Page 107 of Out of the Blue

I shake my head. “No. Well, maybe an Elvis impersonator.”

Her nose crinkles. “Okay. On one condition.”

I push her heavy hair away from her face. She’s abandoned the drugstore red highlights, and I appreciate the lustrous pure brunette locks more. “Let’s hear it.”

“No Elvis.”

I laugh and pull her entirely on top of me. “That I can agree with.” And I seal our engagement with a kiss. Right here on the kitchen floor in some random hotel. Doesn’t matter, so long as we’re together.

The next morning, my fiancée hides her new ring before we board the bus to take us to our wedding destination. The ride seems interminable, yet it’s filled with the people I love. Of course, they bet on everything from the time we’ll arrive in Sin City to the number of floors our hotel will have. And we celebrate the email Cordy received from the real Light Rail with details about how they’re going to start playing our songs in passenger waiting rooms. Sweet.

As soon as we arrive, I snag Cordy’s hand. Pretending to be a normal day, we mosey inside our hotel suite and drop our bags. In the bedroom, she opts for a long floral dress and I select a white button-down and pair of navy trousers. Changed, I scratch the tuxedo cat’s head as Cordy puts down a bowl of water and some food.

When she stands, I ask, “Ready?”

She nods. “Born ready.”

I drag her to my body and kiss her with all the passion inside me. “All for you.”

Online, we find a nearby chapel—without Elvis, thank you very much. I reserve an Uber, and together we make our way back to the lobby. Only when we’re safely inside our ride does she pull out my ring and hold it out to me. “Put it on me?”

“With pleasure, my love.” I kiss her lips, slide the ring onto her finger, and kiss the diamond as well.

Shortly, we arrive at the chapel and walk inside. We’re greeted by a woman with grey hair and glasses connected to a lime green string matching her shirt. “Welcome and congratulations on your wedding.”

Cordy stifles a laugh, while I fill out the required paperwork. We purchase two wedding bands, and she selects a bouquet. Finally, we stand before a man wearing a black suit. Not a cape or pompadour in sight. I stare into her gorgeous, multi-faceted mocha eyes, which reflect her love at me.

The officiant asks, “Do you have personal vows for each other?”

We nod. I’ve worked on mine like they’re the most precious lyrics ever. Because they are. Raising our entwined hands to my mouth, I kiss her fingers.

“Cordelia, you asked me for a drink in a club in Jersey City and what I didn’t know was that in addition to the vodka seltzer with lime, I gave you my heart then and there. My issues drove a wedge between us, but even then, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Your smile. Your smarts. Your stunning soul. I’m humbled you accepted me back into your life, and I vow to be worthy of your decision every single day. I love you with every fiber of my being. I promise to stay at your side forever to prove your decision in Newark, and the one you’re making here in Vegas, is the right one.”

Cordy blinks several times in an obvious, but failed, attempt to prevent her tears from falling. She laughs and swipes her cheeks. When the officiant asks her if she would like to say something, she replies with a wobbly, “Yes.”

I look at the woman who is in the process of becoming my wife and fall deeper in love with her, if that’s even possible. She’s my everything.

“Trent, you weren’t the only one who came into this relationship broken. I had my own issues I’m still working through, but you’ve shown me the possibilities of what a life filled with love can mean. And I’m learning to rely on a new hope, which is happiness can be a lasting truth. You’re the reason for this, and I’m going to hold you to it.” She gives me her patented side-eye.

I laugh.

She continues, “I promise to be at your side in good and bad times. I promise never to lie to you, whether by omission or directly. I’m so proud you chose me to be your wife and vow to work hard every day to prove you made the right decision. I love you.”

Her vows sink into my soul and remake me as a better man. We exchange rings, and then we’re pronounced the glorious label—“Husband and Wife.” Our mouths clash in a kiss sealing our commitments and only ends when the officiant coughs.

I lean my forehead against hers. “Let’s get out of here, Mrs. Washington.”

“With pleasure, Mr. Washington.”

The next day we stroll into rehearsal, our hands linked. I’m shocked the guys don’t notice our glow. Or the way Cordy’s walking with a slight hitch. I can’t wipe the grin off my face.

In a teasing tone of voice, Dwight spins his drumstick. “Nice of you to show up.”

I wink. “We were kind of busy.” I catch a breath. “I’m here now. With my wife.”

My pronouncement results in total pandemonium. The band rushes toward me, pounding my back and both shoulders. They’re more gentle with Cordy, yet her winded laughter fills my heart. My. Wife. I absolutely love her new title.

Joey yells, “Pay up!” Maurice and Dwight reach into their back pockets, while I roll my eyes.

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