We stopped at the library, parking the bike carefully out of sight. I walked her up to the steps as Layla frowned in confusion.
"The library?"
I nodded as I glanced at the closed doors, pleased she still had no idea.
"Whatever our souls are made of, yours and mine are the same," I whispered, and she smiled broadly.
"Wuthering Heights!" Layla grinned as the doors opened behind us.
The librarian beamed at me, and I glanced back at Layla.
"But the library is closed—"
"Layla. You are my heart, my life, my only thought."
"Zane, why are you quoting Doyle to me?" she licked her lips as her eyes widened. I reached into my pocket, dropping to one knee as I gazed at her.
"Well, that would be because I'd like to ask you if you would do me the honor of being my wife? I want to grow old with you, Layla."
For a moment, I thought she was going to faint, her face draining of color.
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, of course!"
I slid the ring onto her hand as I nodded to the library.
"Now?" I asked huskily, her eyes almost falling out of her head in shock.
"What?! We have to give notice—”
"No, we don't, Layla. I've taken care of the legalities. All you've got to do is walk in there with me and say your vows."
My heart was pounding now, my mouth dry as she stared into the library. The officiant beamed at her amidst piles of our favorite books. The library glowed with tiny lights and lanterns, her eyes wide as she turned to me.
"Just us?"
"Well, us, the librarian, and her husband. We need witnesses," I explained, as her lips crushed against mine.
"If you would rather have a big wedding, wear a dress—”
"No. This is just, wow. Yes."
"Yes?" I echoed as she laughed, tears running down her cheeks as she nodded.
"Yes."
37
ALICE
"Sorry,what?"
"Zane and Layla got married," the voice repeated, sighing as I stared at the phone in disbelief.
"Married?" I echoed as Lucas raised an eyebrow in my direction. "Caleb, fuck off. I'm not in the mood for your shit."
"Alice, as much as you think I have no fucking life whatsoever, I can assure you that I do. This isn't a prank. They got married."
"Excuse me while I call my twin," I murmured, ending the call.
