Page 70 of Leo

The towering six tier, raspberry, chocolate, and cream ganache was too much for the small crowd, but it was so delicious, it had them coming back for several more slices.

The bride was ethereal and exquisite in a clinging champagne silk that highlighted her slender curls. Her hair had been styled by a professional and had pearls intertwined through the strands. She was wearing the same wedding rings he had given her before and firmly told him that they were perfect. “I don’t need anything else.”

Mrs. Elliot had already packed their bags, and they were almost ready to go.

“We have ten minutes to say our goodbyes.” Her groom came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her waist as she was talking to Michael. Leaning against him, she tilted her head to look at him. He was still wearing the tux that he had chosen for the ceremony, but had loosened the tie and it was hanging around his neck.

“And you have been on your feet for the entire time.” He glanced over at Michael who was staring at them in fascination. “I oweyou a debt of gratitude. Sherrian told me you accompanied her to her doctor’s appointment.”

“She is my best friend.”

“While I am very grateful, that responsibility is now mine.”

Michael’s lips curled into a smile at the hidden warning.

“I would not have it any other way. Enjoy your honeymoon.”

*****

“You really meant it when you say this place was off the grid.” She exclaimed as he brought the vehicle to a stop as soon as they cleared the winding stone driveway.

She had fallen asleep during the two-hour long journey and was just now waking up.

“You were not very good company,” he teased, “I had to hum to keep from falling asleep.”

She cast him a look. “I would have loved to hear that.” Pushing the door open, she stepped out and breathed in the clean, icy air. “It’s a cottage, with a chimney and there’s smoke coming from it.”

Hefting out their suitcases, he took her hand and led them to the front porch of the faded pink and white stone structure.

“Who owns it?”

“I do.” Fishing the keys from beneath a stone, he opened the door to a lovely living room where a fire was blazing cheerfully inside the hearth.

“Yours?”

“Hmm.” Putting the cases down, he helped her off with her jacket and hung it along with his on a peg just inside the doorway. “It was originally my dad’s. Hungry?”

She shook her head and went to stand in front of the fire. The room was plain, with wooden floors polished to perfection and a pair of corduroy-covered sofas arranged around the fire.

Taking her hand, he led her to a rocker near the fireplace and sat with her on his lap.

“It’s a fishing cottage.” He inhaled her seductive scent and closed his eyes in contentment.

He had cleared his schedule for the next two weeks and intend to enjoy every minute of the time spent with her. In bed. It was too cold to go exploring anyway and all he wanted was to make love to her until they get tired of each other. Something he did not foresee happening.

Leaning against him, she felt the peace washing over her.

“Tell me about him.” She invited.

A whimsical smile touched his lips as he ran his hands up and down her arms. “He was strict. A man of exceedingly high moral standing. But he was a very good husband and father.” He bent to kiss her cheek absently.

“He and my mother were madly in love with each other. They did everything together and sometimes I would get the feeling that I was intruding.

They never said anything to make me feel that way and I knew without a doubt that they loved me, but they were a unit.” He tilted her chin up. “I was very young when I decided that I would not settle for anything less than what they had.”

His eyes wandered over her exquisite face. “I have a lot to give thanks for. I am with the woman I am utterly and completely in love with and wonders upon wonders, she is in love with me.”

“I am.” Wrapping her hands around his neck, she brought his head down. “I think we should get this honeymoon started.”

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