Page 28 of Reckless Encore

“No. It’s okay.” She pushed from her stool and followed the Reckless band manager, Sean remaining close at her back. “Where are we going?”

Leah kept her stride long as she led the way down the darkened cement path. They passed the mass of tropical shrubs and flowers, the dense growth closing in around them until they approached the beach.

“Go ahead.” Leah stopped and waved her hand in front. “I’m right behind you.”

“Okay…” Melody shot an apprehensive look at Sean, who walked before her, his brow furrowed.

The gardens cleared, the boardwalk to their villas stretched out before them, but it was the view along the beach that stopped her heart.

“Oh, wow.” Her breath caught in her throat.

Mason stood in stylish black pants and a white long-sleeved button-down, his feet planted between two rows of tiny glowing candles that marked an aisle leading farther along the beach.

At the end of the trail, a small archway had been constructed, the thin frame decorated in white flowers and green vine. Before it, eight wooden chairs similar to those from this morning sat evenly spaced. All of them were empty, just like they had been earlier in the day, while the whole area was barricaded with a line of tulle held in place by lanterns that danced with bright flames against the dark of night.

“What’s going on?” Sean asked.

“That’s up to you.” Mason straightened his shoulders and released a deep breath. “I wanted to make up for this morning. We all did. So, we’re throwing a little party, and the reason for the celebration is up to you.”

Sean’s expression remained impassive as Melody’s stomach filled with butterflies.

“We can have a Reckless beachside celebration in anticipation of the upcoming album release. Or…” The lead singer’s forehead creased, his anxiety clear. “We could have the wedding you planned for this morning. The choice is yours.”

Leah cleared her throat. “I don’t mean to be a stickler for transparency, but it would actually be a commitment ceremony. Not a wedding.”

Melody nodded in understanding. They had already been over the rules and regulations with the event planner a week ago.

“No.” Mason scowled. “I paid a shit-ton for a wedding. So, they’re getting a damn wedding if they damn well want one.”

Leah smiled, showing her teeth in a predatory expression. “If you would’ve taken the time to enquire, you would know that weddings in the Maldives are only available to those with Muslim faith. What Mel and Sean planned was the closest thing possible—a commitment ceremony.”

“But all that money…” Mason gaped, his shock taking long seconds to subside. “Okay… My bad.”

Silence fell while her thoughts grew energized. The possibilities scared and thrilled her. Surprised and awakened.

“We appreciate the offer.” Sean wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “But Red is already over the whole wedding thing. For today, at least. We’re going to leave the vows for some other day in the future.”

Mason nodded while Leah stared at her, scrutinizing, making the thoughts in Melody’s head even louder.

“If that’s what you want…” Leah’s words taunted.

Her palms heated with sweat. Her throat dried. She had started the day with the giddy anticipation of going to sleep tonight symbolically as Mrs. Melody Taiden, and now the same giddiness had returned.

She wanted that title, and the man who came with it.

“Wait a minute.” She turned into Sean and stared up at those beseeching blue eyes.

They were meant to share this commitment. She knew that. He knew that. And maybe the struggle this morning had been a sign to reassure them they could make it through anything life threw their way.

A test?

And they’d passed, although somewhat delayed, with flying colors.

“I want to do this,” she admitted. “I want to pledge my life to you.”

His hold on her tightened, his face frozen in scrutiny. “But this morning, you—”

“This morning was another lifetime ago. This is now, and I couldn’t be happier to become husband and wife.”

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