Hannah had whiplash. Since agreeing to marry Samuel three hours ago, things moved so very quickly. The first thing he had insisted on was that she had something to eat. He made a sandwich with various deli meats, cheese, a little mayo along with lots of shredded lettuce, served with a bag of ruffled chips, accompanied by a glass of iced tea. They hadn’t stopped for groceries, but the kitchen was fully stocked.
She hadn’t known how hungry she was until he placed the meal before her. While they ate lunch, they had a brief discussion. The moment she agreed to the marriage, it was a done deal for her. There was a part of her, which was so content with the decision nothing else mattered. She didn’t examine why she felt the way she did. For once, Hannah just accepted that is how she felt about the matter.
Samuel had the presence of mind to discuss their relationship. “What do you imagine our marriage will look like?”He inquired. The question had thrown her for a loop. At no time had she and Jeremiah had such a discussion. It is possible that things would have turned out differently if they had. Taking a moment, she thought about what was most important to her.
“I would like us to have a partnership, which we are well on the way to. Also, a friendship.”She valued those things.
“Those things are crucial, but I want it to be clear that our marriage is to be a real one in every sense of the word.” A tiny thrill blossomed in the pit of her stomach at the prospect of them living the life that she had once dreamed of. It had been her who had walked, no, ran from that dream. She had chosen duty and devotion over her own happiness. Just maybe this time… no, she couldn’t allow herself to get lost in that hope.
“Oh,” was the only response she could utter.
Samuel reached across the table and took her hand. The feel of his larger hand encasing hers caused a rush of warmth throughout her body. “I won’t accept a marriage in name only. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Her response was barely above a whisper as she nodded.
The way he looked at her was as if he could see right through her. “Good.” Squeezing her hand, he released it.
Well since he addressed what was important to him. Hannah felt she needed to do the same. She didn’t want to go into another marriage carrying the weight of infertility with her. It wasn’t the easiest topic to bring up, especially since she feared he might change his mind.
Hannah was nervous as she called, “Samuel?”
His head snapped up. “Yes, Hannah?”
“Before we go any further, I want you to have all the facts.” She picked up a chip, examined the ridges as if she was an inspector. Dread filled her at having to utter these words out loud.
“Hey.” He called gently.
Clearing her throat, she bared her soul. The admission was painful, but one he needed to know. “I can’t have children.”
“Okay.” His response wasn’t what she expected.
“Is that all you have to say?”
“Was there something else you wanted me to say? If you can’t, then you can’t. It doesn’t stop us from having a life together. Or even having a family. We can adopt, foster, and do IVF. Or we can just enjoy our lives together. Any of those options work for me as long as you and I are together.”
Samuel had made it seem so simple. What was more, she believed it from him.
After their lunch, they filled out their marriage license. Hannah still couldn’t believe that they were having a civil ceremony. “Later we can have a religious ceremony.” Samuel had offered, as if she had voiced her concerns aloud. She would think about it. In the meantime, all the documents now sat assembled in a folder on the table, waiting for the judge to arrive to marry them. Hannah didn’t know whether to be impressed by his level of planning or to be weary. There was a fax machine, so once the documents were signed, they could be forwarded to a court clerk. They were on standby, ready to have them filed.
Speaking of being prepared, Samuel had another surprise up his sleeves.
Hannah excused herself to get presentable. She’d been in her room searching through her bag, looking for something suitable to wear, when Samuel had knocked on her door.
“Maybe this will help.” He offered, holding up a garment bag along with a shoe box.
All she could do was look at him in awe. The level of preparation and effort he showed was not what she was used to. She took the bag from him. “Thank you.” She lifted an eyebrow at him. Samuel just winked and leaned against the doorjamb. “Open it.” He instructed. She gasped once she unzipped it, revealing the dress inside. It was… perfect.
“Oh, my,” she said inspecting the dress. It was exactly her size. “How did you get the right size?”
“I had some help.” She could guess exactly who helped him. She loved the dress. However, it wouldn’t have been one she selected on her own. No, Lisabeth would have pushed her to buy it.
Then he pulled the contents of his pockets. They were jewellery boxes. “Just because it’s civil doesn’t mean it can’t be traditional. New.” He presented her with a jewellery box with earrings in it. “Old, my Omma gave this to me.” The contents of that box contained a beautiful onyx and jade beetle hair pin. “And this is borrowed and blue.” Hannah recognized the sapphire bracelet immediately. It belonged to Lisabeth. Their mother had given it to her sister when she married Nigel.
“The Judge and the witness should arrive in about an hour. See you soon.” Samuel informed her.
Hannah heard their guests arriving about ten minutes ago. She hadn’t been ready then as she was putting the finishing touches on her French roll. Once she slipped the hairpin into her hair and gave herself the once over. She took a fortifying breath. Samuel was dressed in a navy-blue suit with a matching dress shirt. As she stepped out of the room, he turned and smiled at her. The action stopped her in her tracks. Despite being in a suit, there was nothing formal about him. It wasn’t the lack of tie. No. His attire highlighted his primal, sexy nature. She was so focused on him; it took her a moment to remember there were other occupants in the room.
Samuel came over to her, then took her hand. He introduced her to Judge Allen, who had brought his wife Vanna along as a witness. The sweet woman gifted her with a small bouquet of white and yellow roses. “I wasn’t sure if you had flowers. So, I picked some from our garden.”
