Page 69 of Chaperoning the Billionaire

The older woman dissolved into tears. Vicky patted her gently on the back until she pulled away, wiping her eyes. “Oh, look at me. There’s so much to do. A venue, caterers, the cake of course—a dress! Oh, Vicky, you’re going to make such a lovely bride! Where’s my schedule book? We ought to start thinking about an engagement party first, of course. But photos for the newspaper announcement are probably our top priority . . .”

Noah chuckled. “You’re sure you want to join this family? Voluntarily?”

Cheryl was now frantically rummaging through drawers, presumably looking for her schedule book or other wedding-planning supplies she kept at the ready.

Vicky threw Ryder a frantic look. He shrugged.

“Wait,” said Sabrina. “So where’s the ring?”

Ah, yes, the ring. Well, that was one way to clear things up.

Vicky held up her hand, revealing the simple gold band on her finger.

Sabrina looked confused. “Well, that just looks like a . . . wedding ring.”

Cheryl stopped fussing. The room went still. Ryder held up his hand, revealing his own new piece of jewelry.

Sabrina screamed and bounded over to them, squeezing them both in a giant hug.

Noah shook his head. “Well done, you two, well done. Congrats.” Sabrina yanked him into the group hug. He didn’t fight her.

“You . . . You eloped?” Oh, poor Cheryl.

“I’m sorry,” Vicky said, breaking away from the group. “We just . . . We talked about it, and it’s what felt right to us.”

Ryder came and put his arm around Vicky’s shoulders.

Cheryl looked back and forth between them for a moment before clasping her hands to her mouth. Her eyes turned glassy again. “You’re married!”

“You okay, Mom?”

“I’m just so happy for you!” And with that, she burst into tears once more.

Warren came over and planted a kiss on his wife’s forehead. “I’ll get the champagne!”

Ryder slipped his hand in hers. She leaned her head against his shoulder. They were finally, both, exactly where they belonged.

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