“Even here?” she asked, curious.
“Even here. I’ve developed a fondness for this city.” He shrugged. “Anywhere will do as long as it’s with you. But first—England!”
A shiver ran down her spine at hearing the words out loud. “I just had another one of my feelings.”
“They’re coming thick and fast this morning,” he said with interest.
That’s because she was reborn. “There are going to be great challenges when we return to England. Danger, even.”
This time when he smiled, it was gentle. “We’re going to be confronting our pasts, which will be challenging. As for danger—didn’t we want adventure?”
“The adventure of a lifetime.” She rose on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and sank into a kiss that had no restrictions or doubts. She was marrying her best friend, and it was right.
Chapter 29
Scarcely able to believe his good luck, Gordon kissed his bride-to-be. Now that she had decided, Callie held nothing back. This was the fearless best friend of his childhood, the girl he’d yearned for in dark and despairing places ever since.
A very loud throat clearing sounded from the open doors to the balcony. He looked up to see all four Adamses regarding them with broad smiles. Sarah said, “Miss Callista, isn’t it about time you made an honest man of this poor fellow?”
Callie blushed as only a fair-skinned female with red-gold hair could blush. “I intend to. I just proposed and he said yes.”
Bright eyed, Molly asked, “When and where will the wedding be?”
“As soon as possible here in Baltimore,” Gordon said promptly. He wrapped an arm around Callie’s shoulders and locked her to his side. “I don’t want her to get away this time. Josh, will you stand up with me?”
Grinning, Josh said, “Yes, my lord.”
“If you call me lord again, I’m dropping you in favor of Trey,” Gordon threatened.
“If you insist, Gordon,” Josh said. “But I did like the idea of standing up with a real English lord.”
“It’s only a courtesy title, Josh,” Callie explained. “Sarah, will you stand up with me? And, Molly, I want you as an attendant, too.”
“Everyone’s in the wedding but me?” Trey said, insulted.
“You’ll be our guard,” Gordon said. “If someone speaks up when the vicar asks if there is an impediment to our marrying, whack him with your cane.”
“I have my sharpshooter rifle,” Trey said hopefully. “Can I use that?”
His joke cast a moment of uneasy silence over them. Callie ended it by saying, “How about the four of you go for a nice walk along the waterfront? Share the celebrations, see what people are saying. My betrothed and I need two hours or so to . . . discuss our wedding arrangements.”
“Come along, children,” Sarah said. “We’ve been dismissed and I don’t want you to stay around to be corrupted by these lovebirds.”
Giggling, Molly went for a shawl since the rain had stopped and the air was cool. It took a few minutes for the Adamses to collect themselves and leave. Luckily Trey was walking very well this morning. Before they left, Gordon tossed a gold coin to Josh, who was bringing up the rear of the procession. “Have a celebratory luncheon on me.”
Josh caught the coin expertly. “Given how early it is, more of a second breakfast. We’ll toast you in good strong, hot coffee if we’re lucky.” He stepped into the stairwell and closed the door firmly behind him.
“Wedding arrangements,” Gordon said. “St. Paul’s or the Methodist church, where the minister sent us all off with the god of battles watching over us? He seems to give effective blessings.”
“We can decide later.” Laughing, she launched herself at him and started to rip off his coat. “I propose we anticipate our vows just to see if we’re making a wise decision.”
“We are,” he said as he finished peeling off his coat and tugged her shawl from her shoulders. “But I’m a great believer in making sure.” Her dress was designed to fasten at the front so he proceeded to unfasten it with ridiculously clumsy fingers. “Which bed should we use?”
“The beds already have owners, so let’s use the pallet. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s ours and no one can see in.” She went at the buttons at the throat of his shirt, her fingers as clumsy as his.
When had he felt such insane lust? Never. But he’d never bedded Callie before. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this,” he said huskily. “We should take it more slowly.”
“I know you’re right.” She leaned in to kiss the bare skin at his throat with a teasing lick. “But when were we ever sensible?”
