Page 99 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

“My goodness, you thought of everything, didn’t you?” I chuckle in disbelief.

He opens a jewelry case revealing pearls, glimmering precious metals, flashy jewels, and a ribbon choker. To his surprise, I choose nothing. When he balks, I explain.

“I want to marry you with only my sun necklace and my engagement ring.”

“You can have whatever you want, baby,” he assures.

“I know, but all I want is what you gave me.” I hold up my left hand, obsessed with my ring, and pinch the worn sun between my fingers with my right.

Another knock at the door unveils a beautician here to do my hair and makeup. Connor steps out to get dressed and she gets to work.

I opt to keep my hair down, pinned behind one ear, so she irons it flat until it shines like silk. She keeps my makeup natural, but glams me up with a smoky eye, something seductive and more than I do myself. The lovely woman packs up and wishes me a long and happy marriage.

Boots thud behind me and I turn to see the man of my dreams looking like he stepped out of a wet dream.

Connor’s wearing a three-piece black tuxedo with a white pearl snap adorned with an elegant bolo tie, cowboy boots shined within an inch of their life, and atop his head sits a white cowboy hat.

I’ve died and gone to heaven. Suddenly I wish the wedding would hurry up and be finished so I can show this man just how appreciative of him I am.

“You really know how to stroke my ego.” Connor chuckles as my eyes greedily drink him in.

“You’re unbelievably sexy, Connor. How did I get so lucky?” I purr, running my fingers along the lapels of his tux.

“I’m the lucky one, dollface. Have you looked in a mirror today?” he jokes.

Connor checks the time. The faintest glow of orange crests over the glamourous buildings on the strip. Getting married at sunrise will be unforgettable.

I’ll never stop thanking him for this gift.

43

“Connor!” I exclaim as he leads me by the hand to a white limousine waiting at the valet.

“I’ve always wanted to ride in a limo.” The smooth leather seats are cool beneath my bare thighs and palms.

“I know,” Connor says, sliding in beside me, engulfing my knee with his warm hand.

Never having been outside of Colorado, let alone to Las Vegas, I’m spellbound by the neon lights glowing beneath the fading stars, as night melts into morning.

A squeeze to my knee brings my attention back to the incredible man next to me—my fiancé. Oh my god! Connor Hayes is my fiancé!

“Do you want to ask where we’re going?”

“Not even a little bit,” I say honestly. “I don’t want to ruin a single moment of what you’ve put together for me.”

I rest my head on his shoulder, careful not to get makeup on his pristine tux. The drive is short and soon we’ve come to a stop on the notorious Vegas Strip. The limo driver opens Connors door, and he steps out, offering his hand for me to join him.

Dark surrenders to light as the sun teases the sky. Rich navy blue dotted with glitter blankets the heavens, fading to dusty purple as night gives way to morning. Lavender and rose shimmer above the faintest coral kissing the horizon.

“Mr. Hayes, right on time. This must be the lovely Miss Tate,” the kind woman says. “We’re delighted to perform your ceremony this morning. Please, come with me.”

I’m in awe he organized this. I have so much I want to know, but now isn’t the time to feed my curiosity. Living in this moment will fuel me for the rest of my days, and I’m determined to memorize it all.

Connor crooks his elbow for me to link my arm through, and we follow the woman into the adorably themed chapel. Iconic scenes flood my memory, like when Mr. Rachel marries Mrs. Ross covered in permanent marker. My smile’s so wide my cheeks ache.

This is the best day of my life.

“As discussed, the Sunrise Promise Package includes exclusive use of the outdoor garden ceremony space, music, an officiant, your marriage license, and a photographer. After you say, ‘I do,’ we’ll bring out the cake you requested, and you’ll have your first dance. Then you’ll ride into the sunrise happily ever after as Mr. and Mrs. Hayes!”