Page 18 of Dirty Fortune

"Well, we've got a few hours of travel ahead of us to reach Las Vegas, but I think you're going to love my surprise for you."

Keith got us a fancy suite at the Bellagio, where I first stayed with him. It's nighttime, and he ordered some room service, champagne included. The surprise garment was a gorgeous white cocktail dress, and my first thought was that I could get married in a dress like this. Keith served us some champagne and handed me a glass.

"Thank you," I say.

"You look beautiful tonight." He puts his arm around me and pulls me close. "Let's toast to forever."

"Forever," I say with an eager smile.

All of a sudden, he's down on one knee and shows me the most beautiful princess-cut diamond on a simple gold band. My eyes grow teary, and I put the champagne down on the table in front of me, nearly spilling it. My hands cover my mouth, and I tremble all over.

"Julie, the past six months with you have been the most amazing I've ever lived. I'm happier than ever and have seen that my effort to make you happy has worked. You look radiant, and you are full of energy. That was part of you already, but it's come out more often now that we're together. I wouldn't say it's all my doing, but my desire to love you and love you well shines through everything I do every single day and affects you in a positive way. I've seen you blossom into this fantastic woman that I would love to spend the rest of my life with."

"Oh, Keith."

"Wait, I don't think this is coming out right. Let me try again. You are the most amazing woman I've ever known, and I thank you for giving me a second chance to win you over. I don't mind all the obstacles I had to go through – broken nose included – because, in the end, it means you are by my side. And I believe that's where you belong, next to me, building a future together. Building a home and raising a family."

He looks down for a moment and is silent.

I'm bursting with the desire to say 'Yes' already, but he deserves to tell me what's in his heart.

"Julie, all that I am and all that I have is yours. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Oh my God, Keith. Yes! A thousand times, yes!"

I offer him my hand so he can put the ring on my finger. Once he's done, I drag him up and fall into his arms as he kisses me. I'm melting into his arms when he pulls back. I'm surprised, but he has a devilish look in his eyes.

"Come on, Princess, we've got an appointment we need to keep."

"I thought we could celebrate." I waggle my eyebrows at him.

"What I have in store is better."

I don't know what would be better than having hot, passionate sex with my fiancé, but it's his surprise, and I don't want to spoil it. I grab my purse and follow him out the door. Fifteen minutes later, we're in front of a wedding chapel, and I'm eyeing it warily, searching for Elvis impersonators.

"Is Elvis in the house, Keith?"

"No, this is a bit fancier. Remember, you agreed to marry me?"

"You mean RIGHT NOW?"

"Yes, please."

I take a deep breath and think about it for a minute. I would have liked to have my brother and my besties with me on this day, but getting married where it all started seems right. We can always renew our vows later and have a fancy reception. And I have the perfect dress on. I reach out for his hand, and he takes it in his.

"Let's do this. I love you."

Turns out, we were a few minutes early, so they put us in a small room to wait. Then, our names were called, and we hurried to the ceremony room. When the door opens, I gasp at the sight of my family all standing, waiting for us to walk to the altar. My eyes grow teary again when I see my brother Mike take my hand from Keith's into his own. Keith then walks to where the altar is and stands there with a huge smile on his face.

"I see you said yes, little sis."

"I sure did. Thank you for being here."

"It' was all Keith's doing. I have to admit he really loves you and would do anything for you."

"I know. I'm a very lucky person. Let's do this. I want to be Mrs. Keith Matthews."

Mike walks me down the short aisle to where Keith waits for me, and we begin the ceremony. Afterward, I hugged all my besties, and we went to a fancy restaurant for dinner. But my thoughts are on the honeymoon. I give Keith a look, and we eat faster than possible. My friends tease us about wanting to start the honeymoon already, and they're not wrong.

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