Valorous(58)

“In case of what?”

I throw him a look that lets him know I’m on to him. “Don’t be obtuse.”

“I do so love your vocabulary, Ms. Bryant, and just for your edification, this marriage is forever, so I refuse to go into it making plans for it to end.”

“While I appreciate your complete and utter faith in me and in us, it would be prudent for you to ask me to sign something that says I don’t want your money. I only want you.”

“Which is exactly why you’re not being asked to sign anything. I believe you when you say you only want me. You’re the only woman I’ve ever been with who’s with me for the right reasons. Everything I have is yours.”

Tears fill my eyes. How can this be really happening? “I love you so much. Who you are to the rest of the world and what you have… None of that matters to me as much as who you are to me, what you give to me every day, by loving me.”

He leans in to kiss me.

I reach up to keep him from getting away, which disturbs Fluff.

She comes to with a growl and a bark that make us laugh once again.

Caressing his cheek, I say, “I live in mortal fear of her biting this world-famous face.”

“A scar or two would add some character.”

“You’re perfect exactly the way you are.”

A short time later, we land in Vegas, where we’re met by a limo that whisks us into town. I’m dazzled by the Vegas Strip—the lights, the gaudy grandeur and the palpable energy. Flynn, who has been here a million times, enjoys watching me see it for the first time.

We end up at the Bellagio, where we’re taken in through a special entrance and escorted to an elevator that deposits us directly into a palatial suite with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Strip and the elaborate fountains the hotel is famous for. I walk over to the window to take it all in.

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.