Page 24 of Sanctuary

I shook my head. “I’d rather secure your safety now; we will get to know each other later. Besides,” I added, a wry smile tugging at my lips, “we’ve already survived a car chase together. If that’s not a solid foundation for marriage, I don’t know what is.”

She laughed again, but this time it was softer, more genuine. “You’re insane, you know that?”

“Probably,” I agreed. “But, I’m also right. What do you say, Mia? Will you marry me today?”

For a long moment, she just stared at me, her green eyes searching mine. “I will… but first I need to tell you something that likely will change your mind.”

“You can’t possibly tell me anything that would change my mind,” I chuckled.

She exhaled slowly. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

“Then before you tell me, I suggest we get hitched.”

She laughed. A little nervous twitter. “And where do you suggest we do that… today?”

“Niagara Falls.”

Chapter 12

Mia

I can’t believe we are heading there right now. When I agreed to marry him, I thought it would be months down the road. Giving me time to figure everything out and bail on him early. But no. We’ve been on the road for an hour with him at the steering wheel, focused on the road ahead. And I’m sitting in the passenger seat, gazing out the window at the blur of trees and fields under the fading light trying to not throw up from the feeling of impending doom when I tell him what’s really going on.

Before we left, he had been on the phone, confirming that all we needed was the two of us and a signed marriage certificate. The only hitch in our plans is that the marriage clerk’s office won’t open until 8:30 in the morning. So, after some discussion, we agreed that we’d drive and find a hotel to stay in overnight.

“Twenty-three more minutes until we get there. Are you getting excited?” Connor asked as he glanced at me.

I’m not sure what has me worked up so much, but if I had to take a guess, it would be everything. Forcing myself to relax, I nod and reply, “Sure am! Where do you want to stay?”

“Anywhere that has a bed,” he laughed.

I started to google hotels. “Do you want a room with a view of the falls?”

“Absolutely! Along with a restaurant and pool.” He looks at me and in a velvety voice says, “We will need to get you a swimsuit. And come to think of it, you don’t have many clothes with you, do you?”

I felt a flutter in my stomach at his words. The idea of shopping for a swimsuit with him, of lounging by a pool together, felt so... normal. So, unlike the chaos that had become my life.

“You’re right,” I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I didn’t exactly pack for everything when I fled my apartment. Just threw anything into my bag.” That was a lie, my bag was always packed and ready to roll the minute I smelled trouble.

Connor nodded, his eyes still on the road. “Well, we’ll have to fix that. Can’t have my wife living out of a suitcase, can we?”

My wife. The words sent a shiver down my spine. This was really happening. In less than 24 hours, I would be married to Connor O’Brien, soon to be clan captain and virtual stranger.

As we entered the outskirts of Niagara Falls, the neon lights of hotels and tourist attractions began as far as the eye could see. Connor pulled into the parking lot of a sleek, modern hotel with a view of the falls.

“This look okay?” he asked, cutting the engine.

I nodded, suddenly feeling nervous. “It’s perfect.”

As we walked into the lobby, his hand found the small of my back, guiding me gently. The gesture felt both foreign and comforting.

“Good evening,” the receptionist greeted us with a bright smile. “Do you have a reservation?”

“No, but we’d like your best suite with a view of the falls,” Connor said smoothly. “It’s a special occasion.”

The receptionist’s eyes lit up. “Oh, how wonderful! Are you celebrating something?”

Connor glanced at me, a mischievous glint in his eye. “We’re getting married tomorrow.”

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