Page 55 of Lost Without You

“If you prefer to wait and have the whole big wedding and…”

“No way! This is the perfect wedding for us. Let’s tell Oliver and Dalton and make those calls.”

Rachel called Oliver first, then Dalton, who, despite his initial grumbling, agreed to accompany her parents to their chapel of choice. Then she called her parents, and Ryker and Wes, all of whom were sleeping. She told everyone the happy news, then asked them to get dressed and meet her and Ethan in the lobby in an hour. Once they got over the shock of her wedding news, they were as excited as she was.

Thank God there were several boutiques that stayed open 24/7. Oliver accompanied her on her midnight shopping spree, muttering under his breath about ‘people doing crazy-ass shit in this crazy-ass town’.

Rachel emerged from the dressing room a half hour later in a white mini dress with lace sleeves and a plunging neckline. She bought turquoise satin pumps and simple pearl drop earrings to finish her look. She was practically floating by the time she walked out of the shop and into the lobby, where all her family was waiting.

She spotted Ethan first, standing by the fountain in the center of the room. Dressed in a classic navy suit but no tie, his hair styled, he looked sophisticated and sexy. He was holding a single red rose. Several women wandered by and gave him a once over. Rachel shook her head.

“Keep moving ladies, he’s all mine,” she whispered to herself as she started towards him.

Ethan looked around and when his gaze finally landed on her, the power of their connection made her feel like they were the only two people in the world. She took measured steps, wanting to draw the moment out, to memorize this incredible feeling forever.

Ethan met her halfway, offering her the rose and giving her a once over that had her cheeks flushing. “I can’t believe you’re real.”

“I could say the same about you.”

He leaned in to kiss her but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

“No way, Ethan. Not until you’re married,” Wes quipped as he and Ryker greeted them.

Ryker pulled her in for a hug and whispered in her ear. “You’re radiating happiness, Rach. And Wes and I are so happy for you. We love you.”

Tears welled up, but she refused to cry. Not until the wedding.

“Thanks, baby bro. I love you, too.”

She noticed her mom and dad walking towards them with Dalton and another grim-faced man flanking them.

“Querida! My baby is so beautiful,” Tina murmured and hugged her.

“Thanks, Mama, I feel beautiful. And so thankful that you and Papa are here with me.”

“I can’t believe I’m reunited with my daughter, and I have to give her away in the same day!” Walter joked.

“You’re not losing a daughter, you’re gaining a son-in-law,” Wes reminded him. “But I’m still the favorite one in the family, right, Tina?”

“Not by far, Wesley, but we love you anyway,” Tina quipped, and everyone chuckled.

“Congratulations, guys,” Dalton offered his hand to Rachel and then Ethan, a small grin on his face. “Not to ruin the vibe, but this is Agent Lewin, he’ll be on detail until your parents are back in New York.”

The man’s stony expression never wavered. He offered a nod but stayed silent.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Hell, yes,” Ethan replied and showed his phone to Dalton. “We’re booked in at 1:30 AM at the Everlasting Chapel. It’s five blocks west of here, the concierge arranged a ride.”

“All right, let’s roll,” Dalton murmured.

Back in word mode, he and Lewin, along with Oliver, escorted them out of the hotel and into their limo.

As they were driving to the chapel, another impulsive thought occurred to Rachel, and she decided to run with it.

“I have an idea,” she whispered in Ethan’s ear.

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