The Bet (Book 1 in The Deception Series)

Bonus Chapter 13: can't help falling in love

Taylor

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The day of the wedding was the most nervous I had ever been. I was standing in front of the full-length mirror in the dressing room, staring at myself.

This was it. Today was the day me and Garrett would become forever.

"Look who's ready!" Lily cheers.

I look over my shoulder and see her holding Summer who was dressed in a small purple dress. I laugh as I walk over to her. I take my daughter out of her hands and look at her.

"Aren't you beautiful?" I smile at her.

Lily laughs as she watches us. Archer was with his dad right now, Conrad was the best man so he was gonna hold Archer during the ceremony. Lily was my maid of honor so she got to hold Summer. Dakota, Jules, and Lola were my bridesmaids, they were wearing light purple dresses. Lily was wearing a darker shade of purple then them and Summer was wearing a light purple shade like the bridesmaid. Me and Garrett decided that Archer would wear a tiny suit with a purple tie. It was adorable, I couldn't wait to see him in it.

Jake, Chris, and Brennen were the groomsmen, they were also wearing a purple tie. Tristan was going to be the flower boy for our wedding. But I was a little worried because at rehearsal he kept throwing flowers at his face. But he eventually got it, hopefully he does it right at the actual ceremony.

I did my hair half up and half down with a white veil on. My mother cried when she saw me in my dress. I wanted to cry but I couldn't or else my makeup would get ruined.

When it was finally time to go, I could feel myself about to throw up everywhere.

I was standing behind the curtains that would reveal myself to everyone out there. My friends were already out there, waiting for me. I was so anxious.

The girls who were gonna open the curtains looked at me and smiled as tears formed in my eyes.

"Don't cry, you paid for this," One of them winks at me.

I let out a laugh and nod as I fought the tears.

"No runny makeup," I think out loud.

They both laugh before a third girl comes and fixes up the trail of my wedding dress. I hold my breath before Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley starters playing. And just like that I was back to the summer before senior year of college with. I was with Garrett, and guess where he was taking me?

"Mom! Garrett's here!" I call as I put my shoes on.

"Okay, honey! Be safe!" She calls back.

"I will!" I yell before I walk out the front door.

I close the door behind just as his car pulls onto the driveway. I ran to the car and got into the passenger seat.

"Hey," I say as I look at him.

"Ready?" He asks.

I nod as I put my seatbelt on.

We drove to the house and I looked out the open window, enjoying the summer breeze. It felt amazing, I loved the smell and feel of the summer air. There was something comforting about it.

We pulled up to the house and I felt a sense of relief rush throughout me.

We both got out of the car and made our way to the front door. I watched him place the key though the door. We walked in and the place was dark, the only light was the sun setting outside.

"It hasn't changed," I think out loud as I follow him down the hall.

He looks over his shoulder and smiles. We walk into the living room and I look at the fireplace. It was like staring at a memory from far away.

As I stare at the fireplace, I hear music. I frown and focus my thoughts on the song.

Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.

I look around and find Garrett across the room, standing next to the record player.

"It's the only vinyl that my grandma owns that I know," He smiles.

I smile back at him and laugh a little.

"I like this song," I say as I place my bag on the couch.

Garrett hums to the song as he walks to the kitchen. I sit down on the couch and look out the window at the beautiful lake. I smile as I picture us, laughing and kissing on the frozen lake.

"We only have vodka," I hear his voice.

I look over at him as he walks in with a bottle of vodka.

"That'll have to do," I say as he sits down next to me.

The song ends and I quickly get up and replay it before I sit back down next to him. He smiles at me before handing me the bottle.

"Ladies first," He says.

"Thank you," I say as I take a swig of it.

I try not to gag at the bitter taste as I hand it back to him. I watch him drink it with a straight face and roll my eyes.

He smirks, "What?" He asks.

"You're a show off," I joke.

He shrugs, "Sometimes," He says.

The curtain opens and I see everyone standing, looking at me. My mother appears by my side and I smile as she takes my hand into hers. We slowly walk down the aisle, I don't look anywhere but at him. The guy who I loved with every inch of my body. The man who was the father of my kids, the man who never failed to love me endlessly.

My mom handed me off to him and I smiled at him. He smiled back as I handed my bouquet of flowers to Lily who was holding Summer.

I turn to Garrett and feel my heart skip the way it did the day I realized I was falling for him.

The ceremony goes on and we give our vows, it was everything I dreamed of.

Garrett,

From the moment we met, I knew there was something incredibly special about you. Even though I couldn't stand you one bit, you still managed to show me a side of you that no one else could see. You have brought so much joy, laughter, and love into my life, and I am eternally grateful for every moment we've shared. Today, I stand before you, ready to embark on this beautiful journey of marriage, promising to cherish and honor you for the rest of our lives.

I vow to always support you, to be your rock in times of need, and to celebrate with you in times of joy. I promise to listen to you with compassion and understanding, and to speak to you with honesty and respect. I will stand by your side through all of life's challenges and triumphs, and I will love you unconditionally, without hesitation or doubt.

You are my best friend, my confidant, and my greatest love. I am so excited to build our future together, to create a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth. I promise to nurture our relationship, to grow with you, and to always strive to be the best partner I can be.

Today, I give you my heart, my soul, and my unwavering commitment. I love you more than words can express, and I am so honored to become your spouse. Together, we will create a lifetime of beautiful memories, and I will cherish every single one.