Page 77 of Tempting God

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure, Mrs. Carter.”

In the distance, I see flashes go off. The media are under a tent, waiting to catch the first peek of us, just like Grant said they would.

Grant joins me, taking my hand.

“Let’s do this.”

More flashes go off as we get closer to the SUV. Three reporters wait to speak to us. They are the chosen ones, so to speak.

“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Carter.” The petite woman says. “How was the honeymoon?”

“Wonderful, Karmen,” Grant answers, bringing my hand to his lips. “We’re already missing the sandy beaches.”

The gesture also shows off my wedding band and engagement ring.

Karmen turns to me. “Mrs. Carter, your wedding to Mr. Carter comes as a shock to many. What would you like to say to those people?”

I say, “It may be a shock to those who don’t know us, but our closest friends saw our relationship blooming before we did.”

Grant adds, “Just ask Brooks and Hannah Henderson.”

I see the reporter writing down their names.

“My bride and I are happy to be in Denver and can’t wait to meet the people who will venture out into the rain.” Grant looks up to the sky. “God knows we need it with the drought we’ve been in.”

One of the other reporters says, “That we do, Mr. Carter.”

Grant says, “We look forward to seeing you at the rally today.”

With a wave, he takes me by the hand and leads me to the SUV. The camera flashes are still going as we leave. Glancing out the window, I even spot a helicopter hovering above us as we drive.

“They’re persistent,” I say.

“This is just the beginning, which is why I’m having your security detail doubled.”

“Doubled? That’s a bit extreme, isn’t it?”

“Nothing is too extreme to protect my wife.”

I smile, because, dammit, I can’t stop myself.

“Fine.”

“I knew you’d see it my way.”

His phone buzzes and he glances at the screen, snorting.

“What?”

“They’ve already contacted Brooks, who is pissed because he was sleeping.”

“Sleeping? But it’s four in the afternoon.”

“Hannah has been napping a lot because of her pregnancy, and Brooks never turns down an opportunity to nap.”

I laugh. “That’s sweet.”

---