Page 41 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

She nodded. Then smiled. “It’s okay to get a little exuberant. I liked it.” She raised her hand, placing her palm against his cheek. “How soon will it take for us to get married?”

“How about next week?”

“We can do it at the courthouse.”

He shook his head. “No. This isn’t a shotgun wedding. I’m honored you’re willing to marry me, so let me plan something special. Let it be my gift to you.”

Her smile was genuine. “I like the sound of that.” She stifled a yawn. “I have an early morning. I should head to bed.”

He drew her hands to his lips, grazing her knuckles with a gentle kiss. “Thank you for doing this.”

“You’re welcome.” She raised on her tiptoes and placed her lips against his.

And with that, she fled

He stood stock still for almost ten minutes.

He wasn’t sure what shocked him more—he was now divorced, was getting married again, or that kissing her had left him so shaken. Unexpected. The passion. The desire. He’d planned to do exactly what he had promised her—a kiss to seal the deal.

Now he had a whole new problem to deal with.

He was attracted to his future bride.

And that only meant a whole world of hurt.

Chapter sixteen

TheweekafterRemyaccepted Rusty’s proposal passed in a blur. They’d talked to the girls, trying to get them to understand about the marriage.

Since they already lived together, the girls were more confused than upset. The idea of being real sisters appealed, though.

He was busy with wedding plans, so there’d been no repeat of the kiss. No late-night tête-à-têtes, no confessing deep and dark secrets. In some ways, she barely knew her fiancé. Probably a good thing she only had to wait eight days for the wedding to take place. Otherwise, she might’ve lost her nerve. And nerves were all that held her together.

Zach’d been wary when she’d told him about the wedding, but he agreed to come and be a witness. Olivia and Marnie were also going to be in attendance. That was all she knew. Rusty was better at keeping secrets than she would’ve credited him.

The morning of her wedding dawned gray and threatening rain. Since she’d never contemplated marriage, the weather had little impact on her. The ceremony was set for four o’clock, and against her fervent protests, Zach had given her the entire day off. She was at loose ends when she stepped into the kitchen, watching as Mira and Calleigh talked circles around Rusty about their fancy dresses. The girls wanted to put them on right away, and he was trying to explain they’d have to wait.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

The girls fist pumped while he leapt to his feet, spun her around, and shoved her toward her bedroom. “Bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the wedding. Go get dressed. Your surprise’ll be here shortly.”

She wanted to argue superstitions were silly, but he was half-teasing, half-serious. Who was she to argue? She showered and dressed.

And what am I supposed to do next?

The doorbell pealed. Poking her head out of the bedroom, she didn’t see anyone. When the bell rang again, she opened the front door.

“Surprise!”

She gasped as Marnie and Olivia held up various bags. “We’re here to pamper you.” Olivia quipped, pushing past her without waiting for an invitation.

“Where’s Bianca?” Had she ever seen Olivia without her loyal companion?

Marnie grinned. “We’re planning cucumber facials, and Bianca would’ve indulged.”

“Bianca likes cucumbers?”

“Bianca likes all kinds of vegetables.” Olivia held up the bags. “We left her at home with Marnie’s husband Jake, as well as Rusty and the girls.”

---