Page 100 of To Have and To Hold

He lowered his voice. “No secrets, just not a good time.”

My lip disappeared behind my teeth. “I understand.”

“I’m not taking any chances. Horace is on his way to the house. Don’t leave until you have both bodyguards with you.”

“Is the dust settling?”

He sighed. “Some.”

“Your mom said my family is coming for tomorrow. Willel Patr?nallow us to have the ceremony?”

“No matter what happens, we’re married.”

“It seems silly to get a dress.”

“You deserve a real ceremony. Just don’t leave the house until Horace is with you.”

“Sí, jefe.”

Em lowered his voice. “You know what that does to me?”

Memories of last night flashed through my mind. “Now I do.”

“Stay safe.”

“You, too,” I said. “I love you.”

The call disconnected.

I experimented with different routes to and from the first level, trying to learn my way around this giant house. It wasn’t quite as huge as Aunt Arianna’s in the Ozarks, but it was close. Walking down the front staircase, I watched as a man opened the front door. Horace entered. “Horace,” I called.

He looked up. “Miss Izzy.” He bowed his head. “Mrs.Izzy.”

“That’s me.”

His smile widened. “It’s very good to see you today. You look…”

What is he going to say…fucked?

“You look happy.”

I made it to the bottom of the stairs and walked toward my bodyguard. “I am.”

He lifted a brow. “I hear we’re wedding dress shopping. I also heard there was already a wedding.”

“You seem to be in on all the gossip. There was a wedding, but tomorrow is the full ceremony.”

“Very well.”

The man who opened the door returned. “Señora Ruiz, I am Miguel.”

I nodded. “Miguel, I am Isabella or Izzy.”

He grinned. “Señora Valentina is ready to go.”

I looked at Horace. “Let’s go shopping.”

Chapter

---