A bunch of the pack girls were waiting. Each one was dressed in bright neon colors. Her eyes widened, and her stomach dropped. This wasn’t part of their plan.
“Elise, I thought we agreed, nothing big.” She looked at her, a little shocked. “This looks big.”
“Oh, come on, you’re only getting married once. Let’s have a little fun.” One of the girls held up a neon sash that readbride. She couldn’t help but smile. She pulled it on and climbed into the limo.
Music blared, and champagne was poured. She looked at Elise as they pulled away. “What about Nox?”
She waved a hand with a smirk. “Nox is going out with Nevel and the boys. I know they are having fun, so I wanted to make sure you did as well.”
She took a glass and took a sip. She glanced around at the vehicle and the girls. Everyone was eager. She had no idea what the plan was, but she was actually looking forward to it herself.
They landed at a club downtown and the theme of the night was neon, so they fit right in. There was dancing and drinking. Everyone cheered for her, and she allowed herself to enjoy her night. She laughed with the girls and melted into the music.
“I’m so excited,” Elise said next to her, clinking her glass against Kelli’s. “Because after this, you’re my sister. I’ll have a new sister tomorrow!”
She pulled Elise into a tight hug. “Thank you for everything that you’ve done.”
Elise smiled back at her. “And thank you for everything you did. We wouldn’t be here if not for you.”
She didn’t want to think about that and instead pulled Elise onto the dance floor to boogie away her last night as a single woman.
FORTY-TWO
NOX
He stood nervously at the altar. The music played, and he knew this moment was going to change his life. He was going from an engaged man to a married man.
Nevel stood next to him, smiling. “Everything is beautiful,” he whispered, giving a wink toward Elise, who smiled back.
The music shifted. He turned to see Kelli step in. His heart skipped a beat seeing the dress and her smile. She looked absolutely stunning. His heart felt like it had stopped.
“Wow,” Nevel said. “That’s ...”
“Shut up,” he said, wanting to just soak her in. Everyone oohed and ahhed as she came down the aisle, but her eyes were on him. He smiled ear to ear.
She stopped in front of him, and he pulled her veil over her head, taking her in completely. Her eyes looked brighter, and her lips were a light shade of red. Her bouquet brought out the glow in her and the dress. Damn, he loved it.
“Everyone may be seated,” the priest said.
His mind was on high alert as they exchanged vows and rings. Her fingers were warm in his, and he squeezed them gently.
“Without further ado, you may kiss the bride.” He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. He kissed her, holding her close while everyone cheered. He heard his brother whistle, and someone yelledcongrats.
She leaned back with a laugh and brought her hands up, clutching his face. She leaned closer, running her nose against his. “We’re married,” she whispered so only he could hear.
“Death won’t even part us,” he said, kissing her once more.
They all headed outside for the rest of the wedding. They were only having the ceremony inside, as Kelli wanted it to be in the church. They were taking photos and signing papers before they were to trek over to the grand hall, where they would have the reception. They took pictures with family and friends, and near the end, it was just them.
He held Kelli close as the photographer snapped photos. He inhaled her scent and chuckled into her ear. “God, you smell amazing.”
“Thank you,” she chirped, looking up at him. “You smell amazing as well.”
He pulled her closer, kissing her deeply. He didn’t think he could get happier.
After another half an hour, they joined the rest of the party at the grand hall. The food was being served, and he was starving. He and Kelli seated themselves and began to eat. He saw she had allowed them to have pheasant. He couldn’t help but kiss her again.
Elise talked to Kelli, having been seated next to her. He took in the hall, amazed at everything. He’d never seen it looking so lovely before. There were flowers all over the place, and fabric was draped from the walls. Lights were strung from the ceiling, and a photo booth sat in the back that everyone was chattering about.