By the time we reach our destination, I’m relaxed and well rested.
I didn’t realise just how much I missed Deacon’s warmth in bed while I slept until I woke up with him curled around me.
Despite Deacon being by my side, I’m still nervous about whether we’ll make it to the altar.
He hasn’t put a step wrong, but my heart has been trampled so hard that I’m not sure I could take any more.
It’s so difficult to let him out of my sight.
Together we go to apply for a marriage licence—he even comes with me to find a dress. I think he’s as scared to lose sight of me as I am of him.
When we’re back in our hotel room, he gets online to find a wedding chapel.
I know he’s found what he’s looking for when he whoops and punches the air. I move to sit beside him to take a look, and he holds out a palm.
“Wait one second. I want to book this because it’s perfect, and then we’ll talk.”
My eyes narrow. “What are you hiding from me?”
“Nothing.” He beams an innocent smile at me, but it doesn’t quell my suspicions. “But I can book this for this evening, and then I just have to pop downstairs to do some shopping before we leave to get married.”
“This is insane, you know.”
His grin is infectious. “I know, but you’re going to love it. I promise.”
I sit in a chair nearby and cross my arms, watching him as he focuses on the screen. I’m sure I could sneak over and peek, but he’s so excited, I don’t want to ruin his buzz.
When he’s finished, he closes the laptop and gets up. He walks toward me and leans over, planting a kiss on my lips.
“Is there anything you need while I’m out?”
I nod. “Can you bring back food?”
“Call room service. The menu’s by the phone. I won’t be too long.”
“What are you up to, Deacon Miller?”
He grins again. “Just making today memorable. By the way, the chapel will do both video and photos, so we can share all of this with the family.”
I grimace. “Mum’s going to kill me.”
Deacon shrugs. “Maybe, but you’ll at least be a beautiful bride today.”
Reaching behind me, I pull a cushion out from behind my back and smack his arm with it. “That doesn’t help.”
With a laugh, he turns and heads toward the door. “Love you, Pip.”
“Love you too, jerk face.”
He’s still laughing as he leaves, and despite my irritation that he’s keeping secrets, I can’t help but smile.
* * *
By the evening, I’m champing at the bit to know what’s going on.
Deacon continues to leave me in the dark while cajoling me with food—it’s a winning strategy.
“It’s time to get dressed. There’s a car picking us up in around half an hour.”