Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Jasper wakes to the fallout of a drunken, secret marriage to Eloise. Eloise slips out with Lyla, leaving Jasper to contemplate an annulment and the consequences with Foster. He wanders back to the Clover Chapel, recognizing he married her because of her “ugly horse” story—and reveals he’s been married in Vegas before.
Summary
Jasper wakes with a pounding head as Eloise quietly packs to leave. He feigns sleep, reeling from the reality that they drunkenly married after a night of intense sex and cuddling he loathes. When Lyla knocks, Eloise mouths an apology and slips out, keeping their marriage secret.
Alone, Jasper blames himself for the impulsive decision and worries Foster will be furious he married Talia’s sister. He decides an annulment is the solution and hopes to keep the marriage quiet. Practical concerns surface—he doesn’t even have Eloise’s number.
Jasper leaves the hotel to clear his head, intending to avoid reminders, but his walk leads him back to the Clover Chapel. He reflects on his plan to stay in Vegas, which now collides with the need to resolve this mistake in Montana.
At the chapel, Jasper remembers why he took Eloise there: her “ugly horse” story about covering imperfection with beauty resonated with his own desire to transform pain. He recognizes that impulse drove him too far.
The chapter closes with Jasper acknowledging the deeper truth: this wasn’t his first Vegas wedding, hinting at a complicated past that informs his current panic and resolve.
Who Appears
- Jasper ValeNarrator; wakes after a drunken wedding to Eloise, plans annulment, fears Foster’s reaction, revisits the Clover Chapel, reveals prior Vegas marriage.
- Eloise EdenNewly and secretly wed to Jasper; quietly packs, apologizes, and leaves with Lyla, keeping the marriage hidden.
- LylaEloise’s friend; arrives at the door to collect Eloise, unknowingly aiding her discreet exit.
- Foster MaddenJasper’s fighter friend and Talia’s partner; off-page but central to Jasper’s fear about consequences.