Damon Black’s Secret Bride: The Vegas Vow

AURA’S POV. “Are you sure about this?” Mila Quinn, my best friend since forever asked as she adjusted my veil with careful hands. Her soft brown eyes studied my reflection as a frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her voice was low but the concern in it was unmistaken. “Yes, Mila, I am sure.” I replied in an exasperated tone. This was the third time she was asking me this in the last five minutes and her doubt was beginning to cut into my excitement. Today was the day I was marrying the love of my life. Although Mila didn't like him, Jet had been my everything since high school, the only man I’d ever truly known or loved. Yet, Mila’s disapproval was like a dark cloud hovering over us, difficult to ignore. “It’s just,” She started as a disappointed frown appeared on her face, “you guys were on a break a month ago. I thought you were done with him?” “Taking a break is not the same as breaking up, Mila.” I said, letting out a sigh. “Besides, Jet proposed to me as soon as we got back together. Why can’t you be happy for me? What is so bad about Jet that you hate him so much? I really want to know. You used to like him, so what happened?” Mila hesitated for a second, then her lips parted as if to speak, “Aura listen, Jet isn’t…” A firm knock at the door of my dressing room interrupted her. “Are you ladies alright in there?” We heard Oliver’s light but inquisitive tone ask through the door. I turned to Mila, eyebrows raised, waiting for her to finish what she was about to say. Instead, she let out a resigned sigh. “We’re alright, Olly. We’ll be out in a second.” She called out to him in a steady voice before turning back to me “I’ll see you out there, dollface.” She said with a strained smile and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before slipping out of the room. For some weird reason, my chest tightened with unsaid words I knew she wanted to say as I watched her leave. Mila and I had been inseparable since we were babies, and I knew her well enough that she had a lot to say but chose not to for peace to reign. Sighing, I adjusted my wedding dress one last time before walking out of the dressing room. “Aura Valencia.” Oliver said with a broad smile as soon as I stepped out. His beautiful grey eyes which he inherited from his mom sparkled with genuine warmth as he took me in. “Oliver Quinn.” I replied with a smile of my own. “What do you think?” I spun around for him as the fabric of my gown swished elegantly. “You are the most gorgeous bride I have ever seen in my life. And trust me, I’ve seen many.” He said for a fact as his hand went to his chest for a dramatic effect. “But you know what would look better on you?” He asked, making me frown. Was my look missing something? “What?” I asked him. “My last name.” He told me with a straight face. I blinked, “ My God Olly.” I said with an eye roll. “No, hold on and picture this, Aura Quinn.” He said as his hand demonstrated my name on an imaginary billboard of some sort in front of him.” It has a nice ring to it, sucks that you’re not marrying me, though.” He added with a fake frown and exaggerated shrug making me laugh. “Give it up already, Olly.” I said as I shook my head in amusement. Olly was always a breath of fresh air. “But you were promised to me as a kid.” He shot back with a playful grin as a feeling of nostalgia washed over me. Our parents had been best friends, and the idea of Oliver and me getting married one day had been a running joke throughout our childhood. Back then, I had entertained the thought, enchanted by the idea of marrying the handsome little boy who loved and protected me because according to everyone, I didn't only look like a doll with my blonde hair, baby blue eyes, and freckles, I was also as fragile as one. But as we grew older, it had become just that—a joke. “Never!” Oliver declared in mock determination, his index finger pointed to the air dramatically. His theatrics earned another laugh from me. “Ready to go, doll?” He asked as his expression softened into a slightly serious one. “I am.”I said in a steady voice even though my chest was fluttering with nerves. “Thank you for walking me, Olly.” I gave him a small, grateful smile. Mr. Quinn, Oliver’s father and also my Godfather, had been meant to walk me down the aisle in my father’s place, but he and Mrs. Quinn were on a boat cruise and couldn’t make it. Jet had moved the wedding date up, leaving them unable to attend. “If you don’t want to do this, just say the word. I’ll take you far away from here where no one can find you until everything settles.” Oliver’s playful demeanor was completely gone and in place was his serious and unwavering gaze. “No, Olly. I want to do this. I love Jet.” I said firmly as my blue eyes held his. “Alright, then.” He gave me a small nod as I noticed his stiff shoulders relaxing. “ Let’s go.” He offered me his arm, and I linked mine with him as I let him lead me to the chapel doors. I froze as we got to the threshold, a wave of anxiety crashing over me. My heart pounded, and my breath fastened. Was this what cold feet felt like? I had been so excited for this day, that I couldn't be having cold feet. But why did I suddenly feel like the walls were closing in and I wanted an escape? “Hey, hey, what’s going on?” Oliver’s concerned voice spoke through my haze but it sounded so far away. “You look pale. You’re having a panic attack, doll. Breathe.” My throat felt tight, my chest heavy as I fought to stay grounded. “Deep breaths doll.” He urged as he cradled my face in his large palms. “That’s it. You’re fine, doll. You’re going to be fine. Just say the word.” His voice sounded more clearer now, he pulled me into his chest, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. I took in his familiar comforting scent to calm myself before I shook my head against his chest, letting him know that I was okay, even though we both knew that wasn't entirely true. He let out a sigh of resignation and thankfully didn't push further. What just happened? I haven't had a panic attack for a long time. I took a few moments to compose myself before finally pulling away from Oliver’s chest, ready to face what lay ahead. Before I could thank Oliver for always being there for me, the doors to the chapel swung open. As we walked down the aisle with the entrance music playing in the background, my eyes scanned the crowd. Most of the faces were unfamiliar, strangers whose presence felt out of place, I had no doubt they were all friends and acquaintances of Jet. The only people I recognized were Jet’s parents, Mila, and Oliver….Wait what were my adoptive parents, and adoptive sister doing here? I hadn’t invited them, Jet must have. What the heck was he thinking? When my gaze met Mila’s, her always observant eyes instantly knew something was wrong with me. She gave me a concerned look, and I subtly shook my head, silently assuring her not to worry and that I was fine. My eyes finally found Jet and warmth spread through my whole body. He looked so gorgeous in his tuxedo, his blond hair was as usual, perfectly styled without a strand of hair out of place, and his green eyes radiated pride and love as they stared at me. As I took in his perfect face at that moment, I knew I had made the right choice. “You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen in my entire life.” Jet said as soon as I reached him, his voice heavy with emotion. From the corner of my eye, I caught Oliver rolling his eyes before he placed my hands in Jet’s, stepped back, and headed to his seat. “Thanks, babe. You look gorgeous too.” I replied, earning a laugh from Jet at my choice of word. Jet was indeed gorgeous, he has always been the golden boy who is always loved by everybody wherever he goes since our high school days, and even now as an adult, he has managed to make a name for himself. A successful top lawyer who has just gained a partnership with his firm. He was every girl's dream and he chose me, the plain Jane. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve him. The priest cleared his throat, signaling the start of the ceremony. “We are gathered here today…” The words faded into the background as my thoughts drifted. I wished my parents were alive to witness this moment. My mom had always told me I’d make a beautiful bride, and now, standing here, I knew she’d been right. “And do you, Aura Valencia, take Jet Winslow to be your lawful wedded husband…” The priest’s voice floated through my daze, but I was still lost in my thoughts to acknowledge what he was saying. “Aura.” Jet’s hand squeezed mine gently, tugging me back to the present. “Huh?” I blinked confused as I looked at him. His usually calm facade cracked slightly and irritation flickered in his eyes. Why does he look upset? I glanced around to see that everyone was staring at me, eyes widened in anticipation, some were even whispering among themselves. The priest cleared his throat again, repeating the question. “Do you, Aura Valencia, take Jet Winslow to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to protect, in sickness and in health, through the good times and the bad times, for as long as you both shall live?” I opened my mouth, but the simple two words refused to come. Why the hell was I hesitating? “I… I…” I stuttered, my voice faltering as doubt slithered its way in. This was what I wanted… wasn’t it?