Page 100 of Reckless Chance

“I’ve never been more serious.”

“Yes, I’ll marry you. I loveyoutoo.”

I put the ring back on her finger where it belongs and stand, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Your honor, we’d like to get married,” I say.

“To be clear, you are already married. I’d be happy to preside over a renewal of your vows if you would like.”

“Yes, we would like,” Lowri says as Cassie and Evan burst through a side door, followed by a guy playing the violin, aphotographer, and someone pushing a cart covered in miniature cupcakes with white icing and topped with tiny lilac rosebuds.

Cassie runs to hug Lowri, handing her a bouquet of white roses, as Evan slaps me on the back with one hand, shaking mine with the other.

“Oh my god! You had this all planned. How did you know I would say yes?”

“I didn’t. I just hoped you would be willing to take another chance on us and stay married to me.”

“I knew it was odd to have an annulment hearing. Your honor, you were in on this too, weren’t you?”

“It’s rare that I’m able to help a couple turn a separation into a happy occasion, so I went along with the plan.”

With a quick pounding of his gavel to begin the impromptu ceremony, the judge says, “Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Upton, you both appear sober. That means an annulment will not be an option after today. Do you understand?”

We both nod.

“Then let’s get started.”

The violinist plays softly in the background as we exchange vows, meaning every word this time.

Once the judge says, “You may kiss your wife,” I take her in my arms and press my lips to hers.

When we come up for air, Cassie insists that Lowri and I feed each other the champagne cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I’m careful not to smash it into Lowri’s face. That wouldn’t be her style, but I have other ideas for the sinfully delicious frosting when we’re alone later. Hopefully, there will be leftovers.

Lowri looks at me, grinning, as if she can read my dirty mind and likes what I’m thinking.

As we’re about to leave the judge’s chambers, Evan says, “Cassie and I have a surprise wedding present for you. My royal jet is waiting to take you to France for your honeymoon. Walterand Jenny packed your bags and put them in the limo. Your driver knows to take you to the airport.”

“Really?” Lowri asks.

Cassie nods.

“Thanks, man. I mentioned taking Lowri to France for a honeymoon, but I didn’t want to jinx the proposal by preplanning the trip.”

“That’s why we did it for you. Now take off. Enjoy,” Evan says.

“Can we take cupcakes with us?” Lowri asks.

“There’s a boxful in your limo,” Cassie says.

Yet another reason Lowri is perfect. We’re both thinking of cupcakes.

EPILOGUE

LOWRI

“Welcome aboard. I’m Kimberly, your flight attendant today. Let me give you a quick tour.”

Cassie told me about the royal jet, but her description didn’t do the real plane justice. The main cabin is decked out with overstuffed leather reclining seats, a dining table, a sofa, and an entertainment center. If that isn’t enough, my jaw drops further when Kimberly opens a door in the back, revealing a bedroom and lavatory with a shower.