Becks laughed, and fucking hell, how Ghost loved that sound. He truly had no idea if what he was feeling for her was actual love yet, but he knew that it was well on its way to being so. This might not be natural or up to societal standards. But fuck if he cared! Society could suck his dick. He was marrying this woman.
After explainingwhat was happening to Valerie, Becks and Ghost headed out into the chapel hand-in-hand. Becks’ heart was racing a million miles per hour, but in a good way. Gone was the feeling of resignation that she realized now she’d been feeling for a while, masking it behind the celebration and excitement of her upcoming milestone.
They headed down the aisle together. Her bridesmaids and Ritchie’s groomsmen were talking to various people within the pews, trying to assure them that the wedding was still happening, it was just delayed by unforeseen circumstances. Pastor Anthony was at the altar talking with Beth, the organist.
“Marry us,” she gasped out, short of breath.
Pastor Anthony stepped away from the organ. “Pardon me?” His confusion was completely understandable. He’d met Ritchie after all.
Ghost, though, stepped forward. He hadn’t washed up or even combed his hair from speeding back to Alabama this morning. Swapping which hand of hers he was holding, Ghost offered his right hand to the pastor. “Taran Keir,” he introduced himself. Pastor Anthony hesitantly shook his hand. Becks ignored the fact that that might have been the first time she’d ever heard Ghost’s last name. “I realize this is a bit unorthodox, but we would appreciate it if you would marry us.”
Pastor Anthony looked behind them and then leaned in closer to whisper to them. “Is this a joke? My understanding is the groom is missing. You can’t stand in for him?—”
“I amnot,” Ghost pressed harshly, “standing in for anyone.Iam marrying Becks.”
Becks stepped forward. She could hear Valerie talking to the guests with Libby behind them. The groomsmen were starting to shout at her, and she heard Liam’s voice telling them to step back from the women.
“Pastor, I understand this is unusual, but please. I want to marry Ghost. This has nothing to do with Ritchie disappearing and everything to do with the two of us.Please.”
Pastor Anthony studied her for a long moment before nodding. “If this is what you want to do,” he agreed with a leading look in his eyes. Like he was waiting for her to signal that she was being coerced.
“It is,” she assured him with a smile. “Really.”
“All right,” he said. “Do you need a minute?”
Both of them shook their heads. “No, now please,” Becks told him.
Pastor Anthony gestured for them to get into position.
“This is bullshit!”
Becks jumped, startled by the loud shouting. Geez, she must have some serious tunnel vision going on, because she had completely ignored their audience in her quest to get to the pastor.
The shouter was Hartley, one of Ritchie’s groomsmen. The guy was a total ass and had never liked Becks, but he’d been a buddy of Ritchie’s since grade school.
Ghost put his fingers to his lips and let out a loud whistle. The acoustics in the church made it sound like multiple people were whistling at once. The wedding guests fell silent, including the groomsmen who were up in Liam’s face for stepping between them and Valerie.
“There’s been a change of plans,” he told everyone in a stern, unforgiving voice. “Becks and I are getting married. If you know either of us, you’re welcome to stay. If you don’t, then you’rewelcome to stay or go. I don’t give a fuck.” Turning to face Becks, he ran his hand through her hair. “Ready?”
She nodded, then gasped, “Crap. My bouquet! It’s got my dad’s picture in it.”
“I’m on it,” Libby called out. Picking up her long skirt, she ran up the steps behind the altar to the back door that would lead to the hallway where the pastor’s office was.
Some of the guests were working their way down the aisle towards the exit doors. Becks caught sight of her cousins talking among themselves, as if they were trying to decide if they should stay. Looking around, she realized just how few people on the guest lists were from ‘her side’. Three of Ritchie’s bosses were standing at the end of their pew, but the groomsmen who were still arguing with Liam were currently blocking their exit.
Ghost brought her face forward with a gentle hand. “Ignore them,” he coaxed in a low voice. “This is about you and me, baby. No one else matters.”
She nodded. In all honesty, she’d rather they all leave, but clearing the church would make an even bigger fuss. “I’m ready,” she told Ghost and the pastor.
“I think we can skip the ‘dearly beloved’ part,” Pastor Anthony quipped, looking at the disorderly audience.
“Can we just skip to the vows?” Becks asked both of them as Libby came running back into the sanctuary with Becks’ bouquet. Voices were starting to rise from the wedding guests, and it was grating on Becks’ nerves.
Ghost squeezed her hand. “Say the word, and I kick them all out.”
Becks let out a puff of air from her nose. She knew in that moment that she was making the right decision. She hadn’t even had to say a word, and Ghost knew what it was she was thinking and feeling. “No,” she said, taking a step towards him. “It’s likeyou said. This is about you and me.” To Libby, she asked, “Can you just hold him please? I just wanted him here.”
“Of course,” her bestie answered. Then snapped her fingers at Liam. “Get your ass over here. Your best friend is getting married and you’re standing up with him.”
