Page 56 of Lost Without You
The Everlasting Chapel was everything Rachel expected from a Vegas wedding venue—totally over the top and proud of it.
The walls were lined with pink satin wallpaper, highlighted by crystal chandeliers that hung from a ceiling covered in white glitter. Celine Dion music played in the background as a twenty-something couple in jeans and t-shirts stood giggling at the pink alter, repeating their vows.
Rachel had a quick word with the manager while they waited in the foyer for their turn up the aisle. The young married couple kissed, and then pink—of course—confetti exploded, and the giggling pair ran down the aisle.
The officiant called out Rachel and Ethan’s names.
“I’ll meet you up there,” Ethan said as he pointing to the front of the room, a sinful smile aimed her way. “Don’t run off on me.”
“The only place I’m running to is you.”
She watched as Wes and Ryker patted Ethan on the back and walked down the aisle with him.
“I believe this is where I come in,” her dad murmured as he held out his arm. Everything about this moment was surreal and Rachel almost pinched herself.
“Definitely, and I’d like Mama to walk with us.”
She held her other arm out to her mom, who tearfully accepted it.
“I’m so happy for you, querida. You look at Ethan the way I do your Papa.”
Rachel nodded. “As crazy as it sounds, as soon as I met Ethan, something inside me just knew.”
“It’s not crazy, it’s love. And I wish you a lifetime of it,” she whispered as she kissed Rachel’s cheek.
The music changed to a slow number and Rachel started to walk, her parents close by her side. The tears started falling and she noticed Ethan do the same, wiping his eyes with his hand until Wes passed him a tissue.
Once she reached the end of the aisle, she hugged her parents, and took Ethan’s offered hand.
The officiant nodded her head and began.
“We are gathered here today to join Ethan Blackwell and Rachel Desoumas in sacred matrimony. Ethan, please repeat after me…”
After exchanging vows and rings, the officiant gave a big smile and nodded.
“By the power vested in me by the beautiful city of Las Vegas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Ethan and Rachel wasted no time in claiming each other’s kiss, sealing their commitment.
“And now,” the officiant said and nodded at Rachel. “If Walter and Tina could step forward, as well as Ryker and Wes.”
Rachel turned to her family, confusion all over their faces.
“I thought you could renew your vows while we’re here,” she smiled. “Surprise!”
Walter offered his hand to Tina and she took it without hesitation, standing up at the altar. Ryker did the same with Wes and soon both couples renewed their commitment to each other and kissed to seal the deal.
The entire family celebrated back at the hotel until the sun rose and bathed the desert skyline in gold. After copious amounts of champagne and red velvet cupcakes, Ethan and Rachel made it back to their suite at 5:00 AM, tired but over the moon.
“So, what’s next Mr. Blackwell?”
“Well, it’s our wedding night, Mrs. Blackwell. Or morning.” Ethan murmured as he began to undress. “I think you know what comes next.”
“Not that,” she laughed as she stripped off her dress, revealing a lacy white thong and bra.
Ethan’s hungry gaze made her flush with pleasure.
“I mean, what’s our next adventure?”