Page 49 of Gideon

“I used to work out secretly. I didn’t want Jonah to know I was working out to stay strong for when Haley and I could escape.”

I kissed her temple and held her close.

When I opened my eyes, Raven was standing there, smiling. “Is it over?”

“Yes. The FBI took down the bastard. The entire gang has been wiped out.”

Laney sighed in relief. “Thank God. I was so worried they’d hurt my family.” She yawned. “Is it a new day?”

“Yep, a brand-new day,” Raven said.

“Good. I’m going home. I have a wedding to plan.”

“Congratulations,” Raven said.

“Thank you!” we both replied.

I kissed Laney and got up. “I can’t believe I slept here all night.”

“Well, get up so I can get ready to go home. I miss Haley,” Laney said. “How long have I been here?”

“This is the fifth day. You asked me yesterday.”

“That’s right, I remember now. Haley must have been terrified. She saw that man stab me. My poor baby’s been through so much. I’ll have her help with the wedding plans,” she said, turning to me. “When do you want to get married?”

“Two or three weeks—no longer than that. I want you to be my wife as soon as possible.”

“Okay. This is so exciting. Let’s go home. Maybe I’ll rest today and plan tomorrow.”

“That sounds perfect. I don’t want you overdoing it. The doctor will put you back in the hospital.” I said.

24

Laney

The beach was adornedwith white chairs and beautiful pink peonies. Georgia was helping me with my dress while Haley played with Ellie. My family waited patiently for me to finish dressing so the wedding could begin. I wiped my eyes again, unable to stop the happy tears that kept falling.

“It’s a good thing you don’t need makeup to look beautiful,” Georgia said with a smile. “You wouldn’t be able to keep it on with all these tears. Now let me see… You’re gorgeous.”

My dad opened the door and smiled warmly. “Are you ready, sweetheart? You look beautiful. Are you ready to marry that man of yours?”

“Yes, I’m ready,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I’m so happy to have all of you in our lives. Let’s go.”

Georgia hurried out to take her place up where Gideon stood, waiting for Laney. The weather was perfect, and the beach looked stunning. Tears continued to stream down my face, but I couldn’t help it.

Haley and Ellie walked in front of us. Haley carefully carried our rings while Ellie scattered rose petals along the path. We both chuckled when Ellie paused to pour out the entire basket ofpetals. I glanced at Gideon and saw he was just as emotional as I was. God, I loved this man.

He pulled me into his arms when we reached him and kissed me deeply.

Haley looked at the guests and explained, “They always do this because they love each other so much.” Everyone laughed.

Gideon lifted his head, his eyes shining. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you, too,” I replied.

“Where are you going for your honeymoon?” Georgia asked. After we were a married couple and tasting the food sitting on the tables.

“We aren’t having a honeymoon. Haley just started school,” I said.

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