She smiled.“I’m having fun, Telford.You’ve made this… sweeter and prettier than I imagined.And if you want to tackle an obstacle course or Ninja challenge led by some former Special Forces hotties later this week, I’m very fit, fast, and fearless.”
“That I don’t doubt.”
“I have to be me,” she said seriously.“But if we get all sweaty and scraped up in the woods, I will hold you to the chocolate-making class.”
He took her hand, and they crossed the street and headed to the courthouse steps.The more time they spent together, the deeper the satisfaction that sliced through him.He’d found her, and he’d leapt before he’d looked.He might not fully understand all he’d set in motion, but he was determined to hang on until the end of the ride.
Chapter Nine
Married.Done.Fast.Simple.Ayana felt a little breathless at the speed and finality, even though she reminded herself she had an out.Six months.And a deposit that was hers no matter what if she had to run.
She had the paperwork now, so she could change her name.He’d been surprised that she was taking Crow as her new surname, especially as she’d insisted on a six-month out-clause.But it was one more roadblock to finding her—not that she’d been seen as all that valuable.She was considered damaged goods.And at twenty-five maybe too old to be desirable.Medieval idiots.
“Is your coat warm enough?”Telford’s question startled her back into the present where they stood in front of the courthouse as if not sure what to do next.
“I’m fine.”
“Take my scarf,” he said, taking the charcoal cashmere scarf and draping it around her and then wrapping the ends loosely around her neck so the ends fell to her shoulders.
It was a casual action, but the tenderness rendered her speechless.When was the last time someone had taken care of her?Ridiculously she blinked back tears.This was not a big deal.But it felt monumental.Women took care of men and children in the Family.Not men.
Stop remembering.
“Thank you,” she said, feeling overexposed.To give herself a moment, she looked at the weave of the scarf.
“Thinking of making me a present now that we’re married?”
“All your things are much more elegant than what I can do,” she said, already thinking of the color and gauge and type of yarn she’d choose to make him something.
“Cam had a personal shopper and tailor and dragged me along, so your advice and gifts are welcome,” he said scanning the nearly empty street.“I haven’t had to think about it, and I stupidly brought six suits with me to small-town Montana.Habit.Dumb.I’ll stick out.”
“I usually hit thrift stores and make things, but I did see a western wear store in town, and I’ve been frequently informed that I freely share my opinions.”
The Family shut down women’s opinions, but she’d still had them.
The sun had slipped behind the mountains, bathing Main Street in a gray twilight.The leaves on the trees were already bare, and a stiff chilly wind howled down from the mountains.
“We should celebrate our new partnership,” he said after another long beat, and Ayana wondered if he was trying on a new role of host or if he thought they should celebrate their new roles and partnership.
A sense of dislocation settled around her.They hadn’t really discussed how to act with each other though he had thought of many contingencies—money and legalities—even before the lawyers got involved.
“There are quite a few restaurants in town.I doubt at this time of year and this early we’d need a reservation.”He began to scroll through his phone.
“We have the champagne in the room,” she said, not feeling up to facing the public yet.
Wife was a role.She needed to get a feel for it.
“We do.”He spoke cautiously, which made her think about being alone in the room with him.He’d said being intimate was her choice.She wasn’t worried about that.Much.
She drew in a deep breath through her nose and smiled—her practiced, welcome smile—and laid her hand lightly on the sleeve of his suit coat.
“I’m surprised to admit this, but I need a moment,” she said, partially honest.“I feel overwhelmed.”
“Okay.”He froze but still looked poised for action.
What did he think—she was going to faint?Hyperventilate?Change her mind?
“I’m not freaking out.I’m not high maintenance.I just want to relax, wrap my head around everything.Get our story in line.We could go back to the room.Have some bubbles and then decide—room service or a meal in the hotel.They have an elegant restaurant, but the pub and bar feel more my style.”
