Page 20

CHAPTER 20

O ne Year Later:

Echo smoothed the delicate crystal and pearl-beaded lace over her waist and turned to examine herself in the full-length mirror. She still couldn’t believe it. Never in a million years had she imagined she’d wear a wedding dress that cost as much as this one. The gown was breathtaking, with a fitted waist that accentuated her figure and a flowing ballgown skirt that sparkled under the soft lighting of the dressing room. The sleeves, crafted from intricate lace, kissed her wrists, and the bodice, adorned with crystals and pearls, shimmered with every movement she made.

Her mother flitted behind her, carefully taming a stubborn flyaway hair. “You look stunning,” her mom said, her voice thick with emotion.

A soft knock on the door interrupted them. “Can I come in?” Anna’s voice carried through.

Echo’s mom answered, “By all means—as long as you don’t have Deacon with you!”

Anna slipped into the room, her smile as radiant as ever. She clasped her hands together as her gaze landed on Echo. “Oh my goodness, you look like a dream!”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Echo’s mom said proudly, stepping back to admire her daughter.

Echo turned and smiled at Anna. “Thank you so much for letting us have the wedding here in Bozeman.”

Anna laughed warmly. “I don’t care where you have the wedding as long as you two get married. I’m so happy for you.” She crossed the room and kissed Echo’s cheek lightly, careful not to smudge her makeup. “I wouldn’t dare ruin all this beautiful work,” she added, dabbing a tissue to her eyes.

Another knock sounded, and Charley’s head popped into the room. “They’re ready for the first look and photographs.” Her eyes widened as she took in Echo’s appearance. “Oh, damn, girl, you look absolutely gorgeous!”

Echo smiled. “Thank you so much.”

“No problem! Now, come on, hurry up! We’ve got this all set up and arranged.”

Charley’s antics made Echo laugh. When Charley had asked if she could plan a surprise for Deacon, Echo couldn’t resist. She’d said yes immediately.

As they exited the small dressing room tucked into the back of the Rialto’s historic walls, Echo’s heart raced. The venue was perfect—elegant yet intimate, with its art deco charm, soaring ceilings, and vintage chandeliers casting a golden glow over the polished wood floors. The marquee outside proudly displayed their names in bold lettering: Deacon it was for his. She’d insisted on it to make it abundantly clear that she wasn’t marrying him for his family’s wealth, name, or prestige. The life they were building together wasn’t about money or status but love, trust, and the future they both wanted. Signing that prenup had been her way of proving that to him—and to herself.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts, and her father stuck his head into the room. “It’s time, sweetheart. Are you ready?”

Echo turned to him with a radiant smile. She walked over and wrapped her arms around his sturdy frame, burying her face in his shoulder. “Daddy, I’ve never been more ready for anything.”

He smiled down at her, his eyes misting as he carefully adjusted her veil, draping it over her face with the precision of a craftsman. They stood together in a quiet moment as the last notes of the processional music faded. Her father cleared his throat and looked at her, his voice thick with emotion.

“Every father dreams that their little girl marries someone who can care for her—someone who loves her as much as they do. I’m happy for you, baby girl. Happy for the life you’ve made and for the man who’ll stand beside you.”

Echo blinked back tears and waved her free hand at her face. “Daddy, please don’t make me cry. I don’t even know if my mascara is waterproof.”

Her father chuckled and shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I always cry at weddings. Your mom doesn’t, but I do. And if I’m going to cry, you’re going to cry.”

“No, Daddy, I’m not,” she said, shaking her head adamantly, though her voice trembled with emotion. “I refuse to cry.”

He winked at her. “There’s no reason for tears today, little girl. Only happiness.”

The bridal processional swelled, filling the historic Rialto’s grand theater space with a melody that seemed to echo off the art deco walls and polished wood floors. The high ceilings amplified the moment's beauty, and as the ornate stage curtain framed the altar ahead, Echo and her father stepped forward.

Echo's breath hitched as they rounded the corner, and the full assembly came into view. The room was packed with family, friends, and loved ones, all standing to honor her. The Rialto had transformed into a dreamscape of romance: cascading floral arrangements of white roses and greenery adorned every surface, the soft glow of candles flickered along the aisles, and a crystal chandelier above cast a gentle brilliance over the entire scene.

At the end of the aisle stood Deacon, his presence commanding and steady. His classic black tuxedo with sharp lapels and a perfectly tied bowtie fit him as if tailored by the gods. But it was the expression on his face that took her breath away. His dark eyes locked onto hers, filled with love and reverence that made her knees go weak.

“Only happiness,” her father reminded her softly, his voice steady as they began their walk down the aisle.

Echo smiled brightly, her heart pounding with joy. There was no reason for tears—only happiness. She had found the source of that happiness. She’d found her forever in Deacon.