Page 77 of One Hot Chase

"Our friends are doing the planning," Tabby tells her. "And the venue will be Sommerleigh House."

"The home of Lord and Lady Sommerleigh? I know Hugh and his mother quite well. Rosalyn is a wonderful woman."

The double wedding is now officially on. And I can't wait.

Epilogue

Declan

The sun shines in a clear blue sky as we stand at the altar in front of the pastor, who recites the traditional wedding vows. Mother nature blessed us with perfect weather---sunshine and temperate conditions. The sunlight casts a warm glow over the lawn at Sommerleigh House, where the Parrish family has lived for generations. They graciously allowed us to have this double wedding here. It's the loveliest venue we could have hoped for.

Only six days have gone by since I proposed to Sabrina.

I can't help but steal glances at my beautiful bride, her strawberry blonde hair cascading in loose waves around her shoulders. Sabrina's green eyes sparkle with joy, and I'm struck once again by how lucky I am. My bride notices me watching her and throws me a playful wink. Her lips curve into that teasing smile I've grown to love.

Inada Ren made it to the wedding, and I can spy him in the second row. He waves and smiles. Roger the taxi driver and Daniel the desk clerk at the Savoy were invited as well. They both played a part, unwittingly, in making this day possible.

The pastor's words fade into the background as I recall the whirlwind of the past week. From our impromptu engagement in London to the mad dash to find the perfect dress for my bride, it's been a blur of excitement and anticipation. I hear my brother Leo chuckle behind me, no doubt amused by the moronic grin plastered across my face. But I can't bring myself to care. Not when I'm about to marry the woman who turned my world upside down in the best way imaginable.

The pastor's voice breaks through my reverie. "Declan Joseph Wilde, will you take Sabrina Bluebell Remington to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?"

I lock eyes with Sabrina, my voice steady and sure. "I do."

The pastor turns to my bride. "Sabrina Bluebell Remington, will you take Declan Joseph Wilde to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?"

Bree's eyes twinkle with mirth as she replies, "Well, I suppose I'm stuck with him now, aren't I?" A ripple of laughter runs through the gathered guests. She squeezes my hand and says, "I do. With all my heart."

As we exchange rings, I marvel at how perfectly they fit. Just like us. The pastor pronounces us husband and wife, having already married Tabitha and Spencer. I waste no time, crushing Sabrina to my chest and kissing her with all the passion and devotion she deserves. Her lips are soft and warm against mine, and I can feel her smile as we embrace.

The pastor smiles and declares, "I now pronounce you husbands and wives. Please welcome these two couples to their new lives---Tabitha and Spencer Halfenaked, and Sabrina and Declan Wilde!"

The cheers and applause from our friends and family fade into the background as I lose myself in this moment, unable to stop myself from claiming her lips again. When we finally break apart, Bree's cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are shimmering with happy tears.

"Well, Sir Declan, I think you might be stuck with me."

I grin, unable to contain my happiness. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Lady Wilde."

We turn to face our guests, hands clasped tightly together. Tabitha and Spencer look equally as radiant in their newlywed bliss. Tabitha gives Bree a tearful smile, and I'm struck by how similar yet different the two sisters are. Tabitha's elegance complements Spencer's quiet charm, while Bree's vivacity matches my own restless energy.

As we make our way down the aisle, showered with rose petals and well-wishes, I can't help but marvel at how quickly life can change. Just weeks ago, I was a lonely sod with a satisfying career yet an emptiness inside me that I never spoke of. Meeting Sabrina changed everything. I became an adventurer, bouncing from one far-flung locale to the next, chasing the most enchanting woman I'd ever met. Now I'm married to a woman who challenges me, excites me, and makes me want to be a better man.

The reception is a blur of toasts, laughter, and dancing. I twirl Bree around the dance floor, and her joyful spirit infects me too. Once we finally sit down to relax for a moment, my wife turns toward me.

"This is the best day of my life," she tells me. "I never thought I'd be the type to have a whirlwind romance and get married so quickly. But with you, it just feels right."

"I know exactly what you mean, love. It's the best day of my life too." A sense of deep satisfaction comes over me, and my eyes sting---with happiness. "Who would have thought a chance encounter at a posh hotel would lead to this?"

Bree laughs, the sound melodic and sweet. "Certainly not me. I was too busy trying to avoid you and your obnoxious charm."

"You loved my insufferable attitude from the start."

"That, and your persistence." She takes hold of my tie, running her fingers up and down the silk fabric. "But it was your ability to keep up with me on our little globe-trotting adventures that sealed the deal."

I glance round to make sure we're truly alone. Then I whisper into her ear. "Speaking of adventures, Lady Wilde, how do you feel about starting our next one tonight?"

Bree as she pulls back to meet my gaze, her eyes alight. "Why, Sir Declan, are you suggesting we make an early exit from our own wedding reception?"

I grin. "Of course I am. We do have a honeymoon to start. How does Patagonia sound?"

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