I have no idea if such a church even exists. Plus, he told me we'd marry at city hall. But titled families like the Hamiltons probably have one.
He stares at me. Something shifts in his expression: heat, maybe, or surprise, like he's never seen this side of me before.
Then my words register.
"I did?" He frowns, before understanding flickers across his face. He realizes I'm messing with him.
"You're mistaken. I don't want a church wedding." He sets his jaw.
Margot’s features tighten. "You don't?"
Oops.
Or…maybe not, oops.
Watching the Ice Commander squirm under his grandmother's disapproval is surprisingly satisfying. Payback for putting me in this position, in the first place.
James shifts his weight, catches himself, then straightens and folds his arms across his chest. "Neither of us can spare the time. We've already lost half a day coming here. A full wedding would cost us an entire service."
Margot turns to me. "Do you agree?"
I glance at James.
He looks casual. Controlled.
Except for the muscle ticking at his temple.
He's waiting. Testing. Wondering whose side I'm on.
The thing is, I am on his side. We're in this together, whether I like it or not.
Part of me wants to make him squirm a little longer. But the other part of me doesn't want to make things worse between him and Margot.
And somehow, weirdly, I also want to reassure him.
"Yes, I do." I tip up my chin. "The restaurant is important for the both of us. It’s James’ past and both our futures. This business is unforgiving. You have to be on top of the details all the time. One little slipup, and it might be the meal that's served to the Michelin guest. The only time he put me in charge was when he needed to help out his brothers. That he allowed someone else to take over the preparation in the kitchen while we’re both here today tells me, you’re important to him."
Margot’s eyebrows shoot up.
I know my words have hit their mark, for a pleased look filters into her eyes before she blocks it.
"Seems the two of you are cut from the same cloth." She sniffs.
"Why do you think I asked her to be my wife?" James’ voice has what sounds like a thread of pride running through it.
I shoot him another glance, but his features are back to being impassive. Damn, that control of his is so perfect. Will I ever break through it and to him?
Margot gives a short nod. "Don’t bother inviting me to the wedding. I won’t have the time to make it."
28
Harper
“Here comes the bride." Zoey squeals and claps her hands.
The people at nearby tables glance over.
I flush and make my way between them to the one where my friends are seated. I’m at a new bar about ten minutes away from The Edge. Which means, I didn’t waste too much time commuting. Which is the only reason I agreed to meet my friends this evening after dinner service.
