Page 13 of Goldie & the Bear

I suck in a sharp breath, my heart slamming against my ribs. Married. He wants to marry me. Claim me in every way possible. Make me his wife, the mother of his child.

Tears sting my eyes as I gaze up at him, hardly daring to believe it. “You really want me? Want this?” I whisper, one hand drifting to my stomach.

Maverick covers my hand with his own, his touch infinitely gentle. “More than anything,” he rasps. “You’re mine, Marie. Mine to love, mine to protect. Always.”

A sob catches in my throat as I throw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder. “I love you,” I breathe. “I love you so much.”

He crushes me to him, mindful of the precious cargo I carry. “I love you too, Omega. Never doubt that. Never doubt us.”

And as he holds me close, murmuring promises and endearments, I finally let myself believe. In him, in our bond, in the beautiful future stretching out before us.

Our little family.

Eight

Mine

MARIE

I take in my reflection in the large vanity mirror facing me, and give the make-up artist a smile.

“It’s amazing. Thank you.”

She smiles brightly, gives me a quick hug and gathers her things, wishing me good luck on her way out. Gran stands at the door, waiting for me.

“You’re ready, honey?”

Her smile is soft but also sad. She knows I don’t believe Maverick loves me. After he dragged me to his mansion last night, we called her to announce our literally impending nuptials. Gran was so happy. She laughed and cried over the phone, and arrived here first thing in the morning to go through all the preparations with me. That’s when she saw myexpression. And she has been asking if I wanted to leave every occasion she got.

* * *

My wedding dress needed to be fitted by the end of the day, and my hair and makeup done. SinceHis Lordship, Maverick Ursinus, had decided to marry me with a twenty-four-hour notice.

Gran only left my side when an exclusive personal shopper showed up with dozens of lacy sets and nightgowns for me to choose from.

And now, here we are. I stand from the luxurious deep-red velvet chair that’s facing the assorted vanity. The furniture in the master room is beautiful, just like everywhere else in this house. High ceilings, marble floors, chandeliers, lush carpets, high-end electronics and kitchen equipment, and incredible views of the DelMonte Bay all around.

I push my shoulders back and smooth the acres of silky material of my spectacular gown. I’ve never seen anything like it. Ivory silk and lace that embrace my curves, beautifully showcasing my baby bump, and make me look like a fucking queen. My hair has been dyed back to the golden ombré I love. My nails are done to perfection, and my make-up could almost fool me into thinking my heartbreak has been mended. But not Gran, apparently.

“You don’t have to go through with this, Marie. I know how alphas are. I know how Maverick is. But if you don’t want this… if you don’t love him…”

And that’s the issue, right? I can’t say I don’t want this. That I don’t want Maverick. That he’s forcing me to marry him. This is a dream come true for me. ‘Except for the part whereyour future husband doesn’t love you back,’ a treacherous voice whispers in my head.

* * *

I walk down the spiral staircase, the skirt of my dress pinched between my fingers. Gran is coming behind me, carrying the back of it. It was too short a notice to invite any of our friends and extended family. And there wasn’t really much discussion between Mav and me after he grabbed my hand, pulled me inside his truck, drove me here, and left me alone in the master bedroom after we called Gran last night. And anyway, I haven’t contacted my friends since I left for Alaska. I can’t imagine dropping the bombs of my pregnancy and wedding on them at the same time. So it’s just me, Maverick, his dad, Gran, and the officiant. I keep my eyes on the stairs and the hem of my dress until I reach the marble floor. I don’t want to trip and fall, but I’m especially trying to avoid Mav’s gaze for as long as I can.

When I look up, my eyes first fall on Mr. Ursinus Sr. He’s tall and big, just like his son. With white hair and laugh lines at the corners of his dark blue eyes. His wife is visiting his other son on the East Coast. Mav’s brother just had a baby. And it’s a relief that this joke of a wedding isn’t witnessed by more of our loved ones. I know Maverick only wants to marry me because I’m going to give birth to his cub. It’s hard enough as it is. No need adding to the pain.

* * *

The officiant is our local mayor, Mr. Williamson. He’s an older black gentleman with warm eyes and a gentle smile. I exchange a friendly look with him, still avoiding Mav’s gaze. Then Gran takes my hand and puts it in his. And when our skins touch,there is no escaping. My face instinctively turns up, my eyes meeting the deep indigo that’s become my favorite color in the entire world. And I feel my eyes fill with unshed tears, my breaths coming out faster. Because Maverick Ursinus is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. And all traces of hostility are gone from his face. He looks fucking ecstatic…

* * *

MAVERICK

I know I’m grinning like a fool, but my girl is here. Finally. Home. After fucking months. And she looks so goddamn beautiful. Her gorgeous face, her amazing body encased in this incredible dress. And the way the silky material wraps around her slightly rounded belly… I’m fucking done for. My heart is so fucking full of love for my omega. My brain, bubbling with thoughts of everything I want to do for her, with her, and with our cub, the family we will build. And my body? Fuck, I don’t think I’ve been able to think straight since I got my hands on Marie again yesterday. That’s why I had to leave as soon as we talked to Edna after I brought Marie home. I went and locked myself in my office, making phone calls and getting everything in motion for today. The special marriage license, enrolling my mother and sister-in-law so they could coordinate everything Marie would need, with Edna’s help.

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