Page 55 of Forbidden Bastard
Good question. She blinked. “That somehow we were a huge mistake and if I let myself love you then I’d find out you still loved Sheena or only wanted to marry me for your title or to reconcile with your birth father.”
His feet snapped together like a soldier just caught slacking by the general. “I want to marry you to spend my life with you. I should tell you now that Sheena called while you were in the maze.”
“Why?”
He tucked one hand in his pocket. “She confirmed her attendance at our wedding. I didn’t tell her that the wedding was cancelled.”
Good. “I’ll marry you if we still can. I love you and want to be by your side, forever.”
He ran his hand through her hair and massaged the back of her skull. “You love me truly?”
This was too important. She placed her hand on his heart. “Yes, Charles. I love you.”
He traced her arms. “I’m not a replacement for anyone?”
His heart beat hard beneath her palm, but she didn’t pull away. “Charles, you are way too unique and wonderful to ever replace anyone. I’ve never met a man half as interesting you. You’re going to have to trust my judgment because I make great choices now.”
Her lips tingled as he studied her face until finally he nodded and said, “I do. I believe you. Sandi Smith, let’s get you showered so we can go to bed.”
She glanced up at him and closed her eyes as her lips parted. He reached down and claimed her kiss as his own. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight.
The rest of the world dissipated as his hands found their way under her t-shirt.
The shower could wait.
Now she needed only him, forever.
Chapter 18
Charles hummed through his morning.
Sandi was still sleeping and he didn't want to wake her. He hadn’t helped her rest last night as he hadn’t been able to get enough of her.
He called the caterers, and ensured the staff prepared the outside area for their ceremony later as the weather was warm and dry, but he wanted it clear of any leftover storm puddles or mud.
Everything was on track and the kitchen was in full preparation mode.
Bernard said the guest count was now at 150 though he expected it to rise to over 300 before the afternoon ended. They were prepared for 500 if needed--but they hadn’t sent out that many invitations.
Soon this house would be permanently his.
The thought struck him with joy as he returned to the bedroom to get Sandi.
Hair and makeup had arrived. Her parents were both ready to help, especially her mother, who had tried to come with him upstairs.
But he wanted to be very sure that she was still ready to marry him.
Part of him might always hold a little doubt.
Now though, all that was needed was her.
He headed into the bedroom and moved the shades so the room had some sun.
She let out a soft moan and her eyelashes batted open. He sat on the bed and handed her the white t-shirt she’d tossed on the floor last night. “Good afternoon.”
Sandi quickly looked at the window and then back at him as she stretched. “It’s that late?”
He gave her the sleep pants he picked up next and tugged on the sheet. “It’s time to leave your bed.”
