Page 43 of Reckless Flames

Theo's vows echoed the sentiment, his commitment unwavering, his words painting a future filled with shared adventures and unwavering support.

“...to stand by your side, in the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.”

The exchange of rings was a symbol, a tangible representation of their vows, of the endless cycle of love and devotion that would encircle their lives together.

“With this ring, I thee wed, let it be a symbol of my eternal love and the promises we've made today.”

As they were pronounced husband and wife, the air erupted in cheers, the joy uncontained. Theo kissed Madi, a kiss that spoke of the depth of their connection, of the life they were about to embark on together.

The ceremony concluded, and as they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, the newlyweds were showered with flower petals, the air alive with the sounds of celebration. The weight of my earlier concerns seemed to lift, carried away on the breeze, leaving only the purity of the moment, the celebration of love and family.

The reception was soon in full swing, the air filled with music and laughter, a perfect facade that masked the storm of anxiety within me. Despite Ben’s comforting presence and the brief respite his kiss had provided, the latest note and the increased nervousness it created—as demonstrated by the encounter in the bathroom, had left a lingering shadow on my spirits.

As the evening wore on, I excused myself once again, navigating through the bustling crowd toward the sanctuary of the ladies’ room. My heart was a drum in my chest, each step echoing the rhythm of my frayed nerves.

The bathroom was empty again, the cool marble and soft lighting a stark contrast to the warmth of the celebration outside. I leaned against the counter, taking a deep breath, trying to center myself in spite of the whirlwind of emotions.

Then, the door creaked open.

I froze. Then I slowly raised my eyes to the mirror in front of me to see who had entered, praying that it was a wedding or hotel guest. The stalker stood just inside the door so that no oneelse could enter, his presence chilling the air, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. I saw immediately how he was able to get the note into my purse after I entered the hotel. He wore the uniform of a hotel waiter.

“Hello, my darling Sophie,” he began, his voice eerily calm, a stark contrast to the madness in his eyes. “I’ve come for you—just as I promised. Let’s go quickly now.”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing for a way to defuse the situation or at least stall for time. “I wondered if it would be you. But isn’t your name Derek Williams?” The name sewn onto his uniform shirt was Derek Edwards.”

That was the wrong thing to say because he got really angry. “How in the hell do you know that? What else do you—” I interrupted quickly, hoping to calm him down.

“But I remember signing a book for you back in the city. That’s all. Don’t you remember that you gave me your full name? I paid attention because I could tell you weren’t like any of the others.” It seemed to work. It sidetracked him—for a moment, at least.

“No, I’m not. I’m just like Marco—in your book. That’s how I knew we were meant to be together.”

“Look, I’m glad you enjoyed my book, but this isn’t a normal reaction. You’re scaring me, and that’s not okay.”

He took a step forward. “Don’t you dare tell me I’m not normal. That’s not allowed, and I’ll have to punish you for it if you do it again. We’re destined to be together; can’t you see that? You’ve reached out to me through your book, showing me that we’re meant for each other."

My back hit the wall, the cold tiles a jarring reminder of the reality I faced. I needed to keep him talking, to buy time until help could arrive. “I write for many not just for any one person. Besides, how could I possibly write just for you when I hadn’t met you yet?”

His expression faltered, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. “But I thought...I thought that was because of our special connection—a connection that doesn’t require words.”

The sadness in his voice would’ve been almost pitiable, if not for the terror he had inflicted. “Stories connect us all, but not like this. You need help, the kind I can’t give.”

For a moment, it seemed as if he might listen, his posture softening. But then, the delusion reclaimed him, his resolve hardening. “No, you’re mine; you’ll see that if you just give us a chance. We’re going to leave the hotel together now, and I need you to be good or I’ll—”

The door burst open, and a police officer—gun drawn, shouted at the suspect, “Derek Williams, on the floor. Now!” The stalkerwas quickly subdued, and I was hustled out of the restroom and immediately pulled into the safety of Ben’s arms.

As the man was taken away in handcuffs, his rantings fading into the background, I leaned against Ben, the adrenaline giving way to exhaustion. “I was so scared,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ben held me tighter, his presence a solid reassurance. “I’ve got you. It’s over now.”

The aftermath of the confrontation was a brief blur of questions. We were going to be allowed to return to the reception and then we could make full statements at the police station within the next couple of days. Through it all, Ben stayed by my side, a silent guardian against the chaos.

Later, as we rejoined the wedding, the celebration was going on as if nothing had happened. But for me, the world had shifted on its axis, the shadows lurking just beyond the light a little more real.

Yet, in spite of the fear and the tension, there was also a newfound strength, a resilience forged in the crucible of confrontation. I had faced my fears, had stood my ground, and had come out on the other side.

The wedding, Madi’s radiant smile, the joy that filled the room, it all took on a new meaning. Life was fragile, a tapestry of lightand shadow, but it was also precious, each moment a gift to be cherished.

Chapter twenty-four

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