VALOROUS (A Quantum Novel)(49)

Flynn joins me there and slides his arms around me from behind. “What do you think, sweetheart?”

“It’s amazing. I’m not sure where to look first because there’s so much to see.”

“I wish we were normal people, and I could take you for a walk to get closer to the fountains or show you the casino, where you could try your luck at the tables.”

I turn to face him. “I wouldn’t want us to be anyone other than who we are. I’m perfectly satisfied with this beautiful suite and to have you all to myself.”

“You’ll have me all to yourself after we take care of a little business.”

“What kind of business?” I ask with a coy smile, though I know perfectly well.

The doorbell rings. “Hold that thought.” He kisses me before he goes to answer a door that I hadn’t noticed.

I’m still staring out the window when there’s a flurry of activity behind me reflected in the glass. I turn to find four people and a rack of dresses. “What’s all this?”

“I couldn’t ask you to get married without a fabulous dress and, at the very least, having your hair done however you want it. Oh, and flowers. They’re on the way up.”

“Let me guess. Addie?”

“With a little help from me.” He looks adorably uncertain all of a sudden. “I hope this is okay.”

I go up on tiptoes to kiss him. “It’s perfect. Everything about this is perfect.”

“I’ll leave you to get ready, then. See you soon?”

“Yes, you will.”





An hour later, I’m wearing a gorgeous white silk dress by a designer I’ve never heard of. It fits me like it was made just for me, which is why I chose it. It’s also subtly sexy with a deep V neckline that I’m quite certain my future husband will appreciate. The bodice is beaded with crystals and pearls, but the rest is exquisitely simple, which suits me perfectly.

I’ve brought the diamond earrings and necklace Flynn gave me before the Golden Globes, and my hands tremble ever so slightly as I put them on. I’m still terrified of losing them, even though he’s told me not to worry. They’re insured. Still, I’d die if I ever misplaced the priceless gems.

I’ve chosen to wear my hair down because that’s more “me” than an elaborate updo will ever be. It’s long and curly, the way I like it best. I never feel more “me,” the new and improved me, than when I’m with Flynn, so I want to be beautiful for him tonight.

I wonder about the people who help me get ready and what sort of threats they must be under to keep our secrets. I hope none of them buckles to the pressure to spill the beans. I’m certain Flynn’s team has a plan for how they will release this news to the world.

That, however, is not my concern right now. At the moment, all I can think about is that I’m about to marry the most wonderful man I’ve ever known, and I can’t wait to commit the rest of my life to him.

Everyone else leaves, and I take a last look in the mirror before I declare myself ready. I’m not sure if I should wait in the bedroom or go out to see if Flynn is ready, too.

A soft knock on the door ends my debate. My belly flutters with excitement as I cross the room to answer. Flynn is there in a sexy black suit with a thin tie. His hair has been combed into submission, and he’s freshly shaven. He’s absolutely stunning, and the way he looks at me takes my breath away.

“Natalie… God, you’re beautiful. Come out here and let me see you.” He takes me by the hand and leads me into the enormous living room that’s bigger than my entire apartment in New York. Still holding my hand, he places his other hand over his heart. “I have to be the luckiest guy who ever lived to have found you. And that you love me…”

“I love you so much. I can’t wait to be your wife.”

“Then let’s make it official, shall we?” He hands me a bouquet of white roses and snapdragons and other flowers I don’t recognize. Then he places a call on the house phone, and a few minutes later, the doorbell rings again. This time he admits a man in a suit who gestures for the woman who is with him to enter ahead of him. They both have gray hair and warm, friendly smiles.

“Natalie, this is Judge Henry Gallagher and his wife, Teresa. He’ll marry us, and they’ll serve as our witnesses.”

I shake hands with them. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Likewise,” he says. “We’re both huge fans of your work, Mr. Godfrey.”

“Please, call me Flynn.”

“I have a few things for you both to sign,” Judge Gallagher says.

We take care of the paperwork and decide to stand before the fireplace for the ceremony. When Flynn reaches for my hands and flashes a giddy smile, I set the flowers on a nearby table and take hold of his hands.

All of a sudden, it registers with me that we’re actually doing this. We’re getting married, and I’m not even slightly nervous. That’s because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m doing the right thing. The smile that stretches across Flynn’s handsome face lets me know he feels the same way. I squeeze his hands.

“Flynn and Natalie, you have come here tonight to be married. Are you both taking these vows of your own free will?”

“I am,” we say together.