Chapter 25: Chapter Caged: Epilogue

“You sure this is what you want to do, Mads? Especially tonight?” Brandon has a nervous smile spread across his face as we wait for the night manager at the Graceland Wedding Chapel to tell us it’s time. “I know Hud won, but he also sent Spider Reynolds to jail tonight.”

“Did you see the Elvis we picked? He’s old and fat and wearing a white-sequined jumpsuit. It’s perfect, and I’m not letting anyone ruin it.” I gently tap my flowers against his chest. “I don’t care about Spider Reynolds. I don’t care about the wedding itself, Brandon. I just care about Hudson. I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me I’m in love. I just need him.”

The balding manager turns to us as “Can’t Help Falling In Love” starts to play over the sound system. “It’s time.”

When the doors open, all I see is Hudson.

Everything and everyone else disappears until I’m standing next to him.

Elvis walks us through our vows, and I ignore all his ridiculousness.

I stare into the dark-blue depths of Hudson’s eyes and pledge my life to him. To love him. Honor him. Trust him with my heart and soul and life. Then he pledges the same. I didn’t think the words would matter to me. This man is already mine, and I know it in my bones. But something about tonight . . . about committing myself to him . . . it’s perfect.

And when Hudson takes my face in his hands and kisses me as they announce us Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Kingston, a round of cheers rings out, reminding me just how many of our friends and family are here with us.

“I love you, Mr. Kingston.” I wrap my arms around Hudson’s neck and nuzzle my face against his.

Hud slides his hands down my body before he picks me up and carries me out of the chapel. “I love you, Mrs. Kingston. Forever.”

“Always, Hud.”