Page 37 of Tangled Vows

Checking the time, I dropped the veil on the bed and rushed to the bathroom. I wanted to refresh my makeup and touch up my curls from the game. I may have run my hands through my hair in frustration a few times. The game was a nail biter. We eked out another win somehow, taking the lead with only seconds left on the clock. The other team hadn’t expected us to come to win, but they got the surprise of a lifetime when our guys hit the ice. They came out swinging and didn’t slow down the whole time.

Once I was satisfied with my makeup, I added the finishing touches to my hair, pulling the sides back from my face. It created the perfect style to add the veil to once I reached the venue. I wouldn’t put it on until I was out of the hotel so I didn’t risk someone from the team seeing me. I wasn’t prepared to explain myself if that happened.

As it was, I looked like I could simply be heading out for a date or a night on the town. My ensemble didn’t exactly scream wedding attire, and that made it perfect.

I slipped on my shoes and gave myself one final look in the mirror. Wide gray eyes stared back at me with trepidation and maybe a hint of excitement. I was getting married in Vegas. This was the most reckless thing I’d ever done, and that gave me a little thrill. I tried to ignore the fact that it wasn’t a real marriage and wouldn’t last long. For just one night I wanted to pretend. I wanted to forget that my mom was sick and we were drowning in bills. That I was only marrying Easton to get my inheritance and keep us afloat. I wanted to ignore it all and pretend I wasn’t doing this because my world was falling apart.

28

EASTON

“Ifucking knew it,” Kent muttered to himself for what seemed like the hundredth time. Ever since I’d confided in him that Shayla and I were getting married while the team was in Vegas, he wore a smug smile like he guessed the winning lottery numbers. He and Dr. Norton—or Claire, as she'd insisted I call her—agreed to be our witnesses. I swore them both to secrecy, and Kent had been preening ever since.

Claire, on the other hand, had gotten all teary eyed and hugged me. She too thought there’d been something between Shayla and me, but she was a lot less obnoxious about it.

“Are you ready for this?” Kent asked as we walked up to the chapel entrance.

I wasn’t, but I couldn’t tell him that. This marriage was the key to keeping my career afloat. It was how I’d stay in the public’s good graces if my prior indiscretions came to light.

“Yep,” I replied with a nod, sounding more confident than I felt. Kent pulled open the door, and we walked inside. Claire stood at the desk speaking with the receptionist, but turned when she heard us enter.

“There you guys are,” she greeted excitedly. “Everything looks great! Shayla is going to love it.” Claire insisted on coming to the venue early to make sure everything was “just right.” She had them upgrade our basic package to the deluxe version so we could have more decorations and photos, plus a bottle of champagne to celebrate. It cost me three times as much, but I didn’t mind. Whatever she thought would make Shayla happy was worth it to me.

She was in a bad spot, only marrying me because she didn’t have a choice. It wasn’t like shewantedthis, but if I could make it special for her in any way, I would do it.

I handed over my credit card to the receptionist while Claire prattled on excitedly. Once the receipt was signed, the nerves began to settle in. I was really doing this. Sure, it wasn’t a real marriage, but still, it felt like a big deal.

“Do you want to wait in the chapel for your bride?” the receptionist asked.

“Uh, sure,” I said, my palms growing damp. She led me through the doors leading to the chapel, and I shot Claire a panicked look. This was my last chance to call this whole thing off. But I couldn’t do that. Shayla was counting on me. We had a deal. And I sure as hell wouldn’t let her down again.

Claire’s eyes softened, and she gave me a reassuring smile, mistaking my unease as worry over Shayla not being able to find me.

“Don’t worry. I’ll wait for her here and bring her in when she arrives.”

I nodded once and swallowed hard. Kent followed me into the chapel to wait. It was a quarter after five. Shayla should be here any minute. My leg bounced nervously. I was about to crawl out of my skin when the doors swung open, revealing my bride.

I inhaled a sharp breath as I took in the sight. She was ethereal, a halo of light surrounding her from the brightly litlobby. Dressed all in white, she was a vision. With her short dress and mini veil, she made the perfect Vegas bride.

Her eyes connected with mine, and a tentative smile curved her lips. She fiddled nervously with the bouquet of soft pink roses in her hands, the only pop of color against her pristine white ensemble. She made no move to walk down the aisle, even as the wedding march began playing softly over the speakers.

Noticing her hesitancy, Claire looped her arm through Shayla’s and leaned in to whisper something in her ear. Shayla nodded, and they began their slow trek toward us. She stopped in front of me, and I offered her a reassuring smile.

“You wore the dress,” I noted, pleased with her choice. I hadn’t known what to expect when I picked it out since I’d never seen her in anything like it before, but I knew she would look fantastic in it. However, with Shayla, she was just as likely to tell me to go to Hell as she was to agree to wear it.

“I did. It’s perfect,” she added, her wide eyes softening with appreciation. “Thank you.”

The officiant began the ceremony, and we exchanged our vows. It was surprisingly easy to promise to love her and cherish her. For some reason, it didn’t feel like a lie, even though it very much was.

When the time came to exchange rings, Shayla paled, panic flashing in her stormy gaze.

“Oh, um, we don’t ha—” she began, but I spoke up.

“I have them right here.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out three rings. There was a plain platinum band for me and a set for her with an emerald cut diamond engagement ring and complimenting wedding band.

Shayla stared at the jewelry in my outstretched hand, wide eyes taking in the rings. I wanted to surprise her with them, and it looked like I’d accomplished that goal. We’d never discussedgetting rings, but it seemed like something we’d need to make this marriage seem real, at least to the outside world.

Shayla’s chin quivered, and her eyes misted with unshed tears. My chest constricted at the sight. I hadn’t expected this unfiltered show of emotion. She was almost always composed. Even when I’d pissed her off, her reactions were subtle and controlled. But now, this rare glimpse of raw emotion and vulnerability made me want to pull her into my arms and comfort her.

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