VALOROUS (A Quantum Novel)(50)

Flynn squeezes my hands.

“Natalie, if you’ll repeat after me.”

I recite my vows, listen to Flynn recite his and become teary when he slides a platinum band on my finger that matches my engagement ring. I panic for a second when I realize I don’t have a ring for him, but of course that’s been taken care of as well.

He produces a matching ring and drops it into my hand with a wink and a smile.

As I slide it onto his finger, the magnitude of what we’re doing seems to hit me all at once, leaving me light-headed and joyful. It’s been so long since I’ve felt anything that could be described as joy, but standing here in a luxurious suite in Las Vegas, marrying the man of my dreams—hell, the man of everyone’s dreams—I know real, true joy for the first time in longer than I can remember.

And then he’s kissing me and the judge is declaring us husband and wife. I’m Flynn Godfrey’s wife.

Flynn produces his phone and asks Mrs. Gallagher to take a picture for us. She takes a dozen and then asks if it would be too much to get one of her with Flynn. Naturally, he obliges and produces an envelope that he hands to them. “A little something to thank you for your time.”

As we’re seeing them off, two tuxedoed waiters arrive, one pushing a table that’s been set for two and the other carrying an ice bucket containing two bottles of champagne. The older of the two says, “When you’re ready, Mr. Godfrey.”

“Give us ten minutes, please.”

“Of course.”

They depart, closing the door behind them and leaving me alone with my husband. My husband. Someone pinch me, please. He wraps his arms around me and buries his face in my hair. “Hello, Mrs. Godfrey.”

I slip my arms inside his suit coat to return the embrace. “Hello, Mr. Godfrey.”

“How does it feel?”

“Unreal. Amazing. Perfect.”

“For me, too.”

“I’ll never forget this, Flynn. Any of it. The whirlwind has been…”

“Life changing.”

I nod in agreement. “Incredible.” It’s my favorite word to describe him and our relationship.

Without breaking the intense eye contact, he kisses me softly. I can tell he’s holding back because he has other plans before we consummate this marriage.

“We have one piece of business to attend to.”

“What’s that?”

He pulls his phone from his pocket. “Help me pick the best one.” We scroll through the photos Mrs. Gallagher took.

“That one.”

“That’s a good one.” He sets up a text message and fires it off to Liza with the words “green light.”

“What’s going to happen?”

“She’s going to release the photo with a single sentence that says ‘Flynn Godfrey married Natalie Bryant in Las Vegas tonight.’ That’s all we plan to say about it.”

“That’s all there is to say.”

“Oh, sweetheart, there’s so much more I could say, but I’ll save all of that for you. No one else needs to know.”

“Would it be okay if I text the photo to Leah and Aileen so they don’t hear about it on Twitter?”

“Of course. I’ll send it to your phone.”


When I have the photo, I fire off a quick group text to my friends in New York, who reply immediately.

Leah: WHHHAAAAATTTT??? SHUT THE FUCK UP! OMG! So happy for you guys! You both look beautiful—and happy. Congrats, Nat. I can’t even tell you how thrilled I am for you.

Aileen: I’m in tears for two beautiful people who deserve a lifetime of happiness. xoxo from me, Logan and Maddie

I share the replies with Flynn. “You should probably tell your friends—and your family.”

“You’re right. I should.” He sends off a group message, and his phone starts dinging frantically with replies.

His sister Aimee: Never say never! Way to go. Welcome to the family, Natalie!

Marlowe: Fantastic! Congrats, guys! Looking forward to celebrating at the SAGs. Love you!

Kristian: Congrats! Great pic. Happiness always.

His sister Annie: Shut the front door! Have you been hacked? Abducted by aliens? Laid low by love? Happy for you, bro. Welcome to the Godfrey family madness, Natalie!

Emmett: Mazel tov! My best wishes for a long and happy life together.

Stella: Congratulations, my darlings. Thrilled and delighted to welcome Natalie to our family. Dad and I love you both! xoxo

Jasper: Well done, chap! Natalie, you’ve got one of the good ones. All my best always.

His sister Ellie: Welcome to our family, Natalie! Anyone who can put up with Flynn full time has my undying respect and admiration. Happy for you both! Love you.

Addie: Thrilled and delighted for you both. Enjoy every minute!

“Very good advice from Addie,” I say. Neither of us mentions that the only one who didn’t reply is his closest friend, Hayden.

“Enough with the phones.” He powers his down and tosses it on a table. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

“I could eat.”

He goes to the door to let in the waiters, who deliver a beautiful meal that consists of Caesar salad, grilled shrimp, tender beef, asparagus and mouthwatering risotto. They uncork the champagne and fill crystal flutes.