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9
AARON
Aaron’s mind was still reeling from their explosive kiss as he tried to focus on the legal paperwork the officiant slid in front of them. Brynn’s dainty hand shook as she pressed ink to the document. She peeked up at him, her cheeks rosy and flushed. She was absolutely stunning. And she’s my wife.
Her eyelashes fluttered as she handed him the pen. He scanned the paper. Instead of finding Brynn, she’d signed as Miriam McKerman. A cold chill shot through his body. Here he was, believing they’d made progress, that she was letting him in, and he didn’t even know her real name until right now.
He took a deep breath and scribbled his signature on the line.
The officiant took the paper back and signed herself. “Congratulations. It’s official.”
Aaron nodded. “Thank you.”
“They should have the tables set up in the barn now for your guests, but I believe the photographer wanted to see you first.”
“Right. Enjoy the rest of dinner.” Aaron pressed his hand to Brynn’s back. She didn’t flinch this time, which was something.
Brynn—or Miriam?—walked out into the crisp evening. The sky had turned a burnt orange as the sun began to set—it would be perfect for the photos.
“Aaron?” she whispered.
“Hmm?” He guided her towards the photographer. Dani was already standing there with her best friend Aspen.
“No one can know my identity. I hope you understand. I’ll legally change it to Brynn once I submit the married name change.”
He stopped, then faced her. She looked up at him, shivering in the cool fall air.
Shrugging out of his jacket, he then wrapped it around her shoulders. “I won’t lie and tell you I’m not disappointed finding out this way. But I understand you must have a really good reason to keep the secrets you do. I hope you know I meant my vows. For as long as we’re married, I plan to protect you and work on becoming your friend. That means I hope you eventually see I’m trustworthy.”
Her expression softened before she nodded. “I meant what I said too.”
He smiled. “I’d say this marriage is off to a good start, then.”
Her lashes fluttered as she shivered again.
“We’ll get this over with and get you in the barn near the fireplace soon.” His palm stretched over her back, rubbing up and down to warm her.
She tucked her head as he ushered her to the waiting photographer.
They posed with Dani, and then it was time for just the two of them.
“Come together a little closer and move sideways so I can get your profiles with the sun setting over the mountains in the background,” the photographer, Ryan, instructed them.
Brynn tensed as a few guests milled out of the barn, their attention falling on her.
Aaron leaned in to her ear and whispered, “Trust me?”
Her brows drew together, unsure, as she gazed into his eyes, gratitude flickering in the flecks of gold sparkling in her green orbs. She nodded once.
Aaron slid his hands onto her hips, turning them sideways. He lifted his finger to her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
“That’s perfect.” Ryan snapped the photos. “Let’s take the jacket off her and put it back on you, Aaron.” Clicks from the camera became background noise as Aaron took the lead, moving through the poses. He took the liberty to skim his hands over her neck, down her shoulders, trailing her spine. His mouth gently rested on her forehead, and then centimeters away from her lips.
Her emerald eyes clouded with what looked like lust, her lids half closed, chest rising and falling more rapidly as he cupped her face and stared at her. Everything else fell away around them, and a rush filled his veins at the power in her faith in him.
“Now kiss.” Ryan stepped closer and got down on his knee to capture a different angle.
Aaron didn’t hesitate. His lips met hers, infusing everything he couldn’t say but wanted her to know. How he’d not been able to take his eyes off her since she walked down that aisle. How he’d been knocked off his axis at the altar when she stood across from him like a dream come true.
