Page 113 of Heartless

“Kylie, I’m sorry, but I have another meeting. I have to go. Call me if you decide we’re a good fit.”

“Oh,” Kylie’s voice sounded disappointed. I was probably going to lose her as a client because of this, but work had shifted from thenumber one spot in my life down to number two. “Can we meet again tomorrow?” Kylie asked and I shook my head. “Next week then?” she offered.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be gone for the next three weeks.”

“Oh.” Now she sounded more cheerful. “A vacation?”

Parker and I had decided to keep it a secret, but Kylie couldn’t tell anyone, so I decided to brag a little. “I’ll be on my honeymoon.”

Three weeks in the Caribbean. My jaw dropped when Parker suggested it. He had no job after he left The Gem to Ryan and Jessica, and I currently had two clients, if I counted Kylie. We had enough free time on our hands, but I wasn’t sure it was the wisest thing to do. Parker assured me that being the owner of The Gem for almost five years left him with more than enough money for us to have that honeymoon, buy a big-ass house, and he could still afford not to work for a few years if he decided to. But he already had an idea on what to do from now on. He wanted to help hotels remodel and get a luxurious look on a budget.

Kylie slammed her hand over her chest and made a whiny sound before asking, “When did you get married? Last weekend?”

“Nope,” I left cash on the table and stood up. “I’m getting married tonight.” Kylie’s brows furrowed in confusion, so I put her out of her misery. “We’re eloping in Vegas.”

“But,” she stuttered, “you’re a wedding planner.”

“Exactly.”

My answer seemed to confuse her even more. But Parker and I didn’t need the huge wedding. We just needed each other.

I reminded Kylie to call me if she wanted to hire me, then slipped out of the restaurant. Parker was leaning against his car, his posture relaxed and happiness written all over his face. He was wearing jeansand a tee, as he had been everyday since he showed up at Clem’s two weeks ago.

“I thought you would wear a suit today.”

“Disappointed?” He circled my wrist, then dragged me closer and kissed me slowly.

“A little,” I murmured into the kiss.

Parker chuckled against my lips, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. “Don't worry, love. I promise to wear a suit to our actual wedding ceremony.”

When we broke apart, Parker rested his forehead against mine, a content smile playing on his lips. “Ready?” he asked, his voice filled with excitement.

I nodded, feeling butterflies dance in my stomach. The decision to elope felt like the perfect way to start our life together. It was a far cry from the grand weddings I had planned for others, but it felt right for us.

When we arrived at the chapel hours later, I expected to see an Elvis impersonator and neon signs, but I found a traditional wedding chapel with classic charm and elegant setting. Soft lighting, delicate floral arrangements, a modest altar framed by white columns and soft music playing in the background.

Parker wore a suit, as he promised, and I wore a simple white dress I already had in my closet. The only thing I ordered especially for the occasion was my bouquet of pink roses.

He pointed at them: “Is this because we’re doing it in secret, or you’re starting to become sentimental?”

I gave him an angelic smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He placed his hand on the back of my neck and made me look him in the eyes. “Are you sure this is enough?”

He’d asked me that a million times already, and I knew he really wanted me to be happy with our wedding day.

“I once told you that there is a difference between a wedding and a marriage, remember?” I asked.

“I remember.”

“I want the marriage,” I said, then because I didn’t want him to be anxious on our wedding day, I resorted to teasing. “This is perfect,” I said, knowing he hated that word.

I expected a cheeky comeback. A snarky comment. But just like any other time that mattered, Parker said the right thing.

“It is, isn’t it?”

Epilogue Two

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