Page 93 of Reckless Kiss

“I can’t ever face them again,” she said, embarrassed that they’d been overheard.

“Don’t be embarrassed. They’ll be glad that we’re still together.”

“We’re going to get married,” Erica said in amazement.

“Yeah, for real.”

“Let’s get showered and dressed and join the others to give them the good news.” Archer tugged her off the bed and led her into the bathroom attached to the bedroom. “We also have a dog to lavish all our gratitude.”

Chapter 42

Archer

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” Reverend Sprite said in the family chapel.

Cheers went up from the small crowd assembled for the wedding. Archer looked to his aunt, who was tight-lipped and sat still where everyone else stood and hugged. He didn’t give a shit. He’d married Erica Taylor for love and not because his aunt blackmailed him into it.

“Come here, Mrs Turner,” Archer said and snaked an arm around her back to bring her in for a kiss. He dipped her back and kissed her soundly, keeping it decent for the vicar and his aunt.

“Can you come and sign the registry, and then you can join the others to celebrate your marriage?” Reverend Sprite asked.

Archer led Erica by the hand into the tiny room on the chapel’s side. Archer took a seat first, signed his name, and then Erica followed. Next, their witnesses,Yanny and Jason, came and put their signatures on the marriage’s official documents.

“Until I saw you two say your vows, I would’ve put money on the fact you were conducting an arranged marriage for the sake of the Turner legacy,” Reverend Sprite said.

“What makes you say that?” Archer asked.

“Something Reverend Chivers had said when I met him. He said to watch out for the Turner children if they marry. He said only one Turner had married for love, and it had gone badly wrong.”

“Let’s not talk about the past,” Jason commented when the rest of the group fell silent.

Archer clutched his bride’s hand and squeezed. “We’re going to break the mould, honey,” he whispered.

“You have another document to sign, Archer,” Jason reminded him.

“I’ll be back in no time. My aunt said she would sign over the business as soon as the ink was on the marriage certificate,” Archer said to Erica.

“Okay, I’ll be over with the punch bowl, getting drunk with Yanny,” Erica said.

Archer was thrilled she had got on so well with his siblings, and they loved her too.

“Teddy, are you staying or coming with me?” Archer said to the dog, who wore a fetching bow tie for the day.

Teddy moved to Erica and sat at her feet.

Erica laughed that the dog Archer saved was now loyal to her. Archer kissed her cheek. “I saved you both, and now you’re both mine forever.”

“Damn straight,” she whispered back and kissed his cheek.

Archer left the chapel, noting his aunt was nowhere to be seen. Walking towards Turner Hall, Jason, Luke and Daisy fell into step.

“Do you think she’ll go back on the deal?” Jason asked.

“No, not a chance. She is many things, but she doesn’t break a deal,” Archer said.

They rounded the corner of Turner Hall at the rear and saw Bailey standing at the doors into the conservatory. That room linked to the morning room where he knew Aunt Cynthia would be.

“Congratulations, Sir,” Bailey said as they reached him.

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