Cora nodded. “A party for all after, but a private ceremony for us.”
“You do have a marvelously strange bride there, Ed.” Mr. Miller slapped him on his back.
He couldn’t hold back another second. Reputation or not, he swept Cora into his arms and kissed her in front of all. She let out a soft moan and melted in his arms.
“Wait for the wedding,” Mr. Miller teased but pried them apart as Mrs. Miller fanned herself. “I think you should stay with us until the wedding.”
“As if she’s not already ruined,” Mr. Grous mumbled under his breath only loud enough for Ed to hear, but he knew the man would spread his lies.
“I would never want to tarnish my bride’s reputation. After all, she’s a McKinnie, and that means something.” Ed looked to Mr. Miller.
“Yes, it does.” He looked to his wife. “Cora will stay with us until the wedding. We’ll go prepare for her arrival,” he said in a final tone then marched away to greet someone nearby.
Ed remained by Cora’s side until the last guest left his home. The moment they were alone, he swept her into his arms. He relished the taste of her sweet lips and the feel of her exposed skin. The passion she returned nearly drove him mad with need, so he forced himself to part from her, breathless and wanting.
“I think children will come too quickly if I don’t leave this home promptly,” Cora said in a breathy tone.
Ed’s muscles tightened, and his pulse quickened. “I thought you were willing to adopt?”
Cora blinked, as if seeing through the cloud to the truth. “But you said you could have children, and if we are to be together in all aspects of marriage, surely I will end up with child.”
He stroked her cheek and kissed her neck, stirring her passion once more. “My sweet girl, there are ways to prevent such things,” he whispered. “If you’re still willing to adopt, I will fill the home with children for you.”
Cora pressed her palms to his chest, staying his movement. “For us? Tell me now if you’re only going to marry me in name only. I won’t. No matter how much I care for you, I won’t be a partner with no love.”
Ed tipped her chin up, capturing her gaze. And that’s when he realized the color of her eyes. They were the color of the magnolia leaves and her hair the smell of the flower. He knew there was so much more to learn about her, and he hoped he’d have years to discover everything. “I love you, Cora. I know this because I would sacrifice what I want most to love you.” And he meant his words. Despite his fear of being poor again, of starving, he’d give up his business and his fortune tomorrow to be with her.
ChapterNineteen
The unfamiliar sounds of the Millers’mansion thwarted any effort of sleep. Cora longed to return to the place she’d begun to think of as home. A home with Ed and Ghost and Grace and Mrs. Clint and the orphaned children. When she’d traveled all this way to San Francisco, she’d hoped for a family, but she didn’t know the gifts she’d be given beyond her dreams. A man of great moral character. A smart businessman. A loving, passionate, breathtakingly handsome man.
The house was quiet on Sunday since all were tired and no visitors were scheduled, but on Monday morning, she woke after a restless night, knowing there would be a flurry of activity. Cora sighed and held the pillow tight against her body, remembering the way Ed felt in the foyer before he had Ghost usher her here to safety with a promise to see her this morning. She rose, and with the help of Grace who’d accompanied her over, she wore her blue dress down to breakfast at nine.
Mrs. Miller entered the dining room soon after Cora sat. “I know you must still be exhausted, but we need to find you a dress today so it can be fitted in time. Don’t worry about the reception. I’ll make all the arrangements.”
Cora didn’t care about her reception. If she had anything to say about it, she’d have a family gathering at the house with close friends and her new family, but she understood her position as the wife of a wealthy businessman.
Ed entered the room with Mr. Miller, discussing the fact that the Pacific Railroad deal would be completed by the end of the day.
“Mr. Grous will not be happy he lost out to you again.”
“No, I imagine he won’t,” Ed said before his eyes caught Cora and he abandoned Mr. Miller to sit at her side and kiss her cheek.
A flush swarmed up her neck to her face.
“Ah, a beautiful blushing bride. I hear you are choosing a dress today,” Mr. Miller announced, but his gaze had already moved on to his food.
“I thought I could make my gown,” Cora offered, not sure how quickly funds would be available from last night.
“Make it? No, you’d exhaust yourself and not be ready for the wedding.” Mrs. Miller waved off the idea, her lace sleeve fluttering at the movement.
Ed whispered in her ear, “Go see the dressmaker. Funds are being transferred today.”
“Enough of that whispering over there. Ed and I need to leave for a meeting. We have business lined up all this week. You ladies enjoy your day of wedding planning.”
Cora sat tall and proud because she knew that in only five days, she’d be Ed’s wife. Mrs. Miller swooped her away for the afternoon of choosing fabric and design.
On Tuesday morning, Cora raced down to breakfast in hopes of catching Ed before he left with Mr. Miller, but to her disappointment, no one was at the table.
