Page 208 of Even Exchange

“That’s convenient.”

“Well, it’s kinda his business,” Noah explains, helping me onto the helicopter, his hand protectively on my back.

“Alright, love birds,” the pilot says once we’re all buckled in. “Let’s get you hitched.”

* * *

Orange rock stretches as far as the eye can see, and the sun hits the canyon in a stunning scattered light. The only word I have to describe it?Sensational.

On a rocky platform, Noah and I face one another with the officiant between us. We’re far enough from the edge we don’t have to worry about falling but close enough to make my stomach drop.

Sophia circles us, snapping photos, while Elijah stands off to the side.

“Noah,” the officiant says. “It’s your turn.”

Noah retrieves what I’m assuming is my ring from Elijah and returns his attention to me.

“Charlotte,” he says, taking my hand, eyes boring into mine. “Soffione,with this ring, I take you to be my wife. To have and to hold. To cherish and to make laugh. To love and to annoy.”

“I don’t think that’s how it goes,” I whisper, and he chuckles.

“I’m paraphrasing,” he whispers back before continuing, “I know you’re not used to people taking care of you. I know you want to be the strong one. The ‘I can handle this on my own’ one. But you don’t have to do that anymore. I will hold you when you’re weak. And stand behind you when you’re strong. I will be your partner, lover, father to our children. Anything you need me to be. That’s what I vow to you, today.”

“Noah,” I whisper, tears stinging my eyes.

“Mynonnaonce told me when love knocks, answer it.” He pauses, a soft smile coming to his lips. “I’m so glad it wasyouon the other side.”

He squeezes my hand gently, the cool metal touching the tip of my ring finger, and I glance down, gasping. A gorgeous pear cut diamond ring on a gold band encrusted in more diamonds is slid on my finger, residing atop the band from Noah’snonna. My eyes bounce back to his, and he grins smugly.

“Charlotte,” the officiant says, but I’m speechless. My eyes fall back to the ring.

“Soffione, you can stare at it all you want later,” Noah says, pulling my gaze back to his.

“How am I supposed to follow those vows?” I ask, mouth agape, looking back down. “This ring? I didn’t prepare anything. I…” My eyes dart to Noah’s, panic setting in.Why didn’t I prepare anything?

Noah squeezes my hand. “It’s just you and me, baby.”

“Right,” I say, nodding, shaking my shoulders to hype myself. “I can do this.” Noah bites his lip, shit-eating grin breaking through. “Are youlaughingat me?”

“No,” he promises, eyes soft. “I just love how flustered you are. It’s cute.”

“You know what?” I say, turning and retrieving Noah’s ring from Sophia. The one part of this ceremony that I was responsible for. The gorgeous gold band with a honeycomb design is pinched between my fingertips, and I’m reminded of my inspiration for it.

I return my attention to Noah, placing the band at the tip of his ring finger. “Noah Gabriel Caruso,” I say, our eyes connecting, a wide shared smile between us. “With this ring, I will love you and be faithful to you. And…” I think hard.It has to be good…“I promise to never,everbreak pasta again. To always build Legos when we’re angry and make love when we’re not. I promise to love your shitty Dad jokes, or at least to pretend I do. To appreciate every moment when you’re home, and be understanding of all the times you can’t be. I promise to be by your side always, loving you, appreciating you, and just being… yours.” With a shaky hand, I slide the ring onto his finger. He glances down to it, eyes brightening at the realization, and they bounce back to mine. “And Ipromiseour love will last like honey.”

A breath sticks in my throat, and I nod at the officiant.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” he declares. “You may kiss the bride.”

Noah’s hands are in my hair, pulling me to him. His mouth lands on mine, planting a kiss so deep, so searing, that even without the rings, I’m branded for life.

I am Noah Caruso’s wife, and no one will ever take that away from me.

Especially not my mother.

48

CHARLOTTE

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