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Olivia has outdone herself. The gazebo’s decorations are beautiful. We’re in Stone Hill, Maine at the inn where she worked while she was away from me.
Her former landlady, Mrs. Fletcher, bounces Brady on her lap as Olivia walks up the stairs in a white silk dress. She’s three months pregnant now, but no one would know from looking at her.
My mother and brothers and Ashling Patrick are all here as witnesses to this small ceremony. We’re going to have a church wedding and reception in Boston, too, but this first one will make things legal sooner. When the new baby comes, his mother is already going to have my name.
The judge who’s officiating smiles at us. Olivia smiles back.
Ash steps down onto the steps to straighten the dress’s flowing train. Always helpful, Ash.
The ceremony progresses swiftly, which suits me. As I slide the ring on Olivia’s finger and kiss her, it tastes like the sweetest moment of my life.
“Hooray,” Ash says, throwing flower petals on us like confetti.
My brothers applaud and then every single one of their gazes shifts past us to Trick Patrick’s little sister. Hmm, not great.
It’s a good thing rooms are scarce. The plan is for Ash to share a double room with my mom. That way Ma can keep an eye on things.
I hold Olivia’s hand as I walk down the steps. There’s a quartet who’ll play through dinner. Then the lads are heading to a nearby pub for some pints to toast to our health.
* * *
OLIVIA
“Areyou sure you need to go back early, Ash? We’re not taking a honeymoon until after the Boston wedding, so I’ll be free to hang out tomorrow.”
“No, no third-wheeling it for me,” she says, hugging me. “Besides, I don’t think Liam wants you to hang out with anyone else tomorrow. I heard him arranging the Brady babysitting duties with your friend Mrs. Fletcher and Mama Callahan.”
I smile and hug Ash. “Be careful driving back. And thank you for coming.”
“Happy to.” She squeezes my arm before heading to her Camaro.
“Driving back at night?” Liam says when he walks over.
“I guess.”
“Hmm.”
“She can take care of herself,” I say softly to remind us both.
There is something wild about Ash that makes me nervous for her. After we watch the Camaro disappear past the lighthouse, Liam waves goodnight to his family and leads me into the inn.
It feels strange, but also wonderful, to be a guest here.
Outside our room, Liam unlocks the door and pushes it open before he sweeps me up and carries me across the threshold. There are three huge gift baskets on the bed. One from the inn’s staff and two from our family and friends.
Liam closes the door and locks it before carrying me to the bed and setting me on it. He clears away the baskets.
“You don’t want to unwrap them?”
“No, I want to unwrap you.”
That makes me chuckle.
He undresses.
“Would you like me to put on the pretty lingerie?”
“Eventually, yes. Right now, I want you naked.”
