CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED – The End of the Road
As the Las Vegas sun began to set on their final day in the city, Laura and Ryan found themselves back in their luxurious suite at the Bellagio. The room was bathed in a warm, golden light that seemed to make everything glow, including the two of them.
Laura sat on the edge of the bed, her heart racing. The past week had been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, and she felt like she was standing on the edge of something monumental. She watched Ryan as he moved around the room, packing up their belongings.
“Ryan,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
He turned to look at her, a smile playing on his lips. “Yeah?”
Laura took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. “I need to tell you something.”
Ryan’s brow furrowed slightly, and he moved to sit beside her on the bed. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded, then shook her head, then nodded again. “Yes. No. I don’t know. I just… I need to say this before I lose my nerve.”
Ryan took her hand in his, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin. “You can tell me anything, Laura. You know that.”
Laura looked into his eyes, feeling like she was drowning in their depths. “I love you, Ryan. I’m in love with you. I think.. I think I always have been, even since college. When we broke up back then, I never really got over you. And this past week… it’s just made. everything so clear to me!
The words tumbled out of her in a rush, and as soon as they were out, she felt a mix of relief and terror. Ryan’s face broke into a widel smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
But Laura, misinterpreting his expression, quickly began to backpedal. “I mean, I know this is probably too fast. We’ve only been back in each other’s lives for a short time, and I don’t want to pressure you or anything. If you don’t feel the same way, I completely understand ”
Her rambling was cut short as Ryan reached over to the nightstand and pulled open the drawer. Laura’s eyes widened as he retrieved at small velvet box.
“Ryan,” she breathed, her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it.
He opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled in the fading sunlight. “Laura McKenna,” he said, his voice filled with emotion, “I’ve been carrying this around all week, trying to find the perfect moment. But I’m realizing now that every moment with you is perfect.”
Laura’s hand flew to her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.
Ryan continued, “I love you too. I’ve loved you for years, even when we were apart. This past week has just confirmed what I’ve always known – that you’re the one for me. So, Laura, will you marry me?
Laura’s mind was reeling. Part of her wanted to say yes immediately, while another part was trying to be rational. “Ryan, are you sure? This is so fast. What if we’re making a mistake?”
Ryan took her face in his hands, his eyes locked on hers. “Laura, even if this is a rushed mistake, it’s one I would gladly make over and over again. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. What do you say?”
Tears of joy streaming down her face, Laura nodded vigorously. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Ryan slipped the ring onto her finger, and then they were kissing, a passionate, Joyful kiss that seemed to last forever. When they finally broke apart, both were breathless and grinning.
“Oh my God,” Laura laughed, looking at the ring on her finger. “We’re really doing this?”
Ryan nodded, pulling her close. “We’re really doing this. I love you, Laura.”
“I love you too, Ryan,” she replied, snuggling into his embrace.
They spent the next few hours celebrating, alternating between passionate kisses and excited discussions about their future together. They talked about where they might live, their careers, their dreams for the future.
As dawn broke over the Las Vegas skyline, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Laura and Ryan were still wide awake, riding high on their decision.
“You know,” Ryan said, a mischievous glint in his eye, “we are in Vegas.”
Laura raised an eyebrow. “What are you suggesting, Mr. Callis?”
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED – The End of the Road
He grinned. “Well, Mrs. Callis–to–be, I was thinking… why wait? Let’s get married today.”
Laura’s eyes widened. “Today? As in right now?”
Ryan nodded, his excitement palpable. “Why not? Unless you want a big wedding back home?”
Laura thought about it for a moment. The idea of a big, traditional wedding had never really app becoming Ryan’s wife right here, right now, filled her with an indescribable joy.
“Let’s do it,” she said, her face breaking into a wide smile.
appealed to her. And the thought of
They quickly showered and dressed, Laura in a simple white sundress she had bought earlier in the week, and Ryan in a crisp button- down shirt and slacks. Hand in hand, they made their way to a nearby courthouse.
As they filled out the necessary paperwork, they couldn’t stop stealing glances at each other, giggling like teenagers.
“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” Laura said, shaking her head in amazement.
Ryan leaned in to kiss her check. “Believe it, baby. In a few hours, you’ll be stuck with me forever.
As they finished the paperwork, a clerk informed them they would need a witness for the ceremony. Laura and Ryan looked at each other, suddenly realizing they hadn’t thought that far ahead.
Just then, an elderly British man approached the counter next to them. He was smartly dressed in a tweed jacket, and his eyes twinkled with kindness.
“Excuse me,” the man said to the clerk, “I’m here to renew my visa. The name’s Andrew Cunningham.”
Laura and Ryan exchanged a look, and then Ryan cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Mr. Cunningham? I know this might sound odd, but we’re about to get married and we need a witness. Would you be willing to help us out?”
Andrew turned to them, his bushy eyebrows rising in surprise. “Getting married, are you? Well, isn’t that lovely! I’d be honored to witness your nuptials, young man.”
Laura beamed at him. “Thank you so much, Mr. Cunningham. I’m Laura, and this is Ryan.”
Andrew shook their hands warmly. “Pleased to meet you both. Now, let’s get you two married, shall we?”
The ceremony itself was brief but meaningful. Laura and Ryan stood before the justice of the peace, their hands clasped tightly together. Andrew stood to the side, watching with a warm smile.
“Do you, Ryan Callis, take Laura McKenna to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the justice asked.
Ryan’s voice was strong and sure. “I do,”
“And do you, Laura McKenna, take Ryan Callis to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Laura’s eyes shone with unshed tears of joy. “I do.”
They exchanged simple gold bands that they had quickly purchased at a nearby jewelry store.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada,” the justice said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Ryan cupped Laura’s face gently and kissed her with a tenderness that made her knees weak. Andrew applauded enthusiastically, his eyes misty with emotion
After signing the marriage certificate, Laura and Ryan turned to Andrew, both grinning from ear to ear.
“Mr. Cunningham, we can’t thank you enough,” Laura said, impulsively hugging the older man. Andrew chuckled, patting her back. “It was my pleasure, my dear. You two remind me of my late wife and myself when we were young, ” Ryan shook Andrew’s hand warmly. “We’d love to hear about it. Would you join us for lunch? It’s the least we can do to thank you.” Andrew agreed, and soon they found themselves at a nearby café, sharing a celebratory meal. As they ate, Andrew regaled them stories of his own whirlwind romance many years ago.
m with
“We met on a cruise ship,” Andrew said, his eyes twinkling with the memory. “By the time we docked, we were engaged. Everyone said we were mad, but we were married for 47 wonderful years before she passed.”
Laura squeezed Ryan’s hand under the table, touched by Andrew’s story.
As they parted ways with Andrew, exchanging contact information and promises to keep in touch, Laura felt a wash over her.
a wave of contentment
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED – The End of the Road
She looked at Ryan, her husband, and smiled. “So, Mr. Callis, what do you say we head back to our suite and start our honeymoon?” Ryan grinned, pulling her close. “I thought you’d never ask, Mrs. Callis.”
