Page 24 of Boss of Attraction
“Whisky is so gross.” Morgan scrunched her nose.
“That just means there’s more for me.” I grinned.
Ryan downed his beer, and while signing his tab, asked, “We’re riding over in one of the shuttle buses, right?”
The Donnelleys had secured several buses to transport the guests to and from their house where the wedding was being held. According to Patrick and Mary, the Secret Service had made the recommendation to help alleviate some of the security concerns of so many people descending on their property.
“Yeah. I think those are the only vehicles they’re allowing near the house,” I explained.
“Well, let’s get a move on. Faye texted that some hotties are there already,” Morgan urged.
We walked through the large doors and approached the first all-black bus with tinted windows. Next to the door, a Secret Service agent holding a clipboard stopped us.
“Can I see your ID, please?” Each of us handed over our driver’s licenses, and he compared them to what I assumed was a list of authorized guests. He handed us back our cards. “Great. Just need to search you and your bags.” He looked through Morgan’s small clutch and then ran a metal detector over both Ryan and I before giving us the okay.
The three of us boarded the bus, and after more people got on, the driver closed the door and began the ten-minute drive to the Donnelley estate.
Once we arrived, we stepped off the bus and made our way toward the backyard. A large white tent had been set up in the middle of the expansive property, and inside, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a romantic glow over the tables covered with candles and floral arrangements. Beyond the tent were several rows of white chairs facing the small cliff, where a white archway framed the ocean view.
We took a seat in the row behind the chairs reserved for Fallon’s family and waited for the ceremony to start. The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air while everyone got settled.
A few minutes later, a harpist began playing, and a little girl, who I recognized as Rhett’s daughter, Poppy, started down the aisle. She wore a sapphire dress and sprinkled white rose petals along the way to the altar. Rhett, who wore a gray tuxedo with a bow tie that matched the color of his daughter’s dress, followed her. His parents escorted him, and he joined his best man, already standing at the front.
A moment later, Fallon headed down the aisle, flanked by Patrick and Mary. He was dressed the same as his soon-to-be-husband and wore a huge smile on his face.
Once Fallon joined Rhett, they stood facing each other and held hands. The way they looked at each other, as though the other was their entire world, I couldn’t help but believe they would enjoy a very happy life together.
“Friends and family,” the officiant began. “Today we have the honor of witnessing Rhett Davis and Fallon Donnelley transform their love story into a lifelong commitment. To start the ceremony, Fallon’s sister Faye will read a poem for the couple.”
Faye, in a dress the same color as Poppy’s, stood at the front and read “The One.” When she finished, she returned to her seat and the officiant addressed Rhett and Fallon.
“Rhett, in the presence of everyone here today, do you take Fallon to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and comfort him in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?
Rhett flashed Fallon a bright smile and said, “I do.”
The officiant asked Fallon the same question and I heard Mary sniffle as Fallon replied, “I do.”
“And now it’s time for the vows that Rhett and Fallon have written themselves.”
Rhett cleared his throat and began. “Fallon, when I met you, I had a feeling I was in for an adventure. But never in my wildest dreams did I think it would include falling in love with you. Not only did you capture my heart, but you also welcomed Poppy into your life. Every day with you is filled with love and laughter, and I wake up excited for whatever comes our way. I promise to love you, to always be there for you, and to make our home a place filled with happiness. Here’s to us, to our family, and to every moment yet to come.”
Fallon spoke next. “When I first saw you, I thought you were hot.” The crowd burst into laughter and Fallon grinned. “The day you were assigned to protect me, I figured I’d have a little fun driving you crazy, but it didn’t take long for me to realize you were the person I didn’t even know I was looking for. Every minute I spend with you makes me fall in love with you a little more. And when we have Poppy with us, I can’t imagine life any better than that. Today, I vow to be the best partner possible to you, to share in your joys and your challenges, and to create a life for us filled with love and continued adventures.”
I couldn’t help but get a little emotional listening to them put their feelings into words. Finding someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with was a gift that not everyone was lucky enough to experience. I’d had that kind of love once and I still missed her every single day.
After they exchanged rings, the officiant announced they could kiss. Rhett cupped Fallon’s face in both hands and laid one on him while everyone in attendance cheered loudly.
The newlyweds walked hand in hand back down the aisle, both beaming with happiness. Then, the wedding planner announced that hors d’oeuvres and drinks would be served while the couple and their families were taking pictures, and the crowd began to move toward the tent.
I checked the seating assignments and noticed I would be sitting with Luke Nolan and his wife, along with a couple of Patrick and Mary’s other friends. Ryan and Morgan would be at the table with Faye.
If I were going to make it through sharing a meal with Luke and DeAnna, the most unhappy married couple I knew, I would need a drink. I headed toward the bar and ordered a glass of whisky.
As the bartender poured my drink, I noticed someone step up next to me, and I smiled when I saw who it was.
“Hey, Bossman,” Declan said, returning my smile.
“Declan,” I greeted with a nod. “Nice ceremony, wasn’t it?”
