“But he only proposed to you yesterday. How are you getting married today?”

  “Did you know about it? Is that why you took me out yesterday? Were you somehow a part of it?”

  “Of course that’s why. I was in on the big plan. But I didn’t think this would happen.”

  “Well, we want to get married before I’m too big to fit in a dress.”

  “Does it have to be before the baby is born? Can’t you wait until afterward?”

  “We could, but Brock wants to get hitched first so we’re a proper family unit.”

  “That’s sweet. I suppose I was just holding out for a big wedding where I could be a bridesmaid, but this is okay too. I can still wear a nice dress, can’t I? Act like I’m a bridesmaid?”

  “You pretty much are, so wear as nice a dress as you would like.”

  “What are you going to wear? Do you even have something white already?”

  “I have a cream dress that fits over my bump, so that’s what I’m going to wear.”

  “Okay. I’ll come over soon and style your hair and do your makeup. This might not be a traditional wedding, but you still want to look your absolute best for it.”

  “Thank you, Millie. I really appreciate it. I’ll see you shortly.”

  As I hang up the phone, I do a little happy dance around the room, excitement exploding within me. I slept on the idea, wanting to be sure that I would always be happy with this decision since I only ever intend to have one wedding—and I’m still over the moon. This is what I need to be happy. I only want him.

  “How are you doing, my beautiful blushing bride? Are you still looking forward to today?”

  He wraps his arms around me and holds me close, inhaling deep to breathe in the scent of my freshly washed hair. I listen to the thumping of his heart, embracing the way it pounds just for me.

  “I’m very much looking forward to today. But you might have to get out of here for a while.”

  “You’ve lived here one day, and you’re already kicking me out of my own home?”

  “I am, but only for a while. You can’t see the bride before her wedding day.”

  “Oh, come on, you aren’t going to stick to that rule, are you? We aren’t exactly traditional.”

  “I know, but we can do this one thing right, can’t we? I want to surprise you.”

  “Oh, alright then. If you want to surprise me, I suppose I can let you have some time alone.”

  “I’m sure you need to get dressed anyway. Spend the morning doing . . . I don’t know, whatever it is that guys do on their wedding day. Smoke cigars, drink brandy, I don’t know.”

  He laughs and nods before turning away and heading out the front door. I can’t believe that the next time I see him, it will be our wedding day. We will be getting married! It’s insane, but it’s the awesome kind of crazy.

  “Hey, I’m here!” Millie calls as she comes inside. “Your husband-to-be let me in.”

  “Wow, that was quick! Were you nearby? I thought I’d get a little while to myself first.”

  “Just excited to get here. I got a cab because we have a lot of work to get you ready for today.” She enters the room with huge bags in her arms. “I brought all my equipment with me so we can make you look amazing.”

  “You really think it’s going to take all of that? How bad do I look?”

  I say this as a joke, but Millie’s expression remains serious. “Don’t you worry about that.”

  I settle down to let her work on me, occasionally sliding my eyes closed as the sensations completely relax me. Millie just has this way of calming me down as she makes me look amazing, just as she did before our date.

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Millie. Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without you.”

  “You don’t have to thank me. You know that I’ll always be here, and now that you’re getting married, I guess you will always be here too. Then when I get married, you can be my bridesmaid.”

  “Is there any sign of that in the cards at the moment?”

  “No, but that’s because we’re moving at the pace normal people do. Not everyone needs the whirlwind.”

  My eyes snap open. “You don’t think I’m making a mistake, do you?”

  “Of course not. Your situation is completely different from mine. It doesn’t matter what I think anyway.”

  “I know it doesn’t. I would just prefer it if you were happy for us, that’s all.”

  “I am, obviously. That’s why I went to see Brock. That’s why I couldn’t let it drop. He makes you happy, you make him happy, you’re having a child. If you think it’ll last forever, then I do too. He’s certainly been the best guy you’ve been with for a very long time. I think he’s good for you.”

  “Despite everything we’ve been through, he is really good for me. He makes me bolder and braver than I’ve been in a very long time, and I know that he’ll always take care of me. I really do love him, and he loves me.”

  She clamps her hands down on my shoulders and smiles brightly at me. “Then you go get him. You marry him and claim him forever. Just try not to have the baby in the middle of the ceremony.”

  “I still have a couple of months yet. I don’t think that’s going to happen!”

  “Keep your legs clamped together just in case. Don’t even let your water break.”

  “Don’t give me anything else to worry about. I’m already nervous enough.”

  “You don’t need to be nervous. You’re marrying the love of your life. Just be happy.”

  I stare at my reflection in the mirror, knowing that I really am truly happy for the first time in a very long time.

  * * *

  The twinkling lights flicker above us, making my smile that much brighter. The white and pale pink roses decorating the chapel might be fake, but they’re the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, and with Brock’s hands clamped tightly in mine, there isn’t anywhere else in the world I’d rather be.

  The officiant, wearing a bright purple suit that doesn’t really match the rest of the chapel, begins. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the marriage of Brock Stanton and Jodi Night.” I can feel the eyes of Millie and Josh upon us as we start. Millie is probably weeping already. I don’t want to look in case she sets me off. “Brock and Jodi have found their special person, the one they want to spend the rest of their lives with. They have found a partner they can trust with their heart, mind, body, and soul. It’s been a long search, but now they are there.”

  I burst into tears then, because that resonates so clearly with me. That’s exactly how I feel. Yes, we had one misunderstanding that could have been catastrophic, but we survived it for a reason. In the grand scale of the rest of our lives, that time will be nothing. We’ll either forget all about it or use it to strengthen us.

  “They have a good reason to be happy, and we are all here today to support their commitment to one another. Marriage is a promise to take one another as a friend, a companion, and a lover while creating a family of their own.” Brock and I both rub my belly then, enjoying the parenting journey together. “And as it seems like you are both very ready for that, it’s time to exchange your rings, your bands of commitment.”

  “Oh no!” I clap my hand to my mouth, stunned. “We didn’t get rings. We didn’t think about it.”

  Brock laughs, and I join in. “No, we didn’t. We made this decision last night, so we forgot.”

  “We could always use my engagement ring.” Millie pulls it off and waves it at me. “Will that work?”

  “Why don’t we just skip to the vows instead? Did you write your own?”

  “No, but that’s okay, I’ll just speak from the heart.” I turn to Brock, and I smile. “Brock Stanton, I love you very much. You are the strongest, sweetest, most wonderful man I know. I’m lucky to get to spend the rest of my life with you. In sickness and health, for richer, for poorer, until death do us part. You already know that I’ll be faithful and loving forever, and I’ll do what I can to be the best wife for you, the woman you deserve.” I smile through the tears, hoping the words are coming out right. “Thank you for marrying me. I love you.”

  “How am I supposed to follow that?” That’s the first moment I spot tears in Brock’s eyes too. “Jodi, you are incredible. You’re the best woman I know. I don’t know why you’re thanking me, because I’m the lucky one here. I get to spend the rest of my life with you. I get to love you, to hold you, to make you feel like a princess. I suppose the traditional vows might not seem to apply to us because we aren’t exactly acting traditionally, but they apply just the same. I will be the absolute best husband that I can be, always making you happy. I love you too.”

  “I now declare you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

  Brock brushes his hand over the back of my neck while he kisses me, sealing our love as his lips move in unison with mine. I grab his waist and pull him close to me, refusing to let him go. Now he legally belongs to me, and no one can ever come between us again. It’s absolutely perfect.

  “Um . . .” The guy in the suit lets out an awkward cough. “Shall we wrap this up?”

  We pull apart and laugh together. I can see desire running through him, swimming between us both, pulling us back toward home where we can finally get our hands on one another. I bite down on my bottom lip and flutter my eyelashes at him, hopefully giving him the message that I can’t wait to take his clothes off.

  “We have come here today to celebrate the union of Brock Stanton and Jodi Night, who have come together of their own free will to solidify their love in our presence. The promise made today will stand the test of time as they continue to show their love for one another in their own way every single day. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the laws of the state of Nevada, I take great pride and pleasure in declaring you husband and wife. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Stanton.”

  “You are taking my last name, right? Sorry, we didn’t have time to talk about it.”

  “Of course I am. I want us all to have the same surname. That way, we’ll be a proper family.”

  Brock kisses me again. “That sounds absolutely perfect to me. Now let’s go out and celebrate.”

  I turn to see my best friend sobbing with happy tears for me, and mine burst free once more. She races over to me and hugs me tight. “Oh, Jodi, I’m so happy for you.”

  “Are you coming out to celebrate with us? I think Brock should buy us all dinner.”

  “Ooh, spending the hubby’s money already. I love it. Let’s do it.”

  As we leave the chapel, I finally feel like my life is about to begin, and I just can’t wait.

  Epilogue – Brock

  What the—? I freeze where I am in the street as I see a sight that shocks me. Is this for real?

  He seems to sense my eyes upon him, and he turns to face me. There’s a moment of dullness where his expression remains blank, but then recognition crosses his face, and he walks toward me. I brace myself.

  “You’re him, aren’t you?” He furrows his eyebrows at me. “You’re the guy.”

  “And you are Lucas, the man who threatened my wife and told her he would blow up my casino.”

  “Oh.” He shuffles his feet uncomfortably along the ground. “She told you about that, huh?”

  “She sure did, and I’ve wanted to speak to you ever since to let you know that if you threaten anything to do with me again—and I mean my business, my wife, or my child—then that will be it for you.”

  “She had the kid already?”

  “No, not yet. She’s due any day now.”

  “And you’re married? I didn’t realize that was happening.”

  “Yes, she’s my wife now, so you aren’t going to trouble her for anything. I include money in that.”

  His whole body flames red. I’m glad to see him embarrassed. He should be ashamed of what’s he’s done. “I’m very sorry about all of that. I wasn’t in the best place at the time, and it made me a jerk.”

  “You still don’t look like you’re in the best place. You’re scruffy and dirty. You have bloodshot eyes like you’re on something, and you haven’t stood still for even a second.”

  “No, I’m better now. I’m doing alright. I cleaned up in jail, and now I’m back to normal.”

  I grab him by the scruff of the neck and growl at him. “Don’t fucking lie to me. I know that isn’t true.”

  I almost want to hit him, the anger of everything he’s done bubbling to the surface, but then I remember everything that Millie told me. She said that the reason Jodi has always been so kind to this idiot is because he’s had a hard run. Both his parents died, which must have been hard, I suppose. Of course, it doesn’t justify his actions or his choices, but I know all too well that these things can happen. Mistakes can have catastrophic results.

  I don’t think Jodi would want me to pummel this guy into the ground, even after everything he’s done. If anything, she’d probably want me to help him. She still sees the good in him.

  “They didn’t keep you in jail for long enough,” I growl in his face. “You shouldn’t be out already. Maybe I should call the cops for your drug use and get you sent back there. Would you like that?”

  “No, no, please don’t do that. I’m not using again. I’m really not. I’m back to normal.”

  I drop him back to his feet. “If you tell me the truth, then I might be able to help you.”

  “How will you help me? I don’t understand.”

  “I’ll pay for you to do a proper rehab, to put your life back on track.”

  “Why the hell would you do that for me?” He shrinks away from me. “You hate me.”

  “Jodi doesn’t hate you though. She’s always wanted to help you. Even after everything.”

  Thank God he looks sheepish. “I know. Jodi’s a much better person than I deserve to have in my life.”

  “Yeah, she sure is, and she might well be saving your sorry ass again. Through me.”

  He pauses for a moment before nodding. “Okay, rehab. I’m willing to give that a try.”

  “I’m not paying for it unless I really do believe that you’re going to do it.”

  “I have to. To repay Jodi and for my parents as well. They would hate to see what I’ve become.” A tear splashes on his chest. “They wanted me to do something with my life, and I’ve fucked it all up.”

  I see a sincerity in him that I’m sure he hasn’t shown in a very long time. “Okay, let’s go.”

  “What, now? You want to take me right now?”

  “Yes. No time like the present. It’s time for you to begin getting well again.”

  Surprisingly, I feel good about my choice. This is the right thing to do. Maybe not my first choice, but it’ll bring me some good karma, and since Jodi and I are so happy, it’s only right to spread that joy. Even to the most undeserving people in the world. Who knows, maybe one day this will all come out good . . .

  * * *

  I stare up at the facility one last time before getting into my car. There’s a lightness to my chest as I do. Lucas really is a mess, but if Jodi can see good in him, then there must be some in there.

  Ring, ring . . . ring, ring . . .

  “Oh, hey, Jodi, I was just going to call you. You’ll never guess where I’ve been today.”

  “Brock,” she pants desperately, sounding like she’s in agony. “I’m at the hospital.”

  “You are?” My heart sinks. Maybe karma isn’t coming my way after all. “What happened?”

  “The baby. I tried to call you, but I couldn’t get through. The baby is coming.”

  “Oh my God, now?” I bring the car to life and grab the steering wheel. “Right now?”

  “Yes, Millie is here with me, but I need you. Will you come?”

  “Of course I will. I’m on my way. Hold on, I’ll put you on speaker phone while I drive.”

  “Yeah, okay. I need to talk to you to keep me distracted through the pain.”

  I pull out of the parking lot and speed out onto the road, my heart hammering as I do. “Is everything okay?”

  “No, no.” She pauses to groan through some pain. I hate the way it sounds like agony is tearing through her body. I should be there to help her already. Fucking Lucas. “Don’t talk about me. That will just remind me of how much it hurts. Tell me about you. Where are you? Where have you been?”

  She needs a distraction, and this is sure as hell going to be one! I reel off the story about bumping into Lucas and sending him to rehab to get help as I drive. Jodi is silent aside from the yelling through the contractions, so I don’t exactly know how she feels about what I’ve done, but I keep on talking anyway. Even if she hates me for doing something so wild, at least it seems to be giving her something else to think about.

  “You did that?” she finally gushes. “You really did that for Lucas?”

  “I didn’t do it for him. I did it for you. I know how much you tried to help him, and I want to carry on your mission. I know he’s done a lot of wrong to us, but I can still see why you didn’t give up easily.”

  “I don’t know what to say to you, Brock. That’s so incredible. You are such a good man!”

  I breathe out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. I was worried that you’d hate me.”

  “No, you offered help to someone who definitely needs it. That’s an amazing thing. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Be proud of yourself. You’re the one who taught me to see things differently. If it wasn’t for you, I still would have judged him and hated him for what he did. You changed me for the better.”

  “Well, I’m glad. Oh my fucking God, this hurts. Are you here yet?”

  “I’m outside, just finding a parking spot. I won’t be long. I promise.”

  “Good, because this baby is about to come whether you like it or not.”

  * * *

  “My beautiful little girl,” I coo while staring down at the bundle of joy in my arms, my heart absolutely swelling with joy as I do. “I can’t believe you’re finally here.”