“I love you with everything that I am,” he whispers against my lips as I smile and look into his crystal blue eyes. “I love you more,” I say as he lets go of my face and we shake the judge’s hand. He grabs my hand as we walk out of his chapel while my chiffon train trails us.
As soon as the door to the chapel opens, my chiffon dress blows up almost like Marilyn Monroe, the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas almost non-existent since we are off the Strip. I see someone in the distance snap a picture because his flash goes off.
“I think someone just took a picture of us,” I tell him while we make our way to the car that is waiting for us.
“Angel, it’s Vegas, everyone is taking pictures.” He waits for me to get in before climbing in after me. “So, my wife, where do you want to go?” Max turns to me and smiles while his thumb rubs the hand he’s holding.
“Back to our room,” I say, looking at our hands. “I want to go back with you, lock the door, and just be with my husband.”
“I was hoping you would say that.” He pulls me to him as his arm goes around my shoulder, and I fit perfectly in the crook of his arm.
We watch the city lights come into focus again once we get on the Strip. Walking through the lobby, I hold on to my husband’s hand as I watch his ring glisten in the light. I watch as Max unlocks the door for us. Walking in, I head for the living room that is now turned into what looks like a small reception. Gone are the couches, and in their place is a cast iron square with blush pink roses wrapped all around it. Tea lights make it across. I go into the middle of the room as I turn around and see that all the furniture is gone. The only thing in this room are blush roses, which are my favorite.
“This place looks like a fairy tale,” I say as Max walks to me holding a bouquet in his hands.
“For you.” He hands it to me as our song “Dive” comes on.
“Dance with me?” I ask him as I walk to him.
“Every single day of my life,” he says as he wraps a hand around my waist.
He takes his phone out and raises his hand as he snaps a picture of us. I’m looking at the camera while he looks at me. “Stunning,” he says quietly as his phone starts pinging.
“Angel, don’t freak out.” His voice is curt, tight.
I don’t have the time to say anything because my phone buzzes with a text from Matthew.
Allison, when you get this you better call me.
“Oh my God.” I look at him. “What did we just do?” He looks at me shocked and steps back and away from me. “Max,” I say, reaching out to him while he dodges me.
“A mistake!” he whispers, his voice trembling.
I don’t know if he’s asking or telling. My heart hurts as I see his eyes go dark as he turns and walks out of the room as the front door slams after him. As I stand here in my wedding dress, a tear rolls down my face and I look down and see my glistening wedding band.
Chapter Thirty
Max
The door slams behind me, the click making my heart go to my throat. I close my eyes, only seeing the confusion in hers. “Oh my God. What did we just do?” The words echo in my head.
I walk to the elevator and press the button, my feet moving like lead. My chest hurts. I think I’m having a heart attack as my palm goes to the center and I rub it. I put my hand up on the wall and hang my head.
“A mistake,” I say out loud. “She thinks it was a mistake.”
“Like fuck I do. I never said that word; you, you said that. Putting words in my mouth, nothing about us is a mistake, nothing.” I hear her voice and turn to see tears stain her face. “You.” She points at me. “You aren’t going to get away that easy.” She walks out as the elevator doors open. “Go ahead,” she says, her hands crossed over her chest. “I fucking dare you to get in that elevator.”
I don’t move and the doors close.
“You just vowed to love me in good times and bad and the minute bad comes you fucking leave.” She throws her hands up.
“I didn’t fucking leave. You didn’t see the pain in your eyes. You didn’t see the turmoil I saw,” I tell her. “I vowed to make you happy!” I yell.
“You think making me happy is my husband leaving me on my wedding night? You think making me happy is my husband not being at my side?” She turns and walks back into the room as I follow her this time.