Page 81 of Fearless Sinner

“I didn’t know you were coming tonight.” She giggles against my lips.

“I’ve come to get you.”

“I’m working.”

“Now you’re leaving early. I need you.” I pull the engagement ring from my pocket, hold her hand up, and slip it on her finger.

She gasps when she sees it. “Oh my gosh. I’m wearing a ring.”

“Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful. I love it. Thanks so much.” She holds it out, and the light glistens off the oval-cut diamond in the center of the band. It suits her, and I realize just how much she suits me, too. “We’re official now.”

“I guess we are. Come home with me.”

“Yes.” She kisses me on the edge of my cheek and the simple gesture feels good. It feels natural and soothing on my dark soul.

When I realize I could get used to kisses like that from her for longer than six months, I know my heart is already in trouble.

I think I was in trouble from the moment I met her.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chloe

Mom and I are in the bridal suite at Oheka Castle.

Today is the big day. My wedding day.

A month has gone by since Cillian asked me to agree to this arrangement, and I’ve counted down to this day with the same eager excitement as any other bride. To me, we were no different from a normal couple getting married.

The only problem I’ve experienced is falling for him even deeper than I already have.

“Oh my God, look at you,” Mom says, beaming at me with delight. “You look absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you.”

We both laugh as I twirl around in my wedding dress, catching a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror opposite me.

I’ve seen myself in it before but this is different because today is the moment that counts.

With my hair styled in long loose curls, I look like a princess in my sleeveless Oscar de la Renta original. It has embroidered flowers pressed into the bodice and a long flowing skirt.

Everything is exactly how I dreamed it would be, but most of all, Mom is here.

She’s on a day release for the wedding and she’s in a wheelchair, but we’re hopeful that she’ll be able to go home in the next three weeks to four. Dr Chase wants to keep a close eye on her. She’s on some very strong medication for her heart.

Mom holds her hands out to me and I go to her, taking her hands into mine.

“You look so happy.”

“I am.” I nod.

“I think things have a way of working out sometimes in ways we never expect. I didn't think I’d be here to see this day. I’m so glad I am.” She releases one of my hands and takes out the friendship bracelet Dad gave her when she was eight. “Here is your something old.”

“Oh, Mom, you can’t give me this.”

“Your father would want you to have it. He’d actually love for you to have it.”

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