The glittering, raucous heart of Las Vegas continued its relentless pulse around them, but for Remy and Theo, the world had shrunk to a small, fiercely joyful bubble. Remy's diamond gleamed under the casino lights, a testament to Theo's love and the bewildering, beautiful journey that had brought them to this moment. They stood amidst the clamor of the craps table, still locked in an embrace, oblivious to the curious stares of the onlookers.
Remy finally pulled back, her face streaked with happy tears, but her blue eyes shone with a pure, unadulterated radiance. "Oh my god, Theo," she whispered, her voice still thick with emotion. "You actually did it. You actually asked." She looked down at the ring, then back at him, a wide, incredulous grin splitting her face. "And I actually said yes! This is insane! And amazing! And utterly, wonderfully, ridiculously us!"
Theo's hand, now warm and possessive, cradled the back of her neck, his thumb stroking her skin. "Insane, amazing, and ours," he confirmed, his voice a low, rough murmur against her hair. "Every single moment."
A sudden, mischievous gleam entered Remy's eyes. "So," she began, a conspiratorial whisper, "we're in Vegas. You've got an engagement ring. We're both ridiculously in love. And I'm pretty sure I have enough casino winnings to buy a small, really tacky, slightly illegal, but emotionally fulfilling wedding chapel experience." She bit her lip, her gaze challenging him. "What are we waiting for?"
Theo blinked. His mind, accustomed to meticulous planning and long-term strategy, momentarily stuttered. A Vegas wedding. Spontaneous. Chaotic. Utterly, undeniably Remy. And perfectly, gloriously them. The thought sent a jolt of exhilaration through him. He had chosen to live a new life with her, to embrace her chaos. This was the logical, beautiful next step.
"Now?" he asked, a faint, disbelieving smile playing on his lips.
"Why not?" Remy retorted, her eyes sparkling. "No time like the present when you've just realized you have all the time in the world! Besides, think of the story! 'We got engaged amidst flying craps chips and then got married by Elvis!' It's legendary!"
Theo's laugh was a deep, full-bellied sound, echoing through the casino floor. "Legendary. Alright, Remy. Let's make a legend."
Within an hour, they were hustling through the glittering labyrinth of the Strip, Remy practically bouncing with glee, Theo holding her hand, his expression a mix of resigned amusement and boundless adoration. Remy, with her innate ability to charm and her fresh casino winnings, found a chapel that advertised "Instant I-Do's! Featuring Elvis (and his very enthusiastic twin brother)!" It was exactly the kind of wonderfully tacky, gloriously absurd place that perfectly encapsulated their whirlwind romance.
The interior of the "Cupid's Neon Love Chapel" was a dizzying explosion of velvet, fake flowers, and flashing fairy lights. An Elvis impersonator, complete with a sequined jumpsuit and a surprisingly soulful voice, greeted them with a flourish. Remy gasped, genuinely delighted.
"Oh my god, Theo, he's magnificent!" she whispered, squeezing his hand. "This is perfect! Betsy would be so proud."
Theo just shook his head, a private, tender smile on his face. This was chaos, pure and unadulterated. And he wouldn't have it any other way.
The ceremony was a blur of laughter, Elvis singing "Can't Help Falling in Love" (slightly off-key, just for Remy), and the overwhelming, undeniable warmth of their love. Remy, in a surprisingly elegant white dress she'd found in a vintage boutique just an hour ago, looked radiant. Theo, still in his dark suit, his customary stoicism softened by raw emotion, looked at her with a depth of love that made her breath catch.
When it came time for vows, Remy eschewed the traditional. "Theo," she began, her voice trembling slightly, but her eyes bright and unwavering as they met his. "You crashed into my life, literally. You made me clean your blood out of my SUV. You complained about my music. You hated my optimism. And then you gave me back my life. You saw me, truly saw me, when I thought I was fading. You made me believe in forevers. And you bought me a really pretty ring. So, yes. Forever. With you. Even if it involves more hot dogs. I promise to annoy you with my unwavering optimism, to drag you to every absurd roadside attraction, and to love you fiercely, irrevocably, for all the time we now have."
Theo's turn was simpler, but no less profound. He took her hands, his grip firm and steady. "Remy," he said, his voice deep and clear, resonating with a lifetime of unspoken emotions. "You are chaos and light. You are everything I never knew I needed. You are my future. I promise to protect you, to endure your terrible singing, to be annoyed by your optimistic madness, and to love you every single moment. Forever."
"By the power vested in me by the State of Nevada, and the spirit of rock and roll," Elvis declared, a tear (or perhaps just glitter) twinkling in his eye, "I now pronounce you husband and wife!"
Theo pulled Remy into his arms, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both a fiery culmination and a tender beginning. It was soft, deep, full of promises whispered only to each other. The applause from Elvis and the single, bewildered chapel attendant was muffled by the roar of their own hearts.
They were married. Spontaneously. Secretly. Unconventionally.
As they walked out of the chapel, hand in hand, the bright lights of Vegas felt like a celebration just for them. Remy beamed, a look of utter contentment on her face. "So," she whispered, squeezing his hand, "we're actually husband and wife. Just us. And Elvis. This is amazing, Theo. And my new mother-in-law is going to kill you."
Theo chuckled, pulling her closer, his lips brushing her hair. "She'll love you, Remy. Eventually." He looked at the glittering city lights, then at the woman beside him, his wife. His. This new life, forged in chaos and sealed in secret, was everything. And he wouldn't change a single, glorious, absurd moment of it.