Page 28 of Sanctuary

As we got ready for bed, moving around each other in the bathroom like we’d been doing it for years, I couldn’t help but marvel at how natural it all felt. When we finally slid under the covers, I was intensely aware of Mia’s presence beside me, the sound of her breathing, the faint scent of her shampoo.

“Connor?” her voice was soft in the darkness.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything.”

I rolled onto my side, facing her. In the dim light from the windows, I could just make out the outline of her face. “You don’t have to thank me, Mia. I meant what I said before. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

She was quiet for a long moment, and I thought she might have fallen asleep. Then, so quietly I almost missed it, she whispered, “I don’t deserve you.”

Before I could respond, she had rolled over, her back to me and I lay there for a long time, staring at the ceiling.

Chapter 14

Mia

I woke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the curtains, the distant roar of the falls, a soothing white noise. For a moment, I forgot where I was, startled by the unfamiliar surroundings. I found myself entangled in a powerful embrace, my cheek pressed against his solid chest. At some point in the night, I had draped my leg over his, my body sprawled across him, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. As much as I wanted to stay there, I knew I couldn’t.

Today was the day. In just a few hours, I would be his wife. Granted, fake wife, but I still wanted to look presentable for the event.

Slowly, I slipped out of his embrace, not wanting to wake him. He looked so peaceful in sleep, the usual lines of worry on his face smoothed away. I allowed myself a moment to study him - the strong line of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the way his dark lashes fanned against his cheeks. A surge of affection welled up in me, followed quickly by a pang of guilt. He deserved better than me.

Shaking off those thoughts, I grabbed my phone and tiptoed to the bathroom. I had a mission to accomplish before our appointment at the marriage office.

“Wren?” I whispered when she picked up. “I need your help.”

Twenty minutes later, I was dressed and ready to go. I scribbled a quick note for Connor, explaining that I’d gone to find a dress and that I’d meet him at the marriage office at 10 AM sharp. It was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, after all.

The streets of Niagara Falls were just coming to life as I made my way to the address Wren had given me. A quaint little boutique nestled between a cafe and a souvenir shop, its windows filled with an array of wedding gowns.

A bell tinkled as I pushed open the door, and I was immediately enveloped in a cloud of tulle and lace. An older woman with silver hair and kind eyes emerged from the back, a tape measure draped around her neck.

“You must be Mia,” she said warmly. “Wren called ahead. We don’t have much time, but I’m sure we can find you something perfect.”

The next hour was a whirlwind of silk and satin, zippers and buttons. I tried on what felt like dozens of dresses, each beautiful in its own way, but none quite right. I was beginning to lose hope when the shopkeeper disappeared into the back room and returned with a garment bag.

“I’ve been saving this one,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “It just arrived yesterday, and I have a feeling it’s meant for you.”

As she unzipped the bag, I gasped. The dress was simple yet elegant - a sleek sheath of ivory silk that fell to the floor in a graceful sweep. Delicate lace cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline added a touch of romance, while a row of tiny pearl buttons down the back gave it a vintage feel.

“It’s perfect,” I whispered, running my hand over the smooth silk.

The shopkeeper smiled knowingly. “Let’s get you into it, dear. We don’t have much time.”

As she helped me into the dress, I couldn’t help but marvel at how perfectly it fit, as if it had been made for me. When I turned to look in the full-length mirror, my breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. She looked... radiant. Happy. Like a real bride.

A lump formed in my throat as reality came crashing back. This wasn’t a real wedding. Connor and I weren’t in love. This was all for show, for protection. And yet...

“You look beautiful, dear,” the shopkeeper said softly, adjusting the lace at my shoulder. “Your young man is a very lucky fellow.”

I forced a smile, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. “Thank you. For everything.”

After settling the bill (thankfully, Wren had arranged for it to be charged to the clan’s account), I stepped out onto the street, my dress carefully hidden under a long coat, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was it. In less than an hour, we would be married.

The marriage office was a nondescript building, its bland exterior belying the life-changing events that took place inside. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and pushed open the door.

Connor was already in the small waiting room, pacing back and forth with an anxious energy. Upon spotting me, he lifted the marriage certificate, his face breaking into a smile so radiant that it made my heart flutter as I shrugged off my coat.

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