Page 107 of Can't Take My Eyes Off You

‘Want to know something that might surprise you?’ she asks. ‘I don’t want a big wedding. Your life has been public for so long. I think I want to do this just us.’

‘You want to elope?’ I didn’t expect this. I thought for sure she’d want the huge white wedding she deserves. ‘No big white dress, none of your family or friends?’

She shakes her head. ‘I’m thinking… Vegas.’

Vegas?I love it. ‘You know I could make that happen tonight.Ifyou want to?’

36

BERKLEY

‘I can’t believe we’re doing this right now!’ I chirp as we ride through Sin City in the back of a cab on our way to One Love Wedding Chapel, where ‘Elvis’ has agreed to marry us, tonight. That’s right, we got engaged four hours ago and are already in Las Vegas after a last-minute chartered flight, and we haven’t even changed out of our secondhand date clothes.

‘Do we look ridiculous?’

‘Ridiculouslyperfect,’ Will says. ‘Elvis won’t have a single complaint.’

He called ahead and ‘Elvis’ is awaiting us. He’s a fan of the show and can’t wait for us to arrive, but we requested something lower-key. The last thing we need is this all over the tabloids before we even get home. Will’s exact words were, ‘Treat us like the most normal couple you’ve ever met.’

While he made that call, I called his brother and told him we’d gone on an adventure but would be back by the end of the weekend and have decided we want their parents out before we get back. He’s agreed. If I never see their faces again, I could give two shits. Harsh? Maybe. Also, though, necessary for both our mental health. Will can one day make that call if he ever wants to repair that relationship.

Our car pulls to a stop outside the chapel and Elvis – in a blue suede suit – greets us with an arm windmill directing the driver to a parking spot.

‘We’re here!’ I say with a giggle. My insides feel like champagne spilling over, in the best of ways. The two of us exit the car, and Elvis greets us with open arms.

‘If y’all’s temperature is rising, it’s because of this flaming love of yours!’ he says, extending a hand to Will. ‘Introduce me to this lovely lady by your side,’ he says.

‘This is Berkley Kaine, the love of my life.’

‘Enchanté. Aren’t you just the prettiest gal alive?’ Elvis lifts my hand to his lips, planting a wet kiss on the back. He suddenly covers his eyes. ‘Sparks are flying off you two. Let’s hurry,’ he says, ushering us into the building.

It’s a whirlwind of choosing the room we want to get married in (the all-white one – like heaven), flowers, veil, and we each decide to wing the vows. Elvis promises he’ll make this easy as pie. Actually, his exact words are, ‘If drunk folks can do it, it should be no problem for the sober.’

‘Here we go, kids. The road to love is full of danger signs, a road you both know well.’ He winks at Will. ‘When y’all kiss, are your hearts on fire?’

‘On fire and burning with desire,’ Will says, playing along.

‘I second that,’ I pipe. I feel like a little kid and my insides are dancing.

‘Talk to each other,’ Elvis directs. ‘William, you first.’

He smiles, holding both my hands in his as Elvis holds my bouquet. ‘I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, Berkley. But falling in love with you was never one of them. I’ll be forever thankful that you’ve given me this one last shot. I promise I won’t let you down, baby.’

‘Like poetry, my reality-star friend. Berkley, you’re up, little lady.’

I don’t know if I can even speak; his words have taken my breath away and my heart has never beat louder.

‘Despite me trying to play it cool, you stole my heart the moment you sat in front of me in homeroom so long ago. Every time we reunite it’s like we never spent time apart. We made some mistakes, but no one else has ever stood a chance. It’s always been you, Will. Until the end of time.’

‘Are we writing a love song here because I’m fallin’!’ Elvis bolsters. ‘Love her tender, love her true, William Adler. Will you love this woman until the end of time? If so, say “I do”.’

Will nods and I swear I see a golden sparkle in his eyes. A sparkle that’s been missing since that day so long ago when everything fell apart.

‘I do.’

‘Well, this ain’t no one-sided love affair now, is it? If you want to be loved by the one your heart longs for, you’ve got to “I do” him too…’

‘I absolutely do.’ My insides are smiling right now.

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