Page 67 of Legacy's Destiny

Her eyes widened as realization struck. She shot upright. “Oh my God, I do! You have to meet my mom and dad. Where are we going to get married? I need a dress. What all goes into a wedding? I’ve never planned one before. I’ve been to a couple,but I didn’t pay attention. I need to look this up. Shit, I need my laptop?—”

Deacon laughed, pulling her back down onto the mattress. “The only thing we’re doing tonight is fixing this headboard, making love again, and getting some sleep. Wedding planning can wait.”

She relaxed against him, though her eyes were still wide with excitement. “And meeting my mom and dad?”

“We’ll get on a plane tomorrow.”

“Really?”

He nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “For you? Anything.”

In that moment, Deacon realized the truth in his words. They weren’t empty or placating—they came from the very fabric of his soul. He’d do anything for her. Anything.

Echo’s smile softened, and she leaned up to kiss him, her lips lingering as if savoring the moment. “I love you,” she whispered against his mouth, her voice barely audible but filled with conviction.

Deacon kissed her again, his arms tightening around her. “I love you more.”

And as they laid tangled together on the broken bed, laughter fading into contented silence, he knew without a doubt that whatever challenges lay ahead—whether it was meeting her parents, planning a wedding, or navigating the uncertainty of their future—they would face them together. Because she wasn’t just his fiancée, she was his everything.

CHAPTER 20

One Year Later:

Echo smoothedthe delicate crystal and pearl-beaded lace over her waist and turned to examine herself in the full-length mirror. She still couldn’t believe it. Never in a million years had she imagined she’d wear a wedding dress that cost as much as this one. The gown was breathtaking, with a fitted waist that accentuated her figure and a flowing ballgown skirt that sparkled under the soft lighting of the dressing room. The sleeves, crafted from intricate lace, kissed her wrists, and the bodice, adorned with crystals and pearls, shimmered with every movement she made.

Her mother flitted behind her, carefully taming a stubborn flyaway hair. “You look stunning,” her mom said, her voice thick with emotion.

A soft knock on the door interrupted them. “Can I come in?” Anna’s voice carried through.

Echo’s mom answered, “By all means—as long as you don’t have Deacon with you!”

Anna slipped into the room, her smile as radiant as ever. She clasped her hands together as her gaze landed on Echo. “Oh my goodness, you look like a dream!”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Echo’s mom said proudly, stepping back to admire her daughter.

Echo turned and smiled at Anna. “Thank you so much for letting us have the wedding here in Bozeman.”

Anna laughed warmly. “I don’t care where you have the wedding as long as you two get married. I’m so happy for you.” She crossed the room and kissed Echo’s cheek lightly, careful not to smudge her makeup. “I wouldn’t dare ruin all this beautiful work,” she added, dabbing a tissue to her eyes.

Another knock sounded, and Charley’s head popped into the room. “They’re ready for the first look and photographs.” Her eyes widened as she took in Echo’s appearance. “Oh, damn, girl, you look absolutely gorgeous!”

Echo smiled. “Thank you so much.”

“No problem! Now, come on, hurry up! We’ve got this all set up and arranged.”

Charley’s antics made Echo laugh. When Charley had asked if she could plan a surprise for Deacon, Echo couldn’t resist. She’d said yes immediately.

As they exited the small dressing room tucked into the back of the Rialto’s historic walls, Echo’s heart raced. The venue was perfect—elegant yet intimate, with its art deco charm, soaring ceilings, and vintage chandeliers casting a golden glow over the polished wood floors. The marquee outside proudly displayed their names in bold lettering:Deacon & Echo: A Love Forever.

Deacon stood with his back to her at the base of the Rialto’s grand staircase. The sunlight streaming through the high windows illuminated his sharp tuxedo. The fitted black jacket emphasized his broad shoulders, and his crisp white shirt andblack bowtie completed the classic look. Echo paused at the top of the stairs, anticipation bubbling in her chest.

But instead of her descending the steps, Ranger emerged in a massive, hilariously oversized wedding dress, complete with a veil. The sight nearly made Echo double over with laughter. Cameras clicked and video recorders captured every second as Ranger moved confidently down the stairs. When he reached Deacon, he reached out and tapped him on the shoulder.

Deacon turned, and the sight of Ranger in a wedding dress sent him into immediate, uncontrollable laughter. He doubled over, clutching his stomach as the entire team of groomsmen—Ronan included—joined in the uproarious moment. Ranger curtsied before stepping aside, revealing the real bride.

When Deacon finally straightened and turned his gaze to Echo, the laughter melted from his face. His expression softened, his eyes locking on her as though nothing else in the world existed. He walked up the stairs, extending his hand toward her.

“Echo,” he said, his voice reverent. “No one could look more beautiful than you do at this moment.”

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