Page 64 of Bound To Be Mine

“Wait,” Mandy said. “I want to see the show.”

“The show?” I asked.

“The fountains.”

We found a spot along the railing and waited. Cool air came off the water. I kept her hand in mine. I decided I didn’t want to let go. A small boom echoed through the air, and seconds later, the water came alive. I watched her watch the fountains. She was smiling. Happy.

That’s when I realized I was happy too.

20

MANDY

Isat next to Briggs on the plush couch in his hotel suite. The laptop was in his lap. He plugged the drive in.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

He clicked play. I was pretty sure we were both holding our breath. The professional video started with shaky footage of the chapel interior. I could hear myself laughing off-screen.

Then I appeared on camera.

I was a mess. My hair was falling out of whatever style I’d attempted earlier in the evening. My dress was slightly askew. But I was smiling so wide my face had to hurt.

A woman in a showgirl outfit, complete with feathers and rhinestones, was trying to pin a veil to my head. I kept moving, making it nearly impossible for her.

“Hold still, honey,” she said, her voice patient and amused.

“I’m trying,” drunk-me said, giggling. “Everything’s spinny.”

The showgirl finally managed to secure the veil. Then she handed me a bouquet that I recognized immediately—it was one of the centerpieces from Victoria’s reception.

The camera panned over to Briggs. He looked just as disheveled as I did. His tie was gone. His jacket was draped over a chair. He was grinning like a fool while Elvis himself pinned a flower to his lapel.

“You ready for this, brother?” Elvis asked.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life, King,” drunk-Briggs said with absolute conviction.

I felt present-Briggs tense beside me.

“Did I really say that?” he muttered.

“You really did,” I whispered back.

The video cut to the ceremony itself. We were standing at the altar, facing each other. Elvis was between us, holding what I assumed was some kind of script, though he barely looked at it.

“Dearly beloved,” Elvis began in his best King voice. “We are gathered here today in the presence of these tacky plastic flowers and this fine velvet to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

Drunk-me giggled.

“Marriage is a sacred bond,” Elvis continued. “A commitment to love, honor, and not divorce each other before you sober up and regret this decision.”

After that, the vows were pretty traditional. I still couldn’t believe it was real. Part of me kept expecting there to be a joke at the end.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Elvis paused for dramatic effect. “You may now kiss the bride.”

The camera zoomed in slightly.