Page 32 of Happily Ever After
Ella and I should take a detour on the way to the helipad. I'm similarly afflicted.
But instead, El bounces down the steps to the sand where the buggies are parked, twirling and spinning. "I'm getting married today," she singsongs at the top of her lungs.
Her good mood is infectious.
This really is the best day.
Laughing, I scoop her up into my arms and continue the twirling and spinning. When I put her on her feet again, I pull her closer against me and crash my mouth to hers.
"I can't wait for you to be officially mine," I pant when we come back up for air.
"I've been yours for a long time."
"True, but after today, the whole world will know it. You'll be wearing my ring and carrying my name."
"Ella Burg. It's short and sweet. I love it. Couldn't think of a better name." She reaches for me again and shows me with her lips just how excited she is to become my wife.
God, I could kiss this woman forever!
Groaning, I pull away. "I wish it was bedtime already, and it was just the two of us again."
She giggles. "No way. I'm not missing out on all the fun. I'm planning on enjoying every minute of today. Now, come on, we have a priest and a chef to pick up."
El swings her leg over the seat and turns the key in the ignition. Speeding off down the beach, the wind blows her hair back, and her shirt flutters in the breeze. It doesn't take me long to catch up to her, and together we make our way through the small forest toward the center of the island where the helipad is located.
The chopper just touches down as we pull up.
Perfect timing.
Today really is working out brilliantly.
Then the door opens, and Father Josef disembarks. He's ghostly pale, sweat beading on his forehead.
Alarm bells go off in my head.
He didn't mention motion sickness or fear of flying when we organized everything with him a few weeks ago.
My eyes scan the helicopter.
Fuck!
I pull Ella behind my body.
"Ade? What are you doi-?"
I don't let her finish. "Stay behind me," I bark.
Still, her head shoots out to my left to see what's going on, but I push her back behind me, never taking my eyes from our visitors.
Then the reason the blood has drained from the Reverend's face steps off the helicopter.
And it's not the chef we hired.
No, this man wears a tailored suit and radiates power.
More importantly, though, he's pointing a gun at us.
Chapter Thirteen
