Page 23 of Billionaire's Runaway

As Laura and I made our way up town the chapel, I realized at least one member of our extended family was available to stand with me.

“Rick,” I said, catching the reflection of the driver in the rear-view mirror. I’d known him my whole life. “After you park the car, would you please join us in the chapel?”

“Sir?”

“Don’tsirme,” I reprimanded, rolling my eyes. “You’re just as much a part of this family as anyone. It would mean a lot to me if you’d come inside to be our witness.”

“Then I would be honored, Luke,” Rick said, nodding at me in the mirror.

“Laura.” I turned to face her, taking her hands in mine. “I promise, when things calm down, I’ll throw you the biggest, most audacious wedding you’ve ever seen.”

“Don’t be silly,” she insisted. “I want a marriage with you. A big wedding is just frosting.”

“How did I get so lucky?” I brought one of her hands to my lips and kissed it softly.

She giggled. “I guess you just run faster than I do.”

“Thank goodness we’re done with all that.” I stared pointedly at her.

“I’m done running,” she promised.

“Well,” I said as we pulled up in front of the building housing the chapel. “I can buy us rings in the boutique they have here, or we can go shopping for them later.” I didn’t bother mentioning the first ring I’d purchased for her had been…donated.

“Let’s see what they have,” she offered as she slid out of the car. “I’d like the world to know you belong to me as quickly as possible.”

“The world has known I belong to you since the first night I met you,” I said, following her to the sidewalk and linking her arm in mine. “It was only ever you who doubted it.”

“No more doubts,” she said, beaming up at me. “Let’s go get hitched.”

“Rick,” I said, turning back to him. “We’ll wait for you outside the chapel.”

He nodded before getting back in the car and pulling away.

Laura and I walked inside together and followed the signs toward the chapel. The woman at the desk greeted us both and let us know there was a wedding currently taking place, but they should be ready for us soon, then she directed us to the jewelry shop located down the hallway.

I let Laura peruse their offerings, promising her that she could have anything she wanted. After a few minutes, she selected two plain, white gold bands.

“What about an engagement ring?” I asked as the clerk rang us up.

“I’m good,” she said with a shrug. “I’m a simple girl, Luke.”

“I know you think so,” I teased. “But you’re the most complicated woman I’ve ever met.”

She rolled her eyes as she took the bag from the clerk, and we walked back to the chapel.

“Willow!” Laura squealed as we approached a small gathering of people who’d congregated in the waiting area. I’d forgotten Willow had been at Laura’s party that night atBradford’s. Iwasn’t sure how they knew each other, but now, I remembered that they had been friends.

The two ladies hugged, and both began talking a mile a minute while I glared at Jameson.

“Did Roz call you?” I demanded.

“Chill,” he said, clapping me on the back. “I was standing at her desk when you called.”

“You didn’t tell Mom, did you?” I asked, my tone warning. “I want a small service. I don’t need the Cassels crowding in here like the Waltons.”

“I haven’t talked to anyone,” he promised. “But they’re going to be pissed at you.”

“They’ll get over it,” I assured him. “I just need her married to me.”

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