This One-shot came from a post I saw on adamnruzek's tumblr and is so rightly dedicated to her and the awesome morganupstead. I sincerely hope I've done their idea justice! This story started of rather simple and then it just took on a life of its own... so sorry not sorry (I guess?) ...
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the OnceChicago World. Just the OC's are mine.
Fake vows don't count
"You want us to do what?" Hailey asked in disbelief.
Beside her, Jay was biting down on a smug smile. Adam hadn't even bothered to hide his barking laughter.
Voight didn't skip a beat as he repeated, "You and Jay are gonna get hitched." He shrugged then added, "Or least pretend to."
"Why us?" she didn't mean to argue with her sergeant or sound petulant in any way but the slight panic she felt was loosening her tongue more than she cared to admit.
"Because she's already made Ruzek and Burgess out, and as the senior detectives I need you in the field with Atwater and Rojas," Voight answered. "Is there a problem?"
Hailey resisted the urge to cry yes! Beside her, she felt Jay bump against her and while it might have looked accidental, Hailey knew otherwise.
"No, Sarge," Hailey said slowly, "I just don't think I'd make a very believable bride."
Voight looked at her and then at Jay. "You'll be fine." He turned back to the team, "Ruzek, Burgess, you'll be our cover on the outside. Atwater and Rojas will provide back up inside."
Hailey was still uncomfortable and reeling a little at the prospect of having to play bride to Jay. Still, she listened, doing her best to seem unbothered.
"Our offender, Camilla Bauer, attacks these couples during their wedding. She seems to target the grooms," Voight continued, "Whatever her reason, she's got a fixation on these men and the only link so far is that they were all attacked during the ceremony."
"Scorned wife?" Kevin suggested. "Or girlfriend?"
"Man, wouldn't a divorce just be easier?" Adam chipped in.
"You've never been divorced before," Antonio quipped knowingly.
"We know she's going to be on the hunt for a new victim," Kim said.
They all looked at the board, which held photos of the three other grooms that had been attacked. The first two had unfortunately died but the last victim was just a fair bit luckier. Though, he was still fighting for his life at Med.
"The timeline between the attacks has jumped. She's getting bolder and more eager. She's going to attack again and soon," Kim continued.
"She's been nearly impossible to find. No hits on the PODS or credit card activities to trace. The woman is a ghost," Antonio sighed.
"Which is why we're going to set a trap for her," Voight said, turning to look at Jay and Hailey again.
"And we're live bait," Jay surmised.
"She's a smart woman," Adam said looking at the board with a small frown. "If she suspects it's a trap, she might become a little more unhinged." He caught the look Kim gave him, "What?" he asked defensively. "The woman is attacking grooms! Does that sound normal?"
"So we make this look as real as possible," Voight ploughed on. "As legit as we can get it." When nobody moved, he raised a brow. "What?"
"It's just … none of us has actually planned a wedding before," Kim said slowly. "In this decade at least," she added softly looking at Alvin.
"What are you talking about? You and Ruzek were engaged," Antonio pointed out.
"Engaged yes, but we never actually got around to planning a wedding," Kim grumbled. She looked back at Antonio, "Hey you've been married!"
"Yeah, and I had absolutely nothing to do with the planning of it," Antonio scoffed.
"Well Jay's also been married before so maybe he can help?" Adam teased. "It is his wedding after all."
"It was Vegas!" Jay argued, but he was glad to see Hailey laughing beside him with the rest of the unit. They hadn't truly talked about his Vegas – marriage.
"Relax, I'm not stupid enough to leave you lot to plan a wedding. Fake or not," Voight smirked.
It was then they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. A moment later, Trudy appeared, grinning like it was Christmas morning.
"Wipe that look off your face Chuckles, or I'll have you dressed in flamingo pink and frills when you say I do!" Trudy threatened.
Jay's reaction was immediate. Whatever look of surprise that he had on fell away and he was serious again. As best he could be when Hailey snorted beside him, no doubt picturing what Trudy had detailed.
"Oh please! I'd pay good money for that!" Adam called gleefully.
"Ruzek, Burgess and Dawson," Voight called still smirking at them, "We have the pick of location. I want eyes and ears inside this place," he said pointing to a spot on the map. It was a conference centre of some kind that boasted a pretty ballroom for weddings and other such festivities.
"What makes you think she'll take the bait?" Jay asked.
"So far all the attacks have been localised to this region," Kevin answered gesturing to an area of the map. "That and the fact that it's always the grooms she attacks is all the commonalities we have." He shrugged, "Makes sense she would come back and take the bait if it were tempting enough."
"We'll handle the logistics of it," Voight promised, "You just handle the wedding."
He disappeared into his office with Alvin as Trudy called them over. She already had in hand a stack of papers.
She smiled rather gleefully at them. "It is going to be Mr and Mrs Halstead or Upton?"
Jay laughed. "Do you think I look like a Mr Upton?" he asked Hailey.
She shrugged with as much nonchalance as she dared. "It could work for you."
They looked over and Hailey fought hard not to blush and the smug look on Trudy and Vanessa's face.
"Well, you two are gonna need an alias," Trudy continued she handed them the paperwork with all the details for their undercover persona's.
"Jack Grayson," Jay read. He was rather pleased with that. He looked over Hailey's shoulders and smiled. "Paige Willows. Nice Sarge."
"So glad you're pleased, Halstead," their sergeant smarted. She glanced over at them with an odd smug look on her face. "Right, well you are also going to need the proper attire for this," Trudy said.
"I'm guessing these are not gonna cut it?" Hailey asked pointing down to her plaid shirt and jeans.
Trudy didn't bother to justify that with an answer. "Think you might know a guy for this, Chuckles?" she asked instead.
"Actually, I think I might," Jay laughed.
"Great!" Trudy said, "the rest of you …." She paused dramatically before handing out the to-do lists to each of them, "let's plan a wedding!"
They broke away sometime later, tasks in hand. Jay leaned into Hailey and whispered, "Relax Hails, fake vows don't count."
She huffed out a laugh and was treated to a playful wink before he disappeared, most likely to follow through with Trudy's list.
"Don't", Hailey immediately said, as Kim and Vanessa joined her. "Just don't." They both laughed and Hailey groaned, falling into her chair. "What am I going to do?"
"Marry him," Vanessa jokingly answered.
"V, I'm serious. I can't be a bride," Hailey told them.
"Come on, Hailey. You never played dress up as a little girl?" Kim asked. "Never thought about what your wedding might look like, one day?"
Hailey was silent for a moment. Not that she didn't know the answer to that.
"No, not really."
It was the truth. When she'd been younger, she hardly thought about her wedding. Mostly, she thought about who might come to save her. But as she got older and saw the fractures in her parent's marriage, she realised it was perhaps better if she didn't get married. Love was dangerous and from what Hailey had learnt at an early age, it hurt too.
"Guess I was just not one of those girls," she shrugged looking down at the papers on her desk. Though they didn't question her further, Hailey knew that neither Kim nor Vanessa believed her.
"Don't worry, Hailey. You'll make the perfect bride," Kim assured her placing a hand on her shoulder. "And you'll have Jay by your side. You'll be fine."
Hailey nodded and that was thankfully the end of the conversation. They went their separate ways, doing all that Trudy had asked of them.
Later, as they got ready for bed at Hailey's place a tense silence filled the space between them. But Jay didn't push her. At least not until she started stalling, fiddling needlessly at her drawer rather than joining him in bed.
"Hailey," he said quietly and she jumped, not expecting him to be standing beside her.
"I was just –" she mumbled.
"Hailey," his voice was firmer this time.
Her shoulders dropped and she sighed. "Doesn't this freak you out?"
"No."
"How? How can it not?" She was completely thrown. She had been all day and she couldn't understand how he was still so calm about it.
"Fake vows don't count, Hailey," he told her with a smile.
She let out an exasperated little laugh as Jay reached for her hands linking his fingers with hers. "Doesn't it make you think about … well … what if it were…" she trailed off.
"Real?" Jay finished for her.
She nodded, looking down at their hands. Jay gave it a squeeze and a moment later, Hailey was able to look at him again.
"It doesn't scare me," Jay told her.
Hailey laughed a little. "Well you have been married before," she teased.
Jay ducked his head, hiding his laughter at the mention of his Vegas wedding. "That shouldn't even count!" he weakly protested. "It doesn't count," he added firmly.
"Then why aren't you freaking out?"
"Because I meant it when I said I don't want to be without you," Jay answered. He stopped for a moment, looking at her serenely, "Because when I think about the future, I think about you and I … and I guess I want that."
"You do?" she breathed.
"I do," Jay said watching her cautiously. "But I won't force that on you, Hailey." He grasped her face gently in his hands, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. "If you're not ready, that's okay but …" he paused hesitantly but Hailey looked at him silently imploring him to continue. So he did. "You're my future, Hailey Upton. Married or not."
She released a shaky breath, stepping closer and up onto her toes to wrap her arms around his neck. Jay's hands found their place on her waist as she pulled him closer and kissed him. One hand held her firmly as the other delved into her hair. There was no hesitation from either of them. Not when he backed her up against the dresser; not when she ran her fingers through his hair, moaning quietly beneath his lips. When they came up for air, Jay leaned down, pressing their foreheads together. Hailey held him there, her hand cupping his cheek.
"It's okay if you don't want –" Jay whispered, his breathing laboured as much as her own.
"But I do," she told him silencing him. "Not right now… but I do."
"Yeah?" he asked, in obvious disbelief. He had thought it would take a little longer or more reassurances from him.
Hailey nodded, leaning up to kiss him again. He smiled against her lips. "But this doesn't count."
"Fake vows don't count, Hailey," he repeated laughing.
"And you didn't ask me so it's not real until you do,' she added. Jay paused, looking at her oddly. "What?" she asked uncertainly.
"Do you want me to get down on one knee – you know for when the day comes?" He asked and though there was laughter in his voice, his eyes were all serious.
Hailey shrugged, playing for some nonchalance but her heart skipped a few beats. "I'm not opposed to that idea. Just nothing outlandish," she added with a grimace.
"So no twelve-piece marching band or air – balloons, then?" he teased.
Hailey chortled. "How about a deep dish? Or waffles? You know what definitely waffles! In bed!"
Her laughter had always made him smile and this time he chuckled a little too. Because only Hailey would think waffles in bed was the best sort of gesture. He leaned in kissing her forehead.
"Got it, waffles and a ring. In bed."
Hailey bit down on her lip to stop the bursting grin she felt at his words. He leaned down and stole the smile from her lips with another quiet moan and a little gasp. His hands traced down her body as Hailey pressed herself to him. He shifted down a little more and then he was lifting her off the ground, without breaking the kiss. Hailey wrapped her legs around his waist, instinctively and Jay walked them to the bed. He set her down on the soft mattress and Hailey looped her arms around his neck, her feet pushing him further down over her. He braced himself on his arms, hovering above her and when he pulled away to look at her, Hailey felt her heart leap again, at the clear love she saw in his eyes. They didn't speak, not that they needed to. It was all passionate kisses, lingering touches and breathy moans. It was all a sweet promise of the future they were promising to each other.
Hailey had never given her wedding much thought. It always seemed like a far-off distant thing that had no place in her life. It was a frightful concept because it required trusting another person with your heart and soul implicitly. She didn't know how to do that – or rather she hadn't known how to do that. Jay had taught her though, slowly and assuredly, he had taught her how to love without fear. As they moved as one, Jay an expert in making her body sing with delight, Hailey realised that perhaps she should give the concept of marriage a little more consideration. Because marrying Jay didn't seem nearly as frightening as it once did. Not when he loved her like this.
It took only two days to put together everything. The venue was not an overly grand ballroom in the conference centre but it was beautiful nonetheless. It was organised such that it would be closed just for them to give the pretence that the wedding was to be kept an absolute secret. Kim, Adam and Antonio would be out in the surveillance van. Alvin would be posing as a security guard. Kevin and Vanessa would be with Jay and Hailey as witnesses to the happy event. They'd managed to get camera's set up in some parts of the building, mainly the ballroom and the outer hallways. They had to be careful about it to so as not to tip of Camilla. In keeping with appearances, they arrived at the venue with garment bags thrown over their arms and their hair all done up. It was suspected that Camilla would be watching and they had to make it look as real as possible.
Flowers and candles had been put out. Hailey spied a look as they passed and was a little surprised to see the level of detail their team had gone to.
"You guys do remember this is fake, right?" Hailey asked in a quiet voice.
Vanessa shrugged. "Trudy," was all she said.
They walked into a little room just off the main ballroom. It held a couch, a vanity set, a smaller coffee table and a bucket with ice and a bottle of champagne.
"Really?" Hailey laughed twisting the bottle in the bucket.
"Adam thought it might help with the nerves," Vanessa explained. "I told him whiskey might have been a better choice."
"You're probably right," Hailey smiled. "Come on," she gestured to the garment bag Vanessa held.
"You're oddly calm … and perhaps even a little eager," Vanessa remarked.
Hailey rolled her eyes. "How believable do you think this is going to be if I look like I'm dreading it?"
"No, that's not it," Vanessa said slowly.
"Can we just please get dressed?" Hailey asked and Vanessa pouted but hung up the bag and undid the zip.
"You picked this?" she asked Hailey a little awed.
It really wasn't a monstrosity but the sheer size of the gown had frightened Hailey. This seemed like the safer option.
"What?" Hailey asked in reply, feeling a bit self–conscious about her choice. She didn't think it was too bad. "It was either this or that ballgown monstrosity!"
"It's a beautiful choice, Hails," Vanessa promised and Hailey looked relieved by that.
Vanessa gently pulled the dress from the bag and helped Hailey into it. It was a truly beautiful creation, fake wedding or not. Jay's guy had not disappointed.
The dress was a column style with the bottom half in soft white satin. The top had a sweetheart neckline with an intricate lace overlay that was off the shoulders and sleeves that fitted snugly. They stopped just short of her wrists. The dress felt incredibly delicate and because of its styling and material Hailey wasn't able to have more than a gun beneath her dress.
"Wait, you can see the holster!" Vanessa said frowning. The thigh holster was bulky and far too thick to be discreetly hidden beneath the satin white of her dress when she moved.
"What does it matter?"
Vanessa scoffed. "It matters!" she chided. "You can't wear that under the dress, Hailey."
Hailey frowned. "Well, I kinda need it as it's holding up my only weapon!"
"Give me a sec," Vanessa said turning and digging about in her bag. "Okay take that off," she instructed and Hailey did. "Here, try this."
Hailey glanced down to what Vanessa had handed her and laughed in outrage. "Why do you have this?"
"It's a garter. All brides have to have a garter," she said as if it were the most obvious thing.
"Fake brides don't need them!"
"Just be glad I brought one! Now you can use it to hold up your gun," Vanessa argued.
"That little thing is not going to hold up anything," she said tossing the lacey garter back to Vanessa.
"Hey! It's stronger than it looks!" she argued. "Look just put it on and see if it works. Worst case I'm wrong."
"Best case?" Hailey challenged.
"Jay gets to see it," Vanessa said smirking mischievously.
Hailey blushed and then glared at Vanessa as she laughed, but there was no malice or heat behind it. She didn't bother arguing it any further and hastily pulled up the garter. The gun she slipped between the tight lace and her thigh was smaller than her standard Glock 19. It was easy enough to conceal now without the bulky holster. Vanessa had of course been right, the garter was stronger than it looked and held the smaller weapon comfortably. She chose to ignore how smug Vanessa looked as she slipped on her heels.
When the dress had been properly arranged around Hailey, Vanessa stepped back and gasped, tears in her eyes.
"Vanessa!" Hailey laughed at the absurd reaction from her friend. "You know it's not real."
"Sh! Hailey, look!" she cried and then gently turned Hailey to face the mirror.
Hailey turned and was immediately lost for words. Looking back at her was a bride. She never thought she'd actually make the look work, but the dress was a perfect fit. With her hair done neatly and the simple touches of make-up, Hailey was every bit the fake bride they needed her to be.
But for one moment, she allowed herself to consider what it might feel like if it weren't fake. It was a thrill she had not expected to like.
"Oh, that poor man," Vanessa snickered.
Hailey could only blush as Vanessa handed her the earpiece; the comms for this operation. As Hailey put it into her ear, it came to life and her ear was filled with the chatter from the rest of the unit.
"Halstead and Atwater, you ready?" Voight asked.
"Yes Sarge," Jay answered.
"Upton, Rojas?"
"Yes, Sarge," Vanessa replied still beaming at Hailey.
"Good."
"No sign of our girl," Kim told them. "If she's watching, she's not within our sights yet."
"She's watching," Kevin assured them. "This is the only wedding in this neighbourhood all week. She won't miss it."
They had been careful in how they laid their trap. Their fake wedding had been organised for the middle of the week. To help keep the illusion of secrecy, but some details had been made known through various channels. It was believed Camilla had a co-conspirator. If they didn't catch her today, they would have to wait at least another week and that would require using different bait. Something none of them wanted to do.
"How's our boy looking, Kev?" Adam asked over the comms.
"So handsome!" Kev teasingly gushed. "These are nice suits man. Your guy came through," he praised a moment later.
"Oh, you have no idea," Vanessa mumbled.
"Right, let's get this show on the road," Voight ordered. "Al, we good?"
"You're good," he affirmed. He'd been doing the rounds through the venue as they got ready, hoping to see if they could catch Camilla before things escalated, as they almost always did in these situations.
It didn't take more than the go-ahead from Voight and they were all on the move. When Jay and Kevin said they were in place, Hailey picked up the small bouquet as they heard a knock at the door.
Vanessa opened the door to find Samuel on the other side. Samuel was the assistant to the officiator and usually handled all the paperwork for the marriages.
"It's time," he told them. He gave them a friendly smile and they followed him out of the room.
It was a short walk and they came to stop just outside the ballroom. Vanessa was smart enough to stop so that Hailey would remain hidden from view when the door opened. Before Samuel could open the door, Vanessa stopped him.
"Vanessa!" Hailey chided as her friend began fiddling with her hair. In her ear, she heard Adam and Kim chuckling. "Okay! It's fine! V!"
"Knock him dead, Hailey!" Adam encouraged.
"Oh, believe me, she will," Vanessa giggled softly.
"You know I can hear you, right? All of you?" came Jay's quiet reply.
"Man, I'm kinda sad I'm missing this," Adam sighed.
Vanessa was done fiddling with her and gave Hailey a smug smile before taking her place in front. She gave Samuel the go-ahead and he opened the door. She gave Hailey one last wink and then stepped through, entering the ballroom.
Someone whistled across the comms and Antonio said, "You clean up real nice, Rojas."
"I think Kev would agree," Jay murmured sounding very smug.
Vanessa had the last laugh as she said, "You haven't seen anything yet, Halstead."
She must have reached the front because different music sounded up. Samuel looked at her and nodded. Hailey exhaled, feeling slightly nervous. The doors were pushed open as Hailey walked up and as she entered the room, she was instantly aware of Jay at the end of the aisle.
Kevin had been right. He looked extremely handsome in a fine tailored three-piece suit. It was thankfully not flamingo pink with frills like Trudy had threatened. A rich dark blue with a crisp white shirt and a light blue tie.
It was all fake, but there was no pretence in the way he looked at her. Hailey smiled almost nervously at him and Jay was quick to return it, softly and full of awe.
It might have been cliched to think so but she looked like a dream. One, Jay didn't know he wanted so badly until then.
There were small steps left to him and without thinking he reached out, helping her up to where he stood. She squeezed his hand as she handed Vanessa the bouquet. Jay took her other hand as the officiator Brent Higgins joined them. Brent Higgins had a thick beard and grey suit. He had held this air about him that made him seem far older than he really was, especially when he spoke. He started the ceremony then. It was a pretty speech about love and all that but Hailey heard none of it because all she knew then was that she was standing in front of Jay Halstead, in a wedding dress. It was something she realised she wanted to do for real someday.
"We've got something. Movement outside, east side of the ballroom," Adam told them.
"On it," Alvin called.
They all tensed and waited anxiously as the officiator droned on. They counted the seconds and then Alvin swore.
"Damn! I think she's in," he told them. "Bypassed the security pass on this side. Almost like she knew it was here." There was a bit of shuffling before he spoke again, "I'm going 'round back. See if I can catch her before she heads up to the ballroom."
"Copy you," Antonio called.
"Do you think we've been made?" Kim asked.
"No, she would have turned back," Antonio reasoned. "Not gone in."
"Yeah but this woman is a little crazy," Adam reminded them. "Do we stay in?" there was silence at his question. "Sarge?"
Voight's answer was not immediate. "Keep it in play," he finally said. "Unless our happy couple have other ideas?"
Jay looked at her and she knew his answer. "No," she said in a near whisper but her voice carried and Higgins turned to her with wide eyes.
"No?"
"Uhm…"
"So no vows?" he carried on. "No written vows of your own?" Higgins clarified and Hailey sighed in relief.
"No," they both answered.
"Very well," he nodded and continued talking about the vows they were about to take.
"Anyone got eyes on her?" Antonio asked. It was no's all around.
"Come now son, let's say these vows," Higgins prompted and Jay realised he had yet to say anything.
"Having second thoughts, Halstead?" Adam teased.
Kevin snorted. "Not likely," he mumbled under his breath but they heard him all the same.
Higgins turned to him with a stern glare.
"Anyone got eyes on Al?" Antonio suddenly asked.
"I'm looking," Kim replied.
Higgins took the rings from Kevin and gave one to Jay. With the chatter of the unit in his ear as they frantically searched for Alvin, Jay grasped Hailey's hand tightly as he repeated after Higgins. They had to keep things in play. Camilla was here, and it would be foolish to give in now.
"I, take you to be my wife," Jay began. "I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, in sickness and in health."
"Where is she?" Adam asked nervously over the comms. "She'd usually make an appearance by now."
"Maybe she's just enjoying the show," Kim suggested.
"I don't like it," came Adam's quiet reply.
They could all hear the anxiousness in his voice. He was right though, Jay had to admit. Camilla would usually have made an appearance by now. The previous couples never got to complete their vows as Camilla had always turned up before that. So, where was she now?
"I will love you and honour you all the days of my life," Jay said his voice steady and calm.
"The ring," Higgins said and Jay slipped the fake band onto Hailey's finger.
In their ear, a struggle picked up, more questions were blurted and things got sketchy for a moment. Hailey squeezed Jay's hand as they listened, helplessly.
"Now you, dear," Higgins said looking at Hailey.
She grinned grimly because all they could hear was Voight calling for Alvin and both Antonio and Adam scrambling to find him on the cameras.
"We lost our feed!" Antonio called furiously. "Dammit!"
"Al? Where are you?" Voight asked.
With no way to stall, Hailey looked at Jay as she recited her vows. "I, take you, to be my husband," she said steadily. The commotion picked up in her ear and for a brief moment, she panicked.
"I can't find Al and we're running out of vows! Where is she?" Adam asked.
"I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, in sickness and in health," Hailey continued. "I will love you and honour you all the days of my life."
As she was slipping the wedding band on Jay's finger, a shot echoed through the building. Everyone froze.
"Al's comms is unresponsive. Anyone got eyes on Camilla or Al?" Antonio asked.
"He's definitely still in the building," Kim supplied. "Nobody has come out yet."
"Everyone stay focused. He's in there somewhere," Voight told them.
"You think Camilla got to him first, Sarge?" Adam asked worriedly. "Shouldn't we go in?"
"No, not all at once. That's too risky. It would draw too much attention," Voight reasoned. "Atwater, can you get to him?"
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Higgins carried on cluelessly.
"Copy you," Kevin whispered. He made a show of fumbling around, his hands searching his pockets and then raised his phone in his hand. Higgins scowled at him. "It's a real emergency. I gotta take this, sorry man," he apologised hastily making his way out of the room.
"Ruzek go 'round the back. Rojas stay with Upton and Halstead. I think she's coming to you," Voight ordered.
"You may now kiss the bride," Higgins announced and there was only silence over the comms. They had all momentarily forgotten about him.
Jay was certain he heard Ruzek chortle before he heard the heavy clanking of chains. The chains clanked together once more and then a sharp snap was heard.
"I'm in," Adam informed them.
"Go on," Higgins prompted. "Don't be shy now."
"Yeah, Halstead, no need to be shy," Adam teased. "Kiss her."
Jay looked at Hailey for a second, standing before him in a wedding dress, being told she was his wife – however fake it might truly be – and he didn't delay a second longer. He closed the small space between them, kissing her. Hailey's fingers grabbed his suit jacket as she kissed him back.
It might have all been fake – the vows, the dress, the rings – but kissing Jay would always mean something.
Their moment was cut short, with the ballroom doors slamming shut. They jumped apart, turning to look down the aisle.
"My my, how sweet," Camilla Bauer purred. "What a pretty couple." She walked up the aisle slowly, a smirk on her lips and a cold glint in her eyes.
She was far prettier in person, Hailey noticed. Though a wild danger lingered in her eyes, she had a full figure and beautiful lush curls.
Vanessa made to move, but there was a rustling behind them, and suddenly a gun pointed at them.
"Seriously?" Vanessa groused quietly as Higgins smirked, gun in hand.
He fidgeted for a moment, his free hand reaching up to his face. They watched in confusion as he pulled away the thick beard that had been covering most of his youthful face.
"Did not see that coming," Vanessa murmured.
"I've got Al!" Kevin called out. "He's unconscious though. Damn, she tasered him," he whistled low.
"Upton, Halstead, you good?" Voight asked.
Hailey looked over at the now scowling Oliver and knew they had to inform the others of the new development. "Higgins, what are you doing?" she tried to play up the confused scared bride as much as possible. "Who are you?" she asked turning to Camilla.
Camilla smiled, coldly. "Oh, I'm just here to help you." She looked over at Higgins. "Right, Oliver?"
"Absolutely," Higgins – or rather Oliver – answered.
"I … I don't understand," Hailey stammered purposefully. But she did. It seemed that Brent Higgins was actually Oliver and he'd been Camilla's co-conspirator all along. This did not bode well for them.
She took some comfort and strength as Jay still grasped her hand tightly in his.
Camilla sighed, "No, but you will. Soon enough."
She took a few more steps closer to them and Hailey could see the gun she held in her hand. It was almost hidden behind her leg, but when Jay squeezed her hand, she knew he had seen it too.
"I almost thought you weren't going to go through with it," Camilla continued. "I mean you looked nervous the entire morning. Something just didn't sit right," she leaned in a little more, her voice, dropping, "but then you walked in and …" she clicked her tongue in annoyance, looking over at Jay. "I had my doubts but … I'm fairly certain I'm right. And if not then on well," Camilla rambled. She laughed at the confusion she saw on Hailey's face. "You might not believe it now but I'm doing you a favour," she insisted.
"What do you mean?" Jay asked and he tried to step forward, but Camilla raised her gun. "Woah!" The chatter in his ear died as they all strained to listen. "Hey listen, I think you've made a mistake here."
Camilla's face twisted into a hateful scowl. "No! It's you who's made the mistake!" She waved the gun at him.
"What are you talking about?" Jay asked frowning.
"Like you don't know," Camilla scoffed.
"Why are you doing this?" Hailey asked.
"I told you," Camilla replied. "I'm here to help. Think of it as me saving you."
"I don't need saving." Maybe it wasn't the wisest thing to be arguing with a slightly delusional woman with a gun in her hand, but the words had slipped out before Hailey could stop them.
"I thought that too," Camilla muttered bitterly. "But I was wrong." Her fingers flexed on the gun, still aimed at Jay.
Vanessa shifted again but quickly stopped when she felt the cold kiss of the barrel against her head.
"Don't get any smart ideas," Oliver warned. "She's going to be trouble," he told Camilla.
"Tie her up."
Oliver did as he was told, making Vanessa get to her knees and then tying her hands behind her back. He secured her binds to the podium.
Camilla smirked at Vanessa but then quickly turned her attention back to Hailey. "Look how pretty this one is Ollie," she purred. "You would have been one lucky man."
"Would have been?"
"Al's okay," Adam assured them. It seems he had found Kevin and Alvin. "Do we move in?"
Oliver was done subduing Vanessa. He stepped back looking at Camilla and she smirked. In her hand, she held a small device with a little button on it. Without another word, she pressed it.
"Jay? You got this?" Voight asked. "We no longer have eyes in there Jay. You have to tell us."
Before he could respond though, their comms buzzed and he resisted the urge to yank it out. A second later, it went dead. There was absolutely no sound.
Like the button she pressed, her demeanour also flipped. A sharp coldness set in and she raised a brow, almost challengingly. "You know, you two are really good. I couldn't decide if it's real or not."
Their comms was still dead and they realised she might have messed with the frequency somehow. That was an unsettling thought because if she did that meant their covers were blown. They were in deep trouble now.
"What are you talking about?" Hailey asked, her stomach twisting as the awful realisation that they might have been made came to mind.
Camilla ignored her question. "You know usually at this stage I'd make a pretty speech about how he's no good for you and marriage is a complete waste of time. But … I don't think that would apply here."
"Why's that?" Jay asked astutely.
"Well, such speeches are made for couples getting married. Not cops playing pretend," Camilla sneered.
Hailey squeezed Jay's hand because shit! Shit! Shit! They had been made! She glanced worriedly at Vanessa and then at the double doors on the other end of the room. Camilla caught her looking and laughed coldly.
"Oh, don't worry about that. Nobody is coming to save you."
"I've already told you. I don't need saving," Hailey said stubbornly.
Camilla was silent for a moment before grinning at her. "I like you!" She looked back at Oliver. "Did you search her?" she asked gesturing to Vanessa.
He walked back over, looking over her before kneeling down. He searched her and within moments pulled a gun from her thigh holster. He grinned manically as he took it stepping back.
"Now you two. Weapons on the floor, nice and easy," Camilla commanded. But they didn't move and Camilla was losing her patience. "Do it now or I'll shoot her," she threatened aiming the gun at Vanessa.
"Okay," Jay said holding both hands up in surrender.
He slowly moved one hand to grab the gun he had tucked at his back. He brought it around front and placed it on the floor. Camilla watched as he kicked it away.
"Is that it?" She asked. He nodded. "You two sweetheart," she said focusing on Hailey.
Hailey scoffed, doing her best to sound exasperated. "Does it look like I can hide a gun under this dress?"
Camilla laughed as she glanced around the room. "You know for a fake wedding; this was a pretty decent effort."
"It's not … we're not who you think we are," Jay said slowly hoping to salvage their cover.
"Don't lie to me!" Camilla hissed. She stepped forward, gun raised in hand and Jay immediately held one hand up in surrender. The other still holding firmly onto Hailey's hand.
"Please I think you're mis -"
"Enough! No more lies. Or I will shoot you," she threatened.
"You're mistaken!" Jay tried again. "Please we just –"
Camilla fired off a warning shot. It whizzed past Jay burying itself into the wall behind them. He froze, looking at her cautiously.
"I hate liars," Camilla spat venomously.
"Okay, okay…" Jay said slowly. "How did you know?" he asked.
She smirked. "Don't worry about that." Camilla took a step closer. "So, who are you really?" She looked at them and then sighed when they didn't answer. She raised her gun again, and fired a shot into the wall, glaring at them. "I don't like asking twice." She pointed it at Jay, "You first handsome."
"I'm Detective Halstead," Jay answered. "Look, you don't have to -"
"Just the name, for now, thanks." Camilla cut him off. She turned to Hailey, "And you?"
"Detective Upton," Hailey replied calmly.
"You look really pretty detective. Such a shame it's going to be for nothing," Camilla laughed. "And you," she turned to Vanessa. "I suppose you're also a detective?"
"Just a cop," Vanessa replied.
"Hhm, how fun," Camilla grinned. "So you two are like partners?" she asked turning to Jay and Hailey.
"Yes," Jay answered.
"Ain't that sweet Ollie?" Camilla laughed again. Oliver smirked as he walked back to them.
"If you know we're cops, why come in here?" Vanessa asked. There was a commotion behind the double doors. "You know this can't end well."
Camilla looked very confident as she answered. "As I said, no one is coming to save you."
"Maybe not, but you kill any of us and it's over for you," Vanessa warned. "Why risk that?"
"Oh, my dear," Camilla patronised, "The wedding might be fake, but these two," she taunted waving the gun between Jay and Hailey, "oh that's all real. I had to see it for myself." She smirked and then gestured Hailey over. "Come here," she ordered but Hailey didn't move, so she lifted the gun a little more, threateningly. "I won't ask again."
Slowly Hailey made the short few steps to where Camilla stood. Camilla grabbed her arm, twisting it around so she had Hailey in front of her, gun to her back. Over Hailey's shoulder, Camilla eyed Jay.
"Oh, Ollie look," she sang. "His face … so worried. My…" she paused looking between them, in sudden realisation. "You really do love her."
Hailey could see Jay clench his jaw; his hands still raised as he watched her helplessly.
"Well?" Camilla prompted pressing the gun a little more into Hailey's back.
"I do."
Camilla leaned in and whispered to Hailey. "I was right about him. He's no good for you."
Hailey scowled, and using the closeness to her advantage, elbowed Camilla in the gut. She wheezed but reacted faster than Hailey expected. Her arm extending and catching Hailey in the side of the head. Jay took advantage of the moment too, lunging forward and tackling Oliver to the ground. They tussled for a moment as both the guns fell to the floor beside them. Jay balled his fist and caught Oliver painfully in the jaw. Oliver groaned and then raised his knee catching Jay in the gut.
Jay wheezed as he fell to his hands. Oliver skirted from beneath him, inching closer to a gun. Jay looked up just in time to see Oliver grabbing the gun, and then he turned. Instinctively, he reached for his own from his ankle holster.
Bang! Bang!
Two precise shots were fired and Oliver fell to his knees. Camilla screamed in outrage and turned towards him and without hesitation, fired.
Bang! Bang!
The shots echoed in the room but nothing was more chilling than Hailey's screams.
"Jay!" She cried, watching the bullets fly towards him. He fell back and Hailey's blood ran cold. "NO!"
She twisted around, her fist connecting with Camilla's cheek, once and then twice. Camilla fell, the gun slipping from her hand. Hailey raised her fist once more and Camilla was sprawled out on the floor, groaning.
Hailey immediately dashed forward rushing to where Jay lay. Mumbling incoherently the entire time. She was crying, hot, panicked tears rushing down her cheeks.
"Jay!" she cried kneeling beside him. "Jay!" She reached for him mumbling again. "Please, oh god, please! Jay!"
He groaned and she sighed in relief looking down at his chest to see for the bullet holes. Only there was no blood. Her fingers were shaky as she quickly undid his shirt and exhaled loudly, in utter relief when she saw the Kevlar underneath.
"It didn't go through!" she said her voice wavering with every panicked breath she took. "It didn't go through. You're okay." She cried more for herself in pure and utter relief.
She could hear the commotion still behind the doors. The team trying to breakthrough. Whatever Camilla had done, she had certainly not made it easy for them.
"Jay?" Hailey whispered. "Talk to me, Jay."
"Ugh, H- Hails," Jay gasped painfully. He tried taking a breath and hissed. "That hurt," he sucked in another painful breathing and moaned. She let out a watery chuckle, her hands shaking slightly over him.
Her head fell to his chest and she took deep long breathes. "You're okay," she said a moment later, cupping his cheek as she hovered over him. "You're okay," she whispered again.
His hand came up to grasp her wrist as he tried to take deep even breaths. "Y-yeah," he huffed out. Impulsively, Hailey leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
"Hailey!" Vanessa yelled gaining their attention. She struggled with her bindings futilely.
Hailey looked over her shoulder to see Camilla had managed to get her weapon again. Hailey cursed herself then because, in her hurry to get to Jay, she hadn't subdued Camilla properly.
"Don't move," Hailey mumbled to him, pulling his shirt back over the Kevlar.
She let one hand fall to the side, hidden from view as she gathered the dress up. Jay watched, both winded and in shock as he tried to figure out her next move.
"He killed Ollie!" Camilla cried.
"You killed two other people!" Hailey countered.
"They deserved it!"
"Why? Because they were happy? Because they found love?" Hailey asked.
Camilla tensed her hold on the gun as she stepped closer. "You think you know a lot about love, do you?" she challenged. "Because he said he loved you? You're a fool."
Hailey noted she used the past tense. Obviously, Camilla was unaware Jay was still alive. She leaned further over him, hiding his face from view as she pressed her leg to his side. Hailey caught her dress in her hand, slowing inching it up her leg. Through half-lidded eyes, the slight movement caught Jay's attention. The glint of the gun was barely seen before he understood what she was trying to do.
"Loving someone is not foolish," Hailey said trying to stall for time.
"Yes, it is! It's dangerous and foolish! Look at him!" Camilla pointed to Jay's limp form on the floor. "He's left you behind. Some partner that is," she mocked cruelly. "You'd have been better off not loving him at all. Save yourself all that heartbreak."
"It's not foolish," Hailey said resolutely. "Loving the right person – that's not foolish. And I'm sorry you didn't get that, but it doesn't give you the right to take it away from those who have."
In the corner, Hailey was vaguely aware of Vanessa trying to undo her bindings. Camilla came a little closer.
"You think you found that? The right person to love?"
"I do." Hailey's answer was quiet but instant.
Camilla barked out a taunting laugh. "What good is that now? He's dead. You're all alone! See where love got you!"
Hailey bit her lip, schooling her features as Jay's hand inched up her leg, hidden well beneath the satin skirt of the dress. Hailey felt his shaky touch as he reached for the gun under the garter. He pulled it out and held it in his hand, he was about to pass it over to Hailey, when Camilla took another step closer, looming over them this time.
Camilla looked down at Jay for a moment and she must have noticed something off because she sneered. "How very clever of you detective Halstead," she remarked. "Usually when people get shot, they bleed," she pointed out. "Oh well, I'll have to make it a headshot this time. Just to be sure," she threatened.
She took her aim as a gun was passed between two hands.
Three quick shots were fired.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Camilla stood still, looking at Hailey and the gun she held in pure shock and then cold fury. The gun fell from Camilla's hand first, a loud cluttering noise and then seconds later, Camilla followed.
"Jay!" Hailey called looking down at him.
He exhaled painfully, looking up at her with worried eyes. A moment later, the double doors were nearly blown from the hinges and the rest of their Unit barged in.
"Chicago PD!"
"It's alright. She's down," Hailey told them calling them off.
"Halstead! Voight yelled gruffly seeing him on the floor.
"It's okay. He's fine. It didn't go through," Hailey rushed out. "Someone get Vanessa!"
There was a mad rush as those around them rushed to help Jay and Vanessa.
"5021 Adam. Offenders down. Roll an ambo to my LKA," Voight barked into his radio.
"10-4."
"Hey girl," Kevin said kneeling beside Vanessa. "You good?"
"Just cut me loose, Kev," she said tremulously. She had a hard look on her face, but it was her voice that nearly broke Kevin.
He nodded and Adam handed him a knife. They cut the bindings and she sighed in relief, rubbing her wrists as she took deep calming breaths. When she looked up again, Adam had gone off to help the others, but Kevin was still there.
"What happened?" he asked quietly
Vanessa looked over to the rest of the room. Hailey still kneeling over Jay and Higgins laying some distance from her. "She knew. Right from the start, she knew."
"How?"
"I … I don't know," Vanessa stuttered. "She didn't say."
Vanessa looked over again to where Camilla's form still lay. Her hands were shaking a little and Vanessa was a little embarrassed by that. She finally looked back at Kevin and found he was only concerned. There was no judgement there. He waited patiently, and then a moment later, his hand was covering hers; taking her still trembling hands in his.
"She shot Jay," Vanessa whispered.
"I know, we heard," Kevin informed her.
"You did? We couldn't hear a thing from you guys."
"Antonio said she had this whole place rigged to suit her. it's why it took so long to get in here," Kevin explained. "She was smarter than we gave her credit for."
The rest of the team were shuffling about in the room. Jay had been helped into a more comfortable position and Hailey was helping take off the Kevlar.
"I don't think I'll ever forget it," Vanessa said quietly.
"What?"
"Hailey's screams," she looked back at Kevin. "When Jay got shot… she … uh …" Vanessa stopped hiding her face in her hands.
She felt foolish for a moment getting so overly emotional especially considering it hadn't even been her who'd been shot. But a moment later, Kevin was pulling her hands away from her face, a soft understanding look in his eyes.
"None of us will."
They were sitting on the steps, a little off to the side where Jay and Hailey had exchanged their fake vows. Sylvie had just seen to Jay, warning him to take extra care of himself. There were no serious injuries to fuss over but it had been a close call. Too close, really.
"What is it with you two?" Sylvie teased. "If this is what the fake wedding is like, I can't wait to see what the real one will be like."
"What makes you think you're going to be invited?" Jay quipped ignoring Hailey's wide-eyed stare.
Sylvie pinched his side lightly and he hissed, jerking back a little. Bruised ribs still hurt, not nearly as much as broken ones, but they were painful nonetheless.
"Ah! Okay!" he huffed. "You've got yourself an invite, Brett."
Sylvie smirked. "Okay, I think that's about it. Just avoid anything strenuous for the next few days. It's not broken but it will hurt if you don't relax. Maybe take a few painkillers tonight too." She shouldered her bag. "Other than that, I'd say you're good to go."
"He good?" Voight asked coming over. Behind him, the rest of their team followed.
"He's good," she confirmed. "Best give him the day off tomorrow, Sergeant Voight."
"It is supposed to be his honeymoon," Adam teased.
They all laughed and it was the first moment of light-heartedness they'd had since everything went wrong.
"Well unlucky for him because he's been told not to do anything strenuous," Sylvie replied. "Guess lots of cold showers, Halstead?" she added cheekily.
Hailey blushed and it was some comfort that Jay sported a slight reddish hue on his cheeks. He didn't say anything, merely shaking his head and smiling as he clutched his sore ribs.
"Now that's a damn shame, man," Kevin laughed.
Jay chuckled and then winced moments later. His reaction, a reminder to them all of what had just occurred.
"I'm serious, Jay. Be careful," Sylvie warned.
He nodded and they thanked her before she could leave. Kevin had suggested that Vanessa also be looked over but she had insisted she was okay.
"How did she know, Sarge?" Jay asked quietly.
Voight looked troubled over his question. "That's what we're going to find out."
"Is Alvin okay?" Hailey asked.
"Yeah, he's fine. He's been checked out already," Voight answered. "Listen we're going to head back to the district. She might be dead but there are still some loose ends to tie up."
Jay looked around at his team and then back to his sergeant. "You think we have a mole?" he asked. And it was only because he had such confidence in his team that he could ask that question in the presence of everyone there.
"I don't know. But if there is, that person is going to pay for what they almost cost us today," Voight vowed.
Jay swallowed the heavy lump in his throat. In Voight code that was just like saying he was grateful Jay was alive and that someone was going to pay for betraying them. Loyalty was everything to this unit.
"I've sent Alvin home," Voight continued, "Jay you should probably go too and -"
"No, Sarge," Jay interrupted. "I'm good. I promise."
Voight considered it for a moment and then nodded. He took Antonio with him as they left for the district. It was just the six of them then. Without thinking it over too much, Jay reached for his suit jacket, draping it over Hailey's bare shoulders. She smiled gratefully at him. Vanessa came into sight and Hailey immediately reached for her, grasping her hand tightly.
"That was very close," Vanessa murmured.
"Yeah," Hailey breathed. She looked at her friend, closely, taking in the slight redness around her wrists from the bindings.
"I'm okay Hailey," Vanessa assured her knowing her friend would worry needlessly. "Really, I am."
"I suppose we can say this one was a little more exciting than the Vegas wedding," Adam said attempting to lighten the mood.
It worked, as they all chuckled a little, Jay holding back a hiss but unable to stop the wince across his face.
"I'll tell you what man, that's probably the fastest an undercover has ever gone wrong," Kevin added shaking his head.
"Think we're losing our touch?" Jay asked lightly.
"Nah, this time, she was smarter," Kevin replied. "We got played. But it won't happen again."
"Yeah, speaking of which," Adam started looking thoughtful, "if Higgins over there was working with Camilla, does that mean he wasn't a real officiator?"
"I suppose. I don't know what his story was," Jay answered.
For a moment, he looked a little troubled by that but then Hailey was discreetly slipping her hand into his; hidden by her dress and his coat, she grasped his hand reassuringly.
"So, you two aren't really married," Adam questioned.
"Fake vows don't count," Jay repeated and Hailey laughed at how often he'd been saying it.
"But they weren't fake," Kim reminded them.
"Of course, they were," Jay insisted. "Do you think they were real?" he asked Hailey.
She rolled her eyes. "No."
"See?" Jay said turning back to the others. He wanted to be a little smugger about it but then Kim pointed out a very obvious fact.
"But you two exchanged vows and rings … and what if Higgins is legit?"
Hailey hadn't thought about that. Usually, Camilla would have made an appearance a lot sooner but then she had decided to wait them out to see if they would go through with it. And they did. So, what if Higgins was legit? She was worried for a brief moment if this would change Jay's mind but he was chuckling beside her already.
"Doesn't count," Jay insisted shaking his head.
Kim looked almost exasperated. "But – "
"I didn't ask her so it doesn't count."
"That is a terrible excuse," Adam chipped in.
Hailey appreciated that they all easily skirted over the fact that they knew Jay would ask her. One day.
"No, he's right," Hailey said smiling at Jay. "He didn't ask so this doesn't count."
"I … I don't think that's how this works," Kim said slowly.
Jay considered that for a moment before leaning back slightly to get a little more comfortable. "Do weddings conducted while being undercover even count?"
"Dude, Vegas counted," Adam guffawed.
"Vegas doesn't count!"
Hailey laughed beside Jay and he squeezed her hand this time, smiling a little softer at her.
"So not married then?" Adam clarified.
Jay laughed. "No! Fake vows don't count."
Adam looked quite disheartened by that. "Man, I was hoping we'd get to celebrate a wedding."
"We can always celebrate yours," Jay suggested.
"Yeah but I don't have a bride." Adam sighed and Jay raised a brow as if to say, 'don't you though?'
Adam looked away, almost bashfully and they all grinned when Kim and Adam refused to look at each other.
"How about we just celebrate everyone being alive?" Kevin offered.
"I like how you think," Adam praised with a grin. "Come on, let's head back. If we're gonna celebrate then we need to wrap this case up."
They all agreed, making arrangements to head back to the district.
"You two gonna be okay to make it back on your own?" Kevin asked eyeing them both worriedly.
"Yeah, go on, we'll be fine," Jay assured them.
They nodded and Kim came over, squeezing Hailey's hand as she looked at Jay. "Glad you're both okay," she said.
Vanessa gave Hailey one last lingering look and then she left with Kevin. It was just them in the ballroom then. Everyone had been cleared out. Hailey was glad because it finally gave her one moment to catch her breath. Jay put his arm around her, pulling her closer. She didn't have the mind or strength to object because she needed to feel him, alive and well beside her.
She had believed for a few dreadful seconds today that he had died. She wasn't about to turn away from him or his affections so soon.
"So does it count?" he teased.
She laughed. "No!" Hailey laid her head on his chest as he wrapped his arm more securely around her. "I was really scared, Jay," she admitted in a small voice. "I thought you …" she choked back her tears, her throat closing in as she replayed those moments. "I … saw you get hit and …"
Jay leaned in pressing a kiss to her hair. "I'm okay, Hails. I'm right here." He pulled her closer, as close as he could get her, bruised ribs be damned. "You saved me. I'm right here."
She clutched his shirt in her hands, tightly, as she pressed her face into his chest. She felt more than heard him chuckle and she looked up, confused.
"It's just … you seem to make it a habit of saving me," he told her. Jay reached forward tucking a piece of her hair behind her ears.
"Well, you have a habit of attracting trouble," Hailey huffed.
Jay raised a brow at her, a cheeky smile playing on his lips. "Are you saying I'm a damsel in distress?"
"You certainly find yourself in that position, a lot," Hailey sassed. "Or maybe you just like having me save you."
She gasped a moment later as Jay tugged her closer, turning her body towards him a little more. She was nearly seated in his lap as his fingers played with the hem of her dress. One hand slipped under the jacket she wore, wrapping around her waist. His fingers danced along her ankle, slipping further up a little and then daringly pushed the fabric up a little more. She glanced around and then remembered they were alone.
"Jay."
He smiled, his gentle touch yet teasing along her calf. "I'll tell you what, Miss Upton, you keep wearing that," his fingers racing up her leg to tug at the garter she still had on, "and you can save me any day of the week."
She glanced at him in obvious shock because she had completely forgotten that she had been wearing it. And that he had – in all the chaos – found out.
Hailey blushed, feeling the heat in her cheeks and the tingle beneath his touch. But he wasn't done. He tipped her chin up so he could look into her blue eyes.
"I didn't get to tell you earlier but you look beautiful, Hailey."
She smiled, leaning forward and pressing a quick kiss in thank you to his lips.
"You were wrong, you know," he said a moment later. His fingers were still tracing delicate patterns on her thigh. Her eyes fell shut as his touch slipped under the garter again.
"Oh? How so?" she breathed.
"You make a very believable bride," he answered. "I think you make the best kind of bride I've ever seen."
She leaned in a little more her eyes still closed as she savoured the feeling of his lips pressed against her forehead. "What kind would that be?"
"Mine," he whispered.
She sucked in a breath and pulled back a little to look at him. It shouldn't have surprised her. Hadn't they been saying it all along? Since the start of this insane undercover operation? Yet there was something about the way he proclaimed it now, that stole her breath and made her heart soar a little more.
"I love you," she said softly.
Jay smiled, leaning down and kissing her sweetly. "I love you too." There was only truth in his words and his heart. "Fake or not," he whispered, "Even though it was all pretend, you were my bride for the shortest moments and you were – are – beautiful."
She bit her lip futilely holding back silent tears. His hand came up and caressed her cheek, wiping away the tears that had slipped her stubborn hold. His thumb grazed her flushed skin and she leaned into his touch. His other hand reached down and intertwined their fingers. She had an iron grip on his hand.
"One day, we're going to do this again," he promised, looking at her.
"Just not the getting shot part," Hailey interrupted and Jay laughed.
"Not that part," he agreed, "but the wedding, with a real dress and rings," Jay said looking down at their hands, where they still wore the fake wedding bands, "and real vows," he whispered against her lips. She cupped his cheek, pressing their foreheads together. "One day, these vows will count because they won't be fake."
Hailey grinned with tears in her eyes and absolute love in her heart. "I can't wait."
AN: Hi!
I sincerely hope you enjoyed that! Please leave a little love and review!
Stay safe!