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“He seemed really certain. I called the resort when I arrived in Brisbane. A woman by that name worked there for a few years, but left recently. They didn’t know where she went.”
“Did you let the investigator know?”
“He was thrilled. I think he was beginning to suspect I had him on a wild goose chase. It helps if she’s using her real name.”
“The wedding guy didn’t mention Sunny?”
Xander paused for a moment, recalling the conversation. “No. He didn’t mention him at all. He probably had no idea he existed.”
“And now you’ve decided not to wait to find out more?”
Rubbing his chest, Xander met her gaze. “I think we should set the date. There’s no point putting our life on hold.”
“I wouldn’t mind waiting. Now there’s a possibility.”
He tightened his hold. “I only wanted to ask her why. I think I’ve figured it out, looking back.” He turned her so they were facing the view. “What if we set it for next spring? The gazebo at the inn will be pretty with the wisteria flowering.”
“That gives us plenty of time.”
He wondered if she meant for wedding preparations or for finding his mother. He wasn’t sure himself. All he knew was that he was ready to make the commitment. He didn’t need absent family behind him to make the decision. He and Bonnie were making their own family, however that might look in the years to come.
“Plenty of time.” He pulled her close and kissed her temple, blowing a soft curl out of the way. She shivered and snuggled into him.
“Big wedding or small wedding?”
He thought about who he would want with him. A twinge in his chest reminded him Tinker wouldn’t be there, but Leo would stand by him. “Middling. My grandparents will want close friends there, and you and I will have friends. Possibly some of the Scottish contingent.”
“Maybe the doctor guy might come.”
“I doubt it. It’s not like he knows us.”
Her hand brushed over his chest, sending tingles down to his pelvis. “Are you really all right going ahead without your mother and brother?”
“I’m not going to lie and say it wouldn’t be good to have them come. But I figured out I don’t need them to validate my existence anymore. I finally know who I am.”
*
Bonnie pulled away.“I need to get back to the inn to relieve Tamara.”
He snagged her wrist. “Are you sure?”
She rolled her eyes. “Positive. I wasn’t expecting you today, so you’ll have to wait.”
“I have weeks of starvation to make up, Miss Callaghan.”
“Tonight. At the inn. In your old bed. It’ll be nostalgic.”
“You can scream louder here.” He winked at her and she felt that annoying heat rising up her throat.
“You aren’t exactly mister stoically silent either.” She turned towards the hallway.
“Wait.”
He was pulling something out of his pocket. The scent of fresh herbs filled the air.
“I have something for you.” He looked awkward now, the small bouquet of slightly crushed greenery held in his hand. “I know we talked about picking something out together, but I saw this in a little antique shop outside Edinburgh. It reminded me of you. I was going to wait until your birthday next month but…”
He held out the posy and she took it, not quite understanding what was happening. Sucking in a breath, she inhaled the scent of thyme and rosemary and the more subtle fragrance of sage and parsley. Something hard dug into her palm and she opened up her hand. The narrow tartan ribbon was on brand, but the ring caught up in the loop was a shock.
