She’d rather stay than be alone with me. “I can see that,” I say, gritting my teeth. “But it’s midnight, Cinderella, and everyone’s tired. Come on. The car’s waiting.”
Dad is gathering the remaining guests, and they form two rows, giving us hugs and kisses as we make our way toward the house.
I hug my mother, and she kisses my cheek. “You picked a lovely wife,” she murmurs. “Look after her.”
I kiss her forehead. “I intend to.”
“I think she’s a little overwhelmed.”
I glance at Wren, who’s hugging Aurelia. “Yeah.”
I assume I’m hiding the hurt I’m feeling, but Mum rubs my arm. “She’s nervous, Mars, that’s all. It’s difficult for her, this arrangement. Just be patient. She’s watched you all evening. She likes you a lot. But you Ashfords can be quite intimidating when you want to be.”
I stare at her. “Dad told you?”
She just smiles. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
There’s no time to process her words as everyone’s waiting for us to go.
“I’m so glad it went well,” Mum says, propelling me forward.
“It was amazing, thank you. See you after the honeymoon.”
“I hope you have a great time.”
I give her a last hug, collect Wren’s hand again, and lead her into the house, waving to everyone as we go.
Dad walks with us through to the front door, and we go out to where Tane is waiting with the car on the drive. A few guests in the process of leaving whistle and wave, and my lips curve up at the sight of the car covered with bows and a big sign that declares we’re Just Married.
“That was me,” Caesar states unnecessarily, appearing at my side.
“Thanks, bro.” We exchange a bearhug.
“She picked the right brother,” he murmurs in my ear, then releases me.
I smile, but my heart is banging on my ribs as I lead her to the car.
I take her to the passenger side, open the door for her, and hold her as she gets in, making sure she doesn’t bump her head. Then I go around the other side and get in behind her.
“Congratulations, sir,” Tane says, starting the engine as I buckle up.
“Thank you.”
“Did you have a good time?”
“It went very well, thanks. Is Wren’s case in there?”
“Yes, sir. Ready to go?”
“Please.”
He puts the car in drive, and we wave to everyone at the house as we slowly pull away.
We’re spending the night in my apartment in the city. Then, tomorrow, I’m driving us down to the farm not far from Cambridge in the Waikato.
Tane takes us over the Harbour Bridge into the CBD. The roads are quiet, the city a glitter of lights.
Wren is silent beside me. When I glance at her, she’s looking out of the window, her hands in her lap.
