Page 84 of To Have and To Hold

“I don’t want to wait another minute to marry you.”

“It’s after midnight.”

“I spoke with my mother and father when I went home to shower.” He grinned. “Yes, I still live with my parents. Once the dangers are calmed, we can get our own house. In the meantime, they’re happy to have you live with me in their home.”

My eyes blinked as I tried to comprehend. Thoughts of my conversation with my mother returned. “Your parents will accept me in their home?”

“Of course. What parent wouldn’t accept the person their child loves?” He squeezed my hands. “They have one condition. A condition that I’m sure the famiglia would also agree to.”

“What is that condition?”

“We must be married by a priest.”

Inhaling, I sighed. “I want that too.”

“Papá can have a priest to our house tonight. We will have a quick ceremony with his blessing. Then, Sunday, giving your family time to travel, we can have a real ceremony, a full mass. It won’t be as big as Jano and Mia’s, but it will satisfy the critics, and we’ll also have a license by then.”

I lifted my hands to his wide chest and peered up at him. “We could be married tonight?”

“With only my parents present. The cartel needs to lie low to see what tomorrow brings.”

What tomorrow brings.

My gaze met his. “I want to marry you tonight. If tomorrow brings a day like today, I want to know that we’ve spent as much time together as we could. I want you to know how much I love you. If carrying that love into battle keeps you safe, I want you to have it.”

Cupping my neck, he pulled my lips to his. Fireworks flashed and warmth flooded my circulation, yet the beating drum of my heart wasn’t rapid. I wasn’t frightened or unsure. In every fiber of my body, I knew this decision was the right decision.

He looked again at my attire and jutted his chin toward the bed. “You should probably change back into those clothes, unless you want to be married in a Laker’s t-shirt.”

“You’re right.” When he didn’t move, I shook my head. “We’re not married yet.” I shooed him with my hand. “Go. Keep guard at the door. I’ll be right out.”

Without turning, he opened the door, backed out, step by step while his devilish gaze stayed locked on mine. Without saying a word, I felt the heat of his laser stare. He didn’t break eye contact until the door was fully closed. My nipples were taut as if the temperature had dropped and there was a twisting between my legs.

I’m getting married.

I’m getting married tonight.

A wave of realization swept over me. My fingers trembled as I buttoned my blouse. However, by the time I slipped my feet into the ballet flats, my onset of the shakes was gone. My heart rate was normal. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. Em was right there. “Are you ready?”

“More than ready.”

I took the clothes I’d worn to bed to Liliana. “Thank you for these. They should stay here for the tenants.”

“You won’t be in tomorrow?” she asked.

I glanced at Em and back. “I think I’m taking the weekend off.”

Liliana grinned. “I hope one day I look as happy as you do right now.”

“Keep your calendar open for Sunday.” I stepped forward, wrapped her in a hug, and whispered, “One day, you will. I prayed for that too.”

As I backed away, I saw the glimmer of hope in Liliana’s eyes.

Em took my hand and led me from the apartment.

“Hey?” I asked as we stepped into the quiet hallway. “How did you get to this room?”

“I walked.”

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