Valorous(60)

“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.

Flynn raises his in toast to me, and I touch my glass to his. “To my wife.”

“To my husband.”

He leans over to kiss me. “I like the sound of that.”

“So do I.”

I try some of everything, even though my stomach is alive with nerves and excitement for the night ahead of us. I can’t wait to be completely alone with him, my husband. Seeing that ring on his finger and recognizing all it stands for is truly humbling.

“Do you like your wedding ring?” he asks, tuning in to my thoughts.

“I love it. It’s beautiful. Everything is. I can’t believe what you and your magician Addie managed to put together with two days’ notice.”

“She’s good at what she does.”

“Your stamp is all over this, Flynn. Take your share of the credit.”

“I’ll take this much.” He pinches his thumb and index finger together. “I chose the rings and said yay or nay to a bunch of dresses, hoping there’d be one you liked.”