Page 114 of Only Ever You

“Now it’s time for the vows. Deacon, what do you have to say to your little lady?”

Deacon turns to me and takes my hands in his. He draws in a deep breath. “I messed up. And when I did, I hurt the person I love more than life itself. So, this is me, Pippa, promising to make all your dreams come true and never, ever hurt you again. I swear I’ll never make you cry, and I’ll slay all your dragons. From today until the end of time, I’ll be there for you.”

Tears well in my eyes. Deacon’s sincerity is blinding even in comparison to the bright lights of Vegas. If I still had any doubts about how he felt, they just evaporated.

“I … just give me a second.”

“Take your time, darlin’,” Elvis says.

This whole thing is so absurd, I can’t help but giggle.

“Pippa?” Deacon’s brows knit.

“I’m a little overwhelmed, but I’m okay.”

I press my lips together briefly before blowing out a long breath and giving Deacon a nod.

“Deacon. I love you. I have loved you for as long as I can remember. There might be bumps in the road ahead, but as long as I’m with you, I know I’ll be okay.”

That’s all I can get out before I choke up again. But I smile through the tears as Deacon squeezes my hands.

“By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

I grin, and Deacon dips me, pressing his lips to mine before devouring my mouth in a kiss so hot I’m about to melt into the floor.

“No getting away now.”

I squeeze his hand as Elvis starts singing “Love Me Tender”.

He turns to me, his brow furrowed. “Pippa, I won’t ever?—”

“I know.”

Chapter Forty

Pippa

“Let me go in first?”

Deacon and I sit in the car in the backyard of Mum and Dad’s place. They’ll have heard the car and know they’ve got visitors. But I’m not sure how they’ll react to Deacon’s presence.

His disappearance hurt them too.

They knew he was out at the beach—we spoke about it. But neither of them interfered or pressured me either way.

I appreciate at least being treated like an adult instead of their little girl.

Deacon nods. “I’ll be right behind you, though.”

Leaning over, I kiss him softly on the lips. “I know you’ve got my back.”

“Always.”

His eyes search mine. Even with the ring on my finger, I’m still struggling with trust. But he’s trying, and that’s important to me.

I give his forearm a squeeze and step out of the car. Taking a deep breath, I cross the yard and open the back door before stepping into the kitchen.

“Mum? Dad?”

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