Page 48 of Suddenly Single

“Yes.”

“Nobody’s looking. Do you want to get out of here?” He kissed me below my ear, and my legs felt like spaghetti. Since I was exhausted by the evening’s shenanigans, his suggestion was perfect. I grabbed Carter’s hand, and we both turned toward the door.

“Let’s go.”

Nobody noticed our exit. Since neither of us had much to drink, our buzz was rapidly fading. But, I was glad. I knew Carter loved all the parties my family threw. For me they’d become boring and repetitive. All I wanted was to curl up next to Carter and spend the night in his arms.

“Look up.” Carter pointed at the night sky. “Make a wish.”

A shooting star shot across the heavens. I knew what I wanted, but doubted my wish would come true. Carter brushed his lips across mine and sighed.

“What did you wish for?” I asked, then I let go of him, opened the door to Carter’s Mercedes and slid into the front seat.

Once Carter was behind the wheel, he turned to me and frowned. “I feel stupid.”

“Why?”

“Because of my wish.” His brow furrowed. “For the longest time, I’ve wanted a massive wedding. Something so over the top that no one would ever forget it.”

My mouth went dry. Would my wish come true after all?

He switched on the ignition and we slowly drove toward our cottage. “And?” I prompted him to continue.

“Honestly, all I want is to be married to you without all the fuss.” He glanced back at the house. “And I want no more of that craziness. It’s exhausting.”

“That’s why I married you on that mountain, Carter. So we wouldn’t have to deal with the lunatics I’m related to.” I said. “And even though I’ll do whatever you want regarding our marriage, if I had my way, we’d fly away somewhere quiet. Just the two of us, and I'd marry you again.”

Carter stomped on the brakes, and I nearly flew out of the seat.

“Let’s do it then.” Carter’s eyes blazed.

“Do what?” I asked, praying he’d say what I desperately wanted.

“Elope.”

Chapter 28

Carter

“Yes!” Asher smacked his palms together. “When do you want to do it?”

“Considering the events of the last few hours, I say let’s do it now.” I began driving again, and a moment later, our cottage came into view. “When we get inside, pack an overnight bag. Oh yeah, we need to figure out where we’re going.”

“Vegas?” Asher asked.

“It’s so tacky there.” I parked the car, and we both raced to the door. “Colorado again?”

Asher snorted, then slid his key in the lock. “I’d rather us go somewhere with competent officials. Why risk another wedding setback?”

The door opened, and we raced inside. “Asher, pack for both of us while I pull out my laptop and figure out the best place for us to go.”

Asher grasped my forearms and drew me in close. “I love you so damn much.” He murmured, and when his lips brushed across mine, our noses bumped. My heart felt so massive whenever he touched me. I smacked his ass, and Asher let go of me and raced up the stairs.

I couldn’t remember where I’d put the laptop, then I recalled using it last in Asher’s home office. While walking past the stairs, I heard Asher whistling a tune. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard him this happy.” I sighed, and dizziness shimmered through me. Wherever we went, it was best if we weren’t driving. Most of the effects of the laced chocolates were gone, but it made little sense to risk getting into an accident.

I found the laptop and typed best states quick marriage into the search engine. “Huh. Washington D.C. is the closest. We can hire a driver, speed up there, and we'll be married tomorrow.” I glanced through the other choices. “I’ve never been to Oregon, or Idaho.”

For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what had changed my mind about having a big ceremony at CCV. On paper, it was the logical choice. I loved big events and parties. But the thought of dealing with the asylum up the driveway made my skin crawl. I loved them all dearly, but I had to admit that tonight’s party had sapped whatever will I had to keep them all in line. Plus, this wasn’t my first time at the rodeo.

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