Page 20 of Perfectly Wedded

“Every restaurant on this street is over-the-top. It’s Vegas.”

My phone suddenly buzzes in my purse. I study the screen. It’s a message from Jaz with a news link.

Jaz

IS THIS REAL?

The article’s headline reads: “Hockey star elopes with girlfriend.” I click the link and my stomach drops. It’s about us.

“Are you in the mood for steak or seafood?” Vale asks, still looking at the map on his phone.

“Vale,” I say in an urgent voice, my eyes glued to the screen. The article is short but reveals that Vale and I eloped in Vegas.

“My nameisn’t the answer to this question,” he replies. “Your options are steak or seafood. Unless you want Mexican?”

I shove the phone in his face. “Look at this.”

Two lines form between his brow. “Somebody leaked our news to the media?”

“Not just somebody. Anthony, most likely.” I cross my arms. “And now my sister knows. She’s going to be furious.” I can barely breathe.

“Which means Brax knows. Not to mention the rest of the team.”

Suddenly, Vale’s phone buzzes in his pocket.

He glances at the screen. “It’s the general manager from the team. Looks like our secret is out.”

“What are we going to do?” I nearly yell, dragging my hand through my hair. This was not how I wanted everyone to find out.

Vale turns to face me, grabbing my shoulders so I’ll look at him. “I think it’s best if we head home early.”

“Right into the line of fire?”

“Yes,” he says, nodding. “We need to do what we can to control the story. We’ll talk to our families and team first, and then face the press.” He turns to head back to the hotel, and I grab his arm.

“Whoa, slow down, partner,” I say in my best fake country accent. “Did you saypress? Because I don’t do media stuff.”

“You do now. But I’ll take care of how to spin this during our press conference. You don’t have to say a word.”

“Wait—what conference?” I feel lightheaded, like I’m about to be sick.

“An interview with all the major media outlets,” he says. “And you’ll appear by my side... as my wife.”

EIGHT

Sloan

“You got married in Vegas?!?” These are the first words out of Jaz’s mouth when we arrive home.

After texting her a brief note that said,I’ll explain everything when I get home,she sent five more messages, three GIFs, and six phone calls.

She’s not mad,exactly, but she’s also not happy that I sent my reply right before our plane took off. I waited until the last possible second, knowing she’d be furious.

Growing up, we always promised we’d be each other’s maid of honor. Now I just broke that promise. Not only did I break it, but I didn’t even invite my sister to my wedding. I’m the worst sister in the world.

I worry my lip, and glance at Brax who stands behind her with his arms crossed. I feel like I’m being interrogated by the secret service.

“I know it happened fast, but we both realized we were in love,” I say casually, just like Vale and I rehearsed on the plane trip home. I glance over my shoulder at Vale. He gives me a smile that says,You’re doing great.

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