Page 139 of The Contract Marriage

Sorcha marches in, Cedric with his hand on her elbow. Her eyes rake me up and down, her mouth tight. Guess she doesn’t care for my casual jeans and a shirt. And she doesn’t like the fact that her grandson’s also in jeans and a shirt.

“What was the meaning of the drone show last night?” she says without preamble. “Aren’t you married?”

“Didn’t you know…” I trail off, not sure if Liam kept our brief separation from them for a reason.

“They were in Saint Petersburg for a month,” he says. “They just landed this morning.”

That explains why they didn’t intrude into my life. I hug him from the side. “We’re most definitely married. We’re going to have a second wedding.”

Liam’s eyes brighten in surprise and pleasure. “Really?”

“Shouldn’t we? And make sure to invite everyone and get blessings from those who love and care about us? I want everyone to know I chose you.” I grin up at him, enjoying the awe and joy rippling over his handsome face. I know I’m going to love spoiling him.

“You mean the spectacle wasn’t enough?” Sorcha demands, her eyebrows raised high.

“Nope.” I turn my attention to Liam and cradle his cheek. “You’ll always be my number one, Liam. The most important, the most irreplaceable person in my life.”

“At least the children are cute, my dear,” Cedric says mildly, running a soothing hand down Sorcha’s ramrod straight back.

“Not cute, devoted,” I say with a sweet smile. “Don’t you agree, Grandfather?”

Cedric clears his throat awkwardly. “Yes, of course. But you can be both.”

“Olivia sure is cute.” Liam beams.

Sorcha blinks once, slowly. “I suppose there’s no helping a bias toward one’s wife.” A glint of approval flashes in her eyes before she shifts her focus to me. “The wedding will happen—”

“We’ll take care of it.” I run a hand over my belly. “I have to make sure I don’t stress out the baby.”

“Baby?” Her eyes widen. “Oh my.”

“Exactly. If they’re anything like Liam, they’ll be adorable. Just imagine.”

Her expression softens. “Spectacular.”

“I always knew you were a woman of unusual taste and discernment.” I smile at her and Cedric. “You’re both invited to the wedding. But if you don’t mind, could we have some private time? I’m exhausted from the pregnancy.”

“Certainly. You should have more help around the house, too. See that she’s taken care of, Liam,” Sorcha says. “Anyway, we’ll go now.” She takes Cedric’s arm and they leave without further ado.

The second the door closes, I loop my arms around Liam’s neck, then go on my toes and kiss him to show how much I love him.

Chapter Sixty-One

Liam

Not a cloud mars the sky; the sun is brilliant. Olivia and I opt for a mid-morning ceremony since she and Max are both pregnant and tire easily.

I put on a white tux and run my hand over the tie. My steps feel as unsteady as if I’m walking on clouds.

“I’ve never seen you this happy,” Finn says with a grin.

“I’ve never been this happy.”

“Not even my jam can compete,” Silas sniffs, but his lips twitch.

“Sorry, man. Nothing trumps my wife.”

“I’m glad. The drone proposal was so romantic,” Max says, dabbing at her eyes.