He wraps me in his arms, and I relax into his now familiar embrace. We’ve kissed quite a bit in the past couple of months when we’ve found time, but this kiss… “That kiss is dangerous within dating territory.”
His chest rumbles with silent laughter. “Good thing your last name is Marshall.”
“Then can we do that again?”
His hands cup my cheeks as he draws my face toward his. Our lips connect in an explosive moment of pent-up desire, longing, and passion. Time is lost as I swim in his kiss. I’m seen, heard, and cherished through this kiss.
When we finally pull apart again, we are gasping for air. And it feels like this night is about to start the next phase in our relationship… the start of arealmarriage.
“What does this mean?” I ask.
“It means I am kissing my wife.”
“Wife in name only,” I correct, though everything inside of me wants him to counter the statement. He doesn’t disappoint me.
“As soon as we get home, I am ripping the contract to shreds. You are my wife and now we will make it official. I love you. I’ve wanted to say that for weeks. I’m so in love with you, Hayden. The things that should drive us apart—our differences, our intertwined past—it brings us closer together. We said vows, and I meant them regardless of love. I promised to protect you, and I will… not only physically but also emotionally. I love you because you are outgoing, laugh loudly, and always have a smile on your face. I love how you are secretly sensitive, and I love that you only show that side to me. Hayden, I love you.” He looks away shyly with a puff of air, then says, “I can’t quit telling you that I love you.”
Lost for words, I open and close my mouth like a fish. “I—I,” I stop. Search for the appropriate response. But all I can say is, “I love you, too.”
“Let’s make this marriage official.”
My heart flutters as Darcy tugs at the hem of his shirt while striding toward the light switch. He flicks it off, the room now only illuminated by the moonlight pouring through the hotel window, a spotlight for our unspoken confessions. My heart sings a tune of unadulterated bliss as his lips claim mine.
My husband.
In the eyes of the law, God, and my soul.
“I’m yours forever, Hayden. So help me God.” His spoken oath is physically sealed over and over.
And over.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Darcy
Two wonderful months of genuine marriage.
Falling asleep in the same bed.
Saying “I love you” every chance we get.
Making love…
“Sir?” Bennie asks, holding a schedule in my face.
I shake the welcome images from my head and focus on my assistant. “What?”
“Remember we have the cross-party dinner tonight. You should probably start getting ready.”
“Right, yes.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. “I’m not looking forward to this. Why did they decide it was a good idea again?”
Bennie laughs. “To build repertoire.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever. I’ll go get ready. Sucks they chose my birthday to host this fight club.”
I make my way to my room to get ready, missing my wife. She’s been gone all day dealing with campaign matters, and I say a littleprayer that she’ll make it back for this dinner. I’ll need her presence to keep my sanity and not bite the heads off of establishment politicians.
An hour later, I’m in the car, Lionel driving, and Bennie clicking away on his tablet next to me.
