, Nat. I can’t even tell you how thrilled I am for you.
Aileen: I’m in tears for two beautiful people who deserve a lifetime of happiness. xoxo from me, Logan and Maddie
I share the replies with Flynn. “You should probably tell your friends—and your family.”
“You’re right. I should.” He sends off a group message, and his phone starts dinging frantically with replies.
His sister Aimee: Never say never! Way to go. Welcome to the family, Natalie!
Marlowe: Fantastic! Congrats, guys! Looking forward to celebrating at the SAGs. Love you!
Kristian: Congrats! Great pic. Happiness always.
His sister Annie: Shut the front door! Have you been hacked? Abducted by aliens? Laid low by love? Happy for you, bro. Welcome to the Godfrey family madness, Natalie!
Emmett: Mazel tov! My best wishes for a long and happy life together.
Stella: Congratulations, my darlings. Thrilled and delighted to welcome Natalie to our family. Dad and I love you both! xoxo
Jasper: Well done, chap! Natalie, you’ve got one of the good ones. All my best always.
His sister Ellie: Welcome to our family, Natalie! Anyone who can put up with Flynn full time has my undying respect and admiration. Happy for you both! Love you.
Addie: Thrilled and delighted for you both. Enjoy every minute!
“Very good advice from Addie,” I say. Neither of us mentions that the only one who didn’t reply is his closest friend, Hayden.
“Enough with the phones.” He powers his down and tosses it on a table. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
“I could eat.”
He goes to the door to let in the waiters, who deliver a beautiful meal that consists of Caesar salad, grilled shrimp, tender beef, asparagus and mouthwatering risotto. They uncork the champagne and fill crystal flutes.
Flynn raises his in toast to me, and I touch my glass to his. “To my wife.”
“To my husband.”
He leans over to kiss me. “I like the sound of that.”
“So do I.”
I try some of everything, even though my stomach is alive with nerves and excitement for the night ahead of us. I can’t wait to be completely alone with him, my husband. Seeing that ring on his finger and recognizing all it stands for is truly humbling.
“Do you like your wedding ring?” he asks, tuning in to my thoughts.
“I love it. It’s beautiful. Everything is. I can’t believe what you and your magician Addie managed to put together with two days’ notice.”
“She’s good at what she does.”
“Your stamp is all over this, Flynn. Take your share of the credit.”
“I’ll take this much.” He pinches his thumb and index finger together. “I chose the rings and said yay or nay to a bunch of dresses, hoping there’d be one you liked.”
“I love this dress. I never want to take it off.”
He raises a brow. “It’s coming off. Very soon.”
I laugh at the thinly veiled yet playful threat I hear in his tone. “Thanks for the warning.”
We share a chocolate dessert that’s the most sinfully delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. Coupled with the champagne and the strawberries that came with the dessert, I’m bordering on sensory overload. When we’re finished eating, the waiters return to remove the dishes and then the table, leaving us with yet another bottle of champagne in a fresh bucket of ice.
“We need a song,” Flynn says.
“A song?”
“For our first dance as husband and wife. What shall it be? Lady’s choice.”
“Hmmm, this is a huge decision and not one to be taken lightly. For the rest of our lives, whatever song we choose will be the song we danced to on our wedding night.”
“Which is why I left that decision up to you.”
“I’m feeling a tremendous amount of pressure to get it right.”
“I have faith in you, sweetheart.”
“May I consult my music library?”
“By all means.”
As I scroll through the songs on my phone, dismissing one after the other as not right for us, he turns the lights way down. “What song did your parents dance to at their wedding?” I ask him.
“‘Moon River.’ They love that song.”
“That’s a good one.”
He looks over my shoulder as I consult my song list. “Wait, what was that one? ‘Love, Laugh, Fuck.’ That works.”
“We are not having a wedding song with that word in it.”
With his arms around me, he presses his erection against my back. “Why not?”
“Because we’re not, and that’s it.”
“Buzz killer.”
“Maybe so, but you’re stuck with me now.”
“Never been so happy to be stuck with anyone in my life.”
I smile at his sweet words. The kisses he’s leaving on my neck set off goose bumps that cover my entire body.
“I can’t concentrate when you’re doing that.”
“My apologies,” he says but doesn’t stop.
“How about this?” I choose “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz and play it for him.
“That sounds sort of perfect for us in light of everything.”
“So we have a winner?”
“Yes, we do.” He takes my phone from me and plugs it into the suite’s sound system. Then he turns and extends his hand. “May I have this dance, Mrs. Godfrey?”
“Absolutely, Mr. Godfrey.” I go to him and let him wrap me up in his love. My hands find their way inside his coat, and I lay my face on his chest. “Flynn…”
“What, honey?”
“I just want you to know that for the first time since everything happened to me, I feel like I’ve found my way home again. The whirling inside my head has finally stopped, and I’m… I’m calm, at peace. And it’s all because of you and what we’ve found together.”
“Nat… There’s nothing you could say that would make me happier, especially in light of everything that’s happened since you met me.”
“There’s relief in having nothing left to hide, so while I wouldn’t have wanted it to happen the way it did, I’m glad there’re no secrets between us.”
He tightens his arms around me as we sway to the music. “I won’t give up on us, Nat. Ever. No matter what happens.”
“Neither will I.”
Chapter 12
I die inside when she says there’re no secrets between us. I’ve kept something huge from her, something that might’ve changed her mind about marrying me if she knew. I tell myself it doesn’t matter because I’ve put that in the past to focus on my future with Natalie.
She’s the only thing that matters now. Neither my past nor hers has any bearing on the future we’re going to create for ourselves. I’ve made my choices, and now I’m going to make this marriage work or die trying.
She’s warm and soft and pliant in my arms as the song comes to an end and another begins. I don’t want this moment to ever end, the first time we dance together as a married couple. It may be the first time, but it won’t be the last. We’ve got everything to look forward to, and I refuse to spend any portion of this night looking back.