Page 96 of Bride Under Contract

‘Would it help if I told you I am brilliant with babies?’

She looked at him.

‘I got up to Hugo all the time. We would laugh and sing...’

He reached over and handed her the silver teething ring.

‘I adored him...he was the light of this place. And now we’re going to have our own Ulat.’

She smiled and examined the teething ring. ‘What about its teeth?’

He laughed—he’d clearly worried about the same.

‘How soon can we marry?’ Grace asked.

‘I’m not sure of the rules in London.’ He smiled. ‘I’ll ask my PA.’

‘I meant how soon can we get married here?’

He frowned, clearly unsure what day it was.

‘Twenty-one days after the application.’

‘That’s today.’ She looked at him. ‘We can marry today...’

EPILOGUE

IT WAS TO be the tiniest wedding, with a small celebration to follow when they returned to London.

At least, that was what Grace assumed.

The hotel staff, when they’d packed for her, had included the strappy oatmeal linen dress, and it was gorgeous to slip on,

Her hand was shaking as she tried to tie her hair, but Malay came in and helped her twist it and pin in a water hyacinth.

‘Everything is ready.’ Malay smiled at her. ‘How romantic to get married at sunset...’

‘I shan’t be long.’

She picked up her phone. Gosh, this was going to be a surprise.

‘Violet!’

‘Grace, you look—’ Violet stopped. ‘Oh, my God, I don’t even know his name. Grace, you cannot get married. Honestly. Whatever—’

‘Violet...’ Grace gave her dear friend a smile. ‘I love you, and we’re going to have a proper reception in a few weeks.’

‘Grace...’ Violet gave in then. ‘I’ll be here for you.’

‘I know.’ Grace smiled. ‘And I love you for it.’

She took the stairs and saw Jamal, dressed in pale shimmering pink. She handed her some flowers.

‘Don’t be nervous,’ she said.

‘I’m not,’ Grace said, but then her hand went to her chest. ‘Perhaps a little...’

Or was it just excitement? They walked towards the ancient ballroom, but as she stepped in she saw, instead of Carter, the French doors wide open.

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