Page 16 of Love Beyond the Illusion
Jack doesn’t take his eyes off me. One side of his mouth quirks up into a smirk that makes my knees weak. “Are you ready?” Jack’s voice is tight as he holds back his laughter. His arms are down, and his hands are clasped in front of him. His longer-on-top dirty blond hair is parted to the side with one piece curving into his right eye.Fucking sexy.
“I am. Are you?
“Yes.” His blue eyes pierce me from less than a foot away. I struggle to keep mine from roaming around the features of his face, desperately trying to learn more about this man who will become my husband in a matter of minutes.
The bell on top of the large white door to the right of us dings as a broader-shouldered man in an Elvis costume enters the room. “How about we get you two love birds married!” he excitedly exclaims like he didn’t do this less than fifteen minutes ago. The couple before us clearly could not wait to leave the chapel to start their wedding night as they pawed at each other out the door.
My eyes circle back to the tall blond man standing in front of me, letting him answer our colorful officiant.
“Sounds great!” Jack says, looking relaxed and at ease, maybe even a little happy?
I’m buzzing.
“Didn’t dress up for the occasion?” Our Elvis officiant directs his question toward me. “I like that. It is about love here in theTiny White Wedding House.”
Slightly embarrassed, I glance down at my choice of clothing. I bubble with laughter at what I’m getting married to. I lightly tug on the cream-colored dress with random drops of red wine stained along the bottom hem. I’ve had it on all night.
I thread my hands through my hair, pulling it over one shoulder. “I’m a simple girl. I don’t need the flashy things that come with weddings.” I push back at his condescending yet well-intentioned comments.
The officiant’s eyebrows raise while he turns toward my husband-to-be. “She’s a fiery one, my man.”
“Seems to be.” Jack grins at me.
I tap one of my white slip-on high-heeled sandals in annoyance at how long this is taking. “Is it part of your job to comment on the bride’s outfits?”
His eyes shoot over to Jack again as if I’m not here. “I like her.”
Jack laughs nervously, dipping his head down and quickly rubbing his chin.
“Well then, let’s get started,” the Elvis impersonator states before jumping right into reciting the opening to the marriage vows. As he speaks, I feel my eyes gloss over. His voice sounds as if he’s speaking in slow motion, and I see Jack nod his head and blink a few times every so often.Don’t pass out. The room is not really spinning.
As a little girl, I watched my mother flex herself in and out of doomed relationships with less-than-stellar men. She moved on from one to another, staying as long as they could provide her with what she needed at that given time. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t learn how to make rash, unhinged decisions with men from the best. Blinking a few times to clear the blur that is now my permanent vision, I try to focus back on Jack.
As if we’re the only two people in the room, Jack slowly pulls something from his pants pocket. I look down as he reaches over and takes my left hand in his.
“I made this for you,” he says, slipping a curled-up piece of white paper into the shape of a circle onto my ring finger.
I examine what he’s placing on my finger and where he got it. My lips part in shock at what I think it is. “What’s this?”
“It’s the paper wrapper from a straw. I thought you needed a ring.”
“We’re almost at the part with the rings—” the officiant tries to interject, but Jack and I ignore his protests.
I lift my hand, letting my thumb run over it.This is so sweet. Why am I still giggling?“That’s so thoughtful. I can’t believe you made this.”
He smiles, running the back of his knuckles along my cheek.
“I guess you two are going to do this your way. Make sure you sign the license on your way out. Viva Las Vegas!” he exclaims. “Oh, and you may kiss the bride,” he adds before retreating into the back.
I stare up at Jack from under my eyelashes. He cups my face with both hands, then brings his soft lips to mine, running his tongue along the seam before I open for him. My heart flutters. I’m bathed in utter euphoria. I’ve only just met him, but there’s a bond and comfort in his kiss that makes me believe there’s so much more to him.
Jack and I are married in what feels like a blink of an eye.
Chapter Eight
Jack
Apoundinginmyskull jolts me awake. My eyes frantically bounce around a pitch-black room. I wipe the wetness from my forehead and notice I’m still wearing my clothes from yesterday. I only have my black collared shirt and pants, but my shoes are off. I hear a light snoring sound on the other side of the room. Someone is in here with me—wait, Piper! It’s Piper.
