Chapter 291


    As they descended the staircase, ra caught sight of Grandpa Reed seated in his wheelchair and


    beaming at them. He was decked out in a striking suit. She approached with a chuckle, eyeing his


    getup. "We''re just going to sign some papers, not walking down the aisle. Don''t you think you''re a


    bit overdressed, Grandpa Reed?"


    Reed''s grin was wide as the Mississippi. "My little girl, you''re tying the knot. Of course, I gotta put on


    the ritz! After you two make it official at city hall, we''re heading over to your dad''s to drop off the


    wedding gifts. I can''t have you looking anything less than fabulous, now can I?"


    ra turned to Ian, utterly bewildered. "How did things move so fast?"


    Ian raised an eyebrow with a sly grin. "Well, Grandma Rose and the n heard wedding bells and


    couldn''t sit still. They consulted with that old fortune teller, picked today as the ''perfect day for


    nuptials,'' and here we are. We''ll get the paperwork done, swing back, pick up Reed, and head over


    to your father''s."


    ra suddenly realized that this wedding required hardly any effort on her part. Everything was


    being taken care of for her. The sensation of being cherished and doted on wasn''t half bad.


    The stylist and dressmaker were already on standby. They picked out a pristine white dress from


    thetest season''s collection for ra. Her makeup was done with delicate precision, enhancing


    her natural beauty.


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    The couple drove off, hearts racing with excitement toward city hall. Ian had opted not to pull any


    strings, choosing instead to queue up like any other couple about to embark on matrimonial bliss.


    When the robotic voice finally called their number, ra''s grip tightened. She seized Ian''s arm, her


    eyes sparkling with rity. "Ian, it''s our turn."


    Ian yfully tapped her dainty nose. "Mrs. Hayes, no backing out now." Then, he guided her to the


    service window.


    They filled out a form together and then went on to take their photo. Ian looked at the photo. He had


    a grin so big it looked like it could take flight. He snapped a picture with his phone and uploaded it to


    his socialwork. [What''s it like to have a wife who looks this gorgeous, even with a government


    ID?]


    Thements and well-wishes flowed in almost instantly.


    ra''s phone rang – it was Sasha. "ra, did you and Ian actually go through with it?"


    "Yep, just finished taking the picture, waiting to pick up the certificate now."


    "Chase said you guys nned to marry before the year''s out. What''s the rush? You''re not pregnant,


    are you?"


    raughed off the suggestion and filled Sasha in on Reed''s condition.


    Sasha sighed, "Grandpa Reed''s illness has handed Ian an advantage, but as long as you''re sure,


    you''ve got my full support. And let me tell you, I will be your maid of honor. No one''s gonna fight me


    for it."


    "You''ve got it. I''ll have the most beautiful maid of honor dress made just for you."


    "That''s more like it."


    After a bit more chit-chat, they ended the call. ra looked up to see Ian also busy on the phone. A


    wave of indescribable happiness washed over her. Marrying the man she loved and being


    showered with blessings from friends – it had to be the happiest thing in the world.


    Ian hung up and came over to ra with a smile. "Ready, ra? You''re about to officially be Mrs.


    Hayes."


    His voice was tender, his gaze entwined with affection, stirring ra''s heart. She reached out her


    hand, smiling. "Let''s go, my dear husband."


    Hand in hand, they returned to the window and handed their photo to the clerk.


    Just then, Ian''s cell phone rang. It was thendline from home, and he answered immediately.


    Through the phone, the servant''s crying voice was urgent, "Mr. Hayes, Mr. Reed... Reed''s taken a


    turn for the worse. You need toe home right away."