Page 36 of Married to Murder
“You go on up with your guests, and I’ll join you in five minutes. Just a few things I need to tie up first.” She patted a pile of papers.
“Okay,” Tanner said agreeably.
“Just take the stairs to the fifth floor. There’s also an elevator if you need that.”
“I think we’re all okay walking.” I glanced back, and Gordon nodded.
Martha looked down at her heels. “I’ve danced in these, I suppose I can do stairs.”
We made our way to the stairs, and I could feel my nerves building. This was it. This was actually happening. There was no backing out now. My legs felt a little shaky as we climbed the stairs. I heard Gordon and Martha chatting a little at first, but then talking became more difficult as we continued on up the stairs. When we came to the third-floor stairwell, there was a gallery behind a glass wall where we could see the clock mechanisms.
“So cool,” I said softly, meeting Tanner’s gaze.
His smile was gentle. “Right? I haven’t been up here since I was a kid.”
We continued up the steps, and I glanced back a few times, noticing Douglas looked glum and made no attempt to help his wife up the stairs. Martha was holding on to Gordon’s arm for stability. I had to smile at what a natural caretaker Gordon was.
When we reached the top, the view made me catch my breath. The sky was mostly clear with a few fluffy white clouds off in the distance. The tower provided a gorgeous, unfettered view of the sprawling city, mountains, and Channel Islands.
“Oh, Lordy, this is gorgeous,” Martha cooed, holding her hair out of her eyes. “Magnificent.”
Douglas nodded distractedly. “Yeah, it’s nice.”
“Oh, wow.” Gordon met my eyes. “This is the perfect spot. Good choice, guys.”
I smiled at Tanner. “Wish I could take credit. This was Tanner’s pick. I had no idea how awesome it was up here.”
“It seemed so much bigger when I was a kid.” Tanner laughed and glanced out at the view. “But I remember this part. It was beautiful then, and it’s beautiful now.”
“Tanner, stand with Seth over there. I want to get a picture of you two with the ocean behind you.” Martha waved her hand, holding her cell in the other. “You wouldn’t let me hire a photographer, so I guess it’s up to me to record the moment.”
I moved over to the elaborate wrought iron railing, and Tanner joined me. He put his arm around my waist, and my heart sped up. I leaned into him, loving the feel of his hard body against mine.
“Sorry about this,” he muttered under his breath.
“It’s fine. I’m not opposed to photos.”
“Smile!” Martha called out in a perky voice.
I did my best to smile naturally, although I did feel self-conscious with everyone staring at us. There were even some strangers hovering on the outskirts of our little group. The clerk had warned us that we couldn’t reserve the clock tower and that people might wander in and out. But Tanner had been insistent that this was the best spot for our ceremony, and I had to agree.
Martha took a bunch of photos, and as she finished, the clerk from downstairs appeared. The elderly woman now wore a black robe over her street clothes, and she carried a little purple notebook. “I’m here. Sorry, I got caught talking to someone.” She sounded breathless.
“No problem,” Tanner said.
She smiled. “I’m Judy by the way.” She held out her hand, and we shook. “Don’t want a complete stranger marrying you.”
Me and Tanner exchanged wry glances.
“Let’s go over here between these columns,” she suggested. “There’s a beautiful view of the northern mountains, and the arches make wonderful photos.”
We moved to a spot between two of the giant pillars, facing each other. I sucked in a nervous breath. Tanner did the same, and I could hear his breathing was faster than earlier. I knew he had to be as nervous as me. This was something he’d needed to do, but it was still terrifying to get married, especially when we hardly knew each other.
Gordon and Tanner’s parents stood to the left side of us. Gordon’s face was tense, and when I looked at him, he gave me a reassuring nod. I smiled weakly, feeling relieved to have him here with me. I knew he’d had to move a bunch of stuff around to make it to the wedding, and I was so grateful. I couldn’t imagine this moment without being able to look out and see my friend.
Judy cleared her throat. “Today we’re here to celebrate Tanner Douglas Trenton and Seth Liam Wilson’s choice to wed.”
I laughed nervously, and Tanner grinned. “Too late to back out now.”
