It’s about to happen, I thought.
“I’m sure I know the answer to this,” the priest said happily. “But if there is anyone among us today that objects to the union between these two lovers, speak now or forever hold your peace—”
“I object!” a powerful voice rang out through the hall. Gasps and whispers rang out as everyone spun around in their seats to face the speaker. Caleb growled and when I turned and saw who it was, I felt my legs go so weak I had to brace myself on the priest’s shoulder.
Standing there in a tuxedo, looking like a million bucks, was Jay, looking more handsome than ever.
“It can’t be…” I whispered.
“Who is this man?” Caleb roared. “Have him removed from the building at once!”
Security leapt into action instantly and raced towards him.
“No!” I cried out. “No one touch him!”
“Rachel?” my mother all but screamed. “What—what is this?”
I couldn’t contain myself. I hoisted my dress up to my knees, leapt off the dais and raced down the hall towards the man I’d been dreaming of the last five years. His face was brighter than the sun and I threw myself into his arms as the tears began to well up in my eyes.
“Jay!” I blubbered. “I—I can’t believe it.”
“Hey, duchess,” he teased. “It’s been a long time.”
Chapter Four
Jay
Holding Rachel in my arms felt like I’d finally come home. She was just as soft and sweet as I remembered, and I knew now that I had her, I could never let her go. Not again.
“What’s the meaning of this?” her fiancé shouted as he stormed down the aisle towards us. “Who is this man?”
“Yes, what is going on, Rachel?” her father bellowed. Security was still ready to pounce on me, and the rest of the guests were all clamoring to each other like they’d just seen the president punch a baby or something.
“Get your hands off my wife!” her fiancé shouted as he grew closer, his fist closed at his side.
“You gotta let go of me for a second, baby,” I whispered. “Step aside.”
I could tell she didn’t want to, but Rachel let go of me and moved out of the way just as Caleb swung at me.
He was no fighter, and telegraphed his punch like a complete amateur. I could have swung back and broken his nose, but that would only make things worse. Instead, I simply dodged out of the way and let him stumble forward and fall on his face.
“You son of a bitch!” he roared, scrambling towards me. I moved away again and let him punch the air. Unexpectedly, one of the security team actually stepped between us and put his hands up.
“Out of my way, you!” Caleb roared.
“I should get out of here,” I told Rachel.
“No!” she snapped. “We should get out of here!”
I’d taken her hand at the beach, and now she took my hand, and fighting to run in that ridiculous wedding dress of hers, pulled me out the front door and into the slanted evening light.
“Where’s your car?” she shouted.
“Down there,” I pointed. “Past the gazebo.”
“Come on!”
She started to run but tripped over the ridiculous train of her wedding dress. I caught her before she hit and she immediately started tearing at the thing.