“Good thing, Elias Knight, because I love you too.”
“Baggage and all?”
She smiled. “We’ll have a bonfire and burn it.”
He chuckled, then groaned. “Oh, man. That hurts. Don’t make me laugh.”
“Sorry.” Iona leaned over and kissed him. “Are you sure I’m what you want?”
“Absolutely. You’re perfect for me.”
“Will you forgive me for killing your father?”
“You did what was necessary.”
True enough. “How do you know?”
“I know you. Iona Byrne never kills without careful thought. You analyzed the situation and determined that was the only way to keep me safe. Am I correct?”
The ball of ice in her stomach melted. “Yes.”
A knock on the door sent Iona to her feet with a weapon in her hand and aimed at the door.
“It’s Maddox. I’m coming in soft.” A moment later, Brent Maddox walked into the room and stood at the foot of the bed, his assessing gaze raking over Elias. “You look terrible.”
“Gee, thanks, boss.”
“I understand you’ll be off the job for at least four weeks, probably longer.”
That was news to him, but Elias wouldn’t argue with his boss. That would give him and Iona weeks together before they had to return to work. “Good.”
Maddox’s eyebrows rose. “I didn’t expect that response.”
He clasped Iona’s hand. “Gives us time for a honeymoon before we return to work.”
Maddox’s gaze sharpened. “Do you have a place in mind for your honeymoon?”
He shook his head. “If I’d had over two seconds to think about it, I might have come up with something.”
“Do you trust me?”
Elias blinked. “Yes, sir.”
“I’ll set something up for you. When do you want to leave?”
“As soon as the doc signs off on me leaving this place.”
Maddox nodded. “Tomorrow, then. What about a marriage license?”
“Don’t have one yet.”
“I’ll take care of it. I know a few people who can help.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.” He sobered. “How much trouble are we in with law enforcement?”
“Plenty,” Maddox said cheerfully. “The feds claimed jurisdiction and, even though the locals are fighting it, the feds will win.”
“Iona killed my father to protect me, Brent.”
