Page 57 of His Kingdom

“Charlotte, this isn’t pretend. This is real.” Evie jumps to her feet.

“I know,” Charlotte responds, while I’m mentally reminding myself that I cannot get rid of her friend. But if Evie talks sense into Charlotte, I might just be pissed enough to do it.

It’s a fluke that she’s even going along with the idea. I’m not taking any chances that she’ll change her mind. I’m also ignoring how much I actually want this. I barely know this woman. I mean, I know everything I need to know after looking her up, but we’ve alsoknowneach other for a couple of days.

My gut is telling me to do whatever it takes to keep her, and if marrying her is what achieves that, then I’m marrying her. I’ve never felt the need to keep a woman close. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Charlotte, which is why I’m doing what has to be done.

“Okay, well, at least I get to be your bridesmaid,” Evie says. “And you’re wearing white.”

“Because I’m totally a virgin bride,” Charlotte deadpans.

“You are in some places,” I say, quietly, so only she can hear me. Her face goes red. “For now.”

“Okay, you’re actually doing this? Let me call someone.” Sammie shakes his head while taking his phone out of his pocket. “Carlo, get the cars. We’re going to the Little White Chapel.”

“Are you really sure? You can change your mind. I won’t be offended.” Charlotte turns to me. Her hands rest on my chest. I grab hold of them.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more sure of anything before. I want you to be mine, Charlotte. Really mine.”

“Okay.”

***

“This is legally binding,” the guy dressed as Elvis tells me with a look of fear on his face.

“I would hope so,” I grunt at him. “We’re getting married.”

“Right, of course, sir.” He nods. “Stand up here.” He looks to Charlotte and then to me again. “Do you have your own vows, or do you want to recite the standard ones?”

“I have my own,” Charlotte says.

“Okay, Miss Armstrong, you can go first. Please, face each other and hold hands.”

Charlotte locks her fingers around mine. Her smile is wide. “Louie, I believe people come into our lives when we need them the most. The night we met, I needed you more than you think. We haven’t known each other long, but I do feel like I’ve known you all my life. I promise to support you in your endeavors. I promise to always be there—in sickness and health, richer or poorer. I promise to be yours and only yours. I promise to never leave you alone.”

I suck in a breath. She knows my biggest fear, the nightmare that haunts me. “Charlotte, you are the light I didn’t know I needed in my life. You have given me a reason to be a better person. I promise to always put you first, to make your happiness and well-being my top priority. I promise to be faithful to you always. I am yours.”

I don’t hear whatElvissays next. I’m so focused on Charlotte until I hear the words: “You may kiss the bride.”

My arms wrap around her waist and I pick her up off the ground as my lips slam onto hers. My tongue delves into her mouth, fighting for dominance when the realization hits me. She’s my wife. I’m kissing my wife.

“We did it,” Charlotte says when I pull back to look at her. “Are we insane?”

“Probably, but at least we can be insane together.”

“Oh my god!” I hear the scream coming from the phone Evie has flipped in our direction. “Charlotte, what the hell? You got married without me?”

“Sorry, Rach, couldn’t wait.” Charlotte laughs.

“Ah, Rachel, I’ll call you back later.” Evie drops the phone back in her bag before she steals my wife from me, pulling her friend into a tight hug. “I’m really sorry, Charlotte. I’m crashing.”

“Okay, we’ll go back to the hotel,” Charlotte tells her. “Are you okay?”

Evie nods. But she looks a little… I don’t know what it is… Weak?

Charlotte looks to me. “I have to get her back to the room.”

“What’s wrong with her?” I ask.

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