Page 30 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
His phone rang as he turned onto the main road. It was the office. He answered through the truck’s hands-free system.
“Mr. Alexander?”
“Hi, Elle. I’m with Kimberly and a midwife in the car.”
Elle had worked for Hastings long enough she knew not to disclose any sensitive information. “I checked with the insurance company. The answer is immediately, but you must file a copy of the marriage license in thirty days. Is there anything else, sir?”
“Not at the moment. I hear you will be on my team.”
“Yes, unless someone convinces—”
“He won’t. I requested you. I think you are ready.”
“Thank you, Mr. Alexander.”
“No, thankyou, Elle. And please keep the insurance matter between us.”
“Goodbye. You will fill me in, right?”
“As soon as I can. You’re on my team, and you’ll know everything you need to. Thanks, Elle.” The call ended.
“Is she always so formal?” asked Kimberly.
“When she is on the phones at the front desk, she is. We’ve told her to drop thesir, but the more nervous she gets, the more she uses it.” Elle would be a perfect addition to the family if Alan would ever do something about it.
“And she will be part of my team?” A hint of nervousness tinged Kimberly’s voice.
“Once I have her away from Alan, she’ll be fine. He is overprotective, and she tries her best not to have a crush on him. I wager he was near her desk during the call.”
“I think I like her already. She sounds nice.”
Alex pulled up in front of the 1880s limestone courthouse. As he got out of the truck, he took a quick photo. He helped Mrs. Capps out before opening Kimberly’s door.
“I can hop down myself.” She scooted to the edge of the seat.
Alex blocked her way. “No hopping until after the ultrasound.” He lifted her out of the truck and set her on the sidewalk, then shut the doors and locked the vehicle.
He offered one arm to Kimberly and the other to Mrs. Capps. “Ladies?”
A twinge of guilt followed him into the courthouse. He hadn’t even told Abbie that in a half hour, he would be a married man.
* * *
The justice of the peace looked bored as she read her lines and waited for the couple ahead of them to respond. This wasn’t fair to Alex. Her first wedding had been picture perfect. He deserved the same. Alex rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. She looked up at his smiling face.
He leaned down and whispered. “Don’t you dare say no.”
Alex led her to the spot in front of the judge. Mrs. Capps stood to the side with a court employee.
Alex turned to face her and took both of her hands in his. The judge repeated the same words she had before. As Kimberly said the appropriate words at the right moment, she worried there might be a special place for women who lied during their wedding wearing the traditional dress of another
religious group.
“You may kiss,” announced the judge.
“On the cheek.” All heads turned toward Mrs. Capp’s voice.
Alex bent down and placed a kiss on Kimberly’s cheek. “Thank you, Mrs. Hastings.” She wasn’t sure if the tingle in her spine was from his kiss or her new name.
