by Day Leclaire
“We’re not married, Dad,” Grace informed him quietly, though Luc’s use of the word “yet” had thrown her. He couldn’t possibly mean what she thought, could he?
Her father glanced at her, a concerned frown lining his brow. “Considering what was going on here a few minutes ago, I’m not sure whether to be relieved or dismayed. What about the baby? Whose is it?”
“Toni is my niece,” Luc said. “Grace is staying with me to help with babysitting duties. And for the record, our relationship has been regrettably innocent until today.”
“Thank heavens,” Reverend Barnes murmured, his relief palpable.
Before Grace could manage to insert a single word, Luc added, “You should also know that we applied for a marriage license last week.”
Grace closed her eyes and groaned.
Reverend Barnes glanced from one to the other. “You’re engaged?”
Grace glared at Luc, who merely smiled. Oh, he was clever, all right. He’d phrased his announcement very carefully and in such a way that she couldn’t very well deny an engagement, much as she’d like to. What did she say now? That he hadn’t actually proposed? That to the best of her recollection their engagement had come about through barked orders, demands, and a certain amount of coercion? That she’d only agreed to marry Luc if push came to shove?
If push came to shove? This wasn’t a shove. It ranked more like a bulldozing.
“Yes,” she muttered with ill-concealed resentment, “I agreed to marry him.”
Her father’s eyes narrowed. She knew that look. Many a wayward parishioner had seen it right before they’d broken down and confessed all their sins. “I’m beginning to realize there’s a lot about this situation I don’t know,” he said. “Nor am I sure I want to know. In fact, I’m positive I don’t.”
He studied the two of them for a brief instant, and Grace didn’t doubt he could read guilt in both their faces. At least, he’d be able to read her guilt. Luc managed to look slightly more enigmatic. “I’d like to make a suggestion if I may,” Reverend Barnes announced in a determined voice.
“You want me to make an honest women out of her, is that it?” Luc guessed.
“Yes, I do. Assuming you love my daughter.” He clasped his hands together, the gesture betraying a certain level of nervousness. “Well, do you?”
After a brief hesitation, Luc nodded. “Yes, I love her.”
Satisfied, Reverend Barnes relaxed and turned to Grace, his gaze less severe. “I know you’re ready, willing, and able to marry this man. You wouldn’t have allowed matters to progress so far, if you weren’t in love with him. Am I right?”
What could she say to that? “Yes, Dad,” she whispered.
“Then, it’s settled. I suggest you two marry, and marry now. After what I just witnessed, I don’t think that will be any too soon. I suspect it may actually be somewhat too late.”
Luc didn’t even try to hide his satisfaction. And Grace knew why he looked so pleased. By marrying quickly, they had a chance of keeping Toni. “You’ll marry us right away?” he asked.
“If you have the license, I have the authority. All you need is a witness.” He looked at Grace. “A dress wouldn’t go amiss, either.”
“A white dress,” Luc stated. “The one you have hanging in the back of the closet should do.”
“Luc, may I speak with you in the bedroom, please?” she requested through gritted teeth. “Dad, if you’ll excuse us? I think we need to talk this over before leaping to any hasty decisions.”
Her father nodded and Grace caught hold of Luc’s hand, tugging him toward his bedroom. The door had barely closed behind them before her hurt and anger spilled out. “How dare you lie to my father! And how dare you agree to marry me?”
“What the hell was I supposed to say? Tell him no, I don’t want to marry his innocent, little girl, I just want to make mad, passionate love to her?”
“At least that would have been honest!”
“No, it wouldn’t have been. I’ve changed my mind about an affair, Grace. I want to marry you.”
She stared at him in disbelief. “You really will do anything to keep that baby.”
He didn’t deny it, not that she would have listened if he had. She turned her back on him and wrapped her arms around her waist.
“Cara,” He came up behind, his hands dropping to her shoulders. “I know what I’m asking is unfair.”
“Not to mention unreasonable, untenable, and unethical.”
“That, too. But would it be so bad?”
Jerking free of his grasp, she whirled around. “Be honest for once, Luc. Why are you doing this? Do you really want to marry me, or is this whole charade just to protect Toni?”
“Would you believe me if I said it was for you?”
She shook her head, tears filling her eyes. “No,” she whispered. “How could I, after the extremes you’ve gone to, to keep Toni out of the hands of the authorities. You’ve told so many different stories, tried to con so many people, how do I know this isn’t just one more lie to get what you want?”
A muscle leaped in his jaw, and his hands clenched at his sides. “You could try trusting me.”
The words hung between them and Grace shut her eyes, wanting with all her heart to trust him, to believe he loved her, to allow herself to grasp with both hands the joyous possibility they had a future together. But she’d just spent the past year clinging to a dream which would never materialize. She couldn’t do that again. Because this time it wouldn’t just be her hopes crushed, it would be her heart, as well. A tear escaped from the corner of her eye.
“Grace, please. Don’t cry.” He reached out to brush away her tear, but she evaded his touch. “Trust me. It’ll all work out, I promise.”
“You told me that once before and look where it got us.” She searched his face with tear-washed eyes. “I told you I’d have an affair with you. We don’t have to go to such extremes. You don’t have to marry me.” It was almost a plea.
“Yes,” he contradicted, savagely. “I do. We will marry, Grace, even if I have to drag you to the altar.”
“Because of Toni.” It wasn’t a question.
“If that’s the only way to convince you to marry me, then, yes. Because of Toni.”
So, now she had a choice. She could go through with the marriage or she could say no, and it would all be over. She could walk out the door, tell her father the truth and end her involvement with Luc. She’d never have to see him again if she didn’t want to.
Never see him again. Never be touched by him again. Never share another kiss, another laugh. Never be held in his arms or know true love again.
And Toni would be turned over to the authorities.
“Marry me, Grace,” he urged. “I swear you won’t regret it.”
“I already regret it.” She bowed her head, knowing she couldn’t desert Toni, any more than she could explain the true situation to her father. Not when a single yes promised to give her what she wanted most in the world. Luc. “Okay, I’ll marry you,” she said, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. “But it’s going to be a marriage of convenience. I won’t be your wife in anything but name. I won’t live with you. I won’t work for you. And I won’t share your bed. After a few months we’ll have the marriage annulled.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m very serious,” she flashed back. “I was wrong to agree to Dom’s plan. I admit it. I swear, no one was supposed to get hurt. Well, people did get hurt, and I won’t make that mistake again. I’ll do this one last thing for Toni’s sake.” Honesty compelled her to admit, “And because I’m too much of a coward to tell my father the truth. But once Carina and Brand return, it ends.”
“I’m not going to argue with you. But understand this.” He caught her by the shoulders, refusing to let go. “Today your father will marry us. And there won’t be an annulment. After a few weeks or a month, once you’ve realized that an annulment is out of the question, we’ll marry
again in my church.”
She shook her head. “No.”
He ignored her. “I have a couple of errands to run. It won’t take more than an hour. I’ll call Matteo and ask him to be our witness.”
“You’re going to invite your family?”
“Just my brother. Papà already believes we’re married, and I don’t think you want the rest of the rabble here.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Do you?”
“I guess not.”
“Get dressed, Grace. I won’t be long.” Then he swept her into his arms and kissed her, a gentle, lingering kiss that promised to make everything right again.
A kiss she didn’t dare trust.
The hour leading up to her wedding passed with frightening speed. After checking to be sure her father didn’t mind watching Toni, she prepared for the ceremony. Pinning her hair in a sophisticated plait, she applied cosmetics and perfume with a light hand. Finally, she pulled the dress Luc had requested she wear from the closet.
It was a deceptively simple design, a mere slip of a dress, short-sleeved with a scooped neckline, made special by a matching pearl-encrusted bolero jacket. She lingered in front of the mirror, undecided whether or not to wear her pearl necklace and earrings with it.
A light knock sounded on the door. “Grace?” Luc called, stepping into the room. He stopped short at the sight of her. “Grace.” He whispered her name in a rough, deep voice. “You’re beautiful, amorata mia.”
She slowly turned from the mirror and faced him, struggling to hide her nervousness. He looked rather fine, himself, she conceded. He’d dressed in a black suit and snow-white dress shirt. Gold cuff links glittered at his wrists and a gold tie tack anchored his red silk tie in place.
“Is Matteo here?” she asked.
“Yes. It’s almost time to start the ceremony.” He approached, a jeweler’s box in hand. “But first I have something I’d like you to wear. It belonged to my mother, a gift to her from my father, also on their wedding day.”
“Luc—”
He shook his head, holding out the long, narrow box. “You can’t refuse. I won’t allow it.”
Reluctantly, she took the gift and opened it. She gasped. A dainty opal choker lay on a bed of black velvet. Vivid green and blue sparks mingled with almost every color in the rainbow and blazed outward from the center of each gem. “Fire opals?” she whispered.
“Yes. They were my mother’s birthstone. Let me help you put it on.” He lifted the choker from the box and slipped it around her neck. Then he bent down and pressed his lips to the sloping curve of her shoulder.
“Thank you,” she said in a muffled voice. “You shouldn’t have.”
“I have something else.” With a wicked grin, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a ruffled blue garter, dangling the scrap of silk and lace from his finger. “The opals are something old. This is both new and blue. Would you like me to put this on, as well?”
She couldn’t help smiling. “I can manage, thanks.”
“Which just leaves something borrowed.” His hand dipped into his pocket once again. “I didn’t know if these would suit your taste, so they’re on loan until you decide whether or not you want them.” In his palm nestled a pair of opal earrings, fire opals that perfectly matched the choker.
She shook her head, taking an unthinking step backward. “Oh, Luc. It’s too much.”
He shrugged. “Then, we can return them after the ceremony.”
“Why are you doing this?” she asked anxiously, clasping her hands in front of her. “It isn’t like this will be a real marriage.”
She instantly realized she’d said the wrong thing. His expression closed over, growing cool and remote. “Put the earrings on,” he requested in a clipped voice. “And the garter, too.”
Not wanting to argue with him after all the trouble he’d gone to, she accepted his gifts. The earrings took only a moment to put on. But when it came time for the garter, Luc approached and took it from her hands. She sat on the edge of the bed and he went down on one knee in front of her and removed her shoe. Next, he slipped the garter over her foot and eased it, inch by torturous inch, from ankle to calf to knee. There he paused and looked directly at her. Without a word, he slid it ever higher, caressing her thigh the entire way. He paused, his fingers skating along the edge of her panties, driving her insane with want. She trembled, unable to conceal her desire.
“That’s how I feel, too,” he told her quietly. “Remember that when we take our vows.”
“But will it last?”
He drew back and stood. “Salvatore marriages are forever, Grace.” He took her hand in his and helped her to her feet, supporting her while she slipped her shoe back on. “Trust me, our marriage will last.”
She stared at their joined fingers. Was he afraid she’d cut and run if he didn’t hang on to her? Given half the chance, she just might. She looked up at him, searching his face for a hint of his innermost thoughts. He returned her look, his golden eyes glittering with determination. But love? If he felt it, it wasn’t apparent. Defeated, she dropped her gaze and walked with him into the living room.
Chapter 11
The Great Lie
Day 346 and it’s time for the happily-ever-after . . . Right?
Grace’s father waited in front of the picture windows. When he saw her, pride and tenderness filled his expression. He crossed to her side and Luc released her arm, stepping back.
“You look beautiful,” Reverend Barnes murmured. Gathering her close, he whispered, “Are you absolutely sure, my dear? This is what you truly want?”
Was it? She searched her heart, aware that only a single doubt troubled her—whether or not Luc loved her as much as she loved him. Because she did love him, with every fiber of her being. Would it be enough? Would his desire blossom into something more? Something permanent and lasting and solid? He’d told her their marriage would last a lifetime. She could either believe and trust in him, as well as believe and trust in their future together. Or she could walk away. She closed her eyes, a peaceful certainty settling over her.
“Yes, Dad, I’m absolutely sure this is what I want,” she responded quietly. “I want it with all my heart.”
“Then I’m happy for you.” He held her tight for an extra moment before setting her free.
Matteo stood close by, Toni in his arms. As soon as Reverend Barnes returned to his stance by the windows, Matteo stepped forward and dropped a kiss on Grace’s cheek. “Welcome to the family,” he said with a warm smile.
“Thank you.”
Luc picked up a huge bouquet of pure white tea roses and handed them to her without a word. More moved than she could possibly express, she didn’t resist when he cupped her elbow and drew her to stand in front of her father.
“Shall we begin?” Reverend Barnes asked, giving Grace a final, searching look.
She nodded, careful not to allow her doubts to show. “I’m ready,” she said.
“Very well, we’ll begin.” He settled his bifocals on the end of his nose. “Dearly beloved—”
The banging at the door drowned out his words. Matteo cradled Toni close and practically ran to throw open the door. “What are you guys doing here?” he demanded in exaggerated surprise.
Dante shoved past his brother, followed close behind by Angel. “You told us to haul tail over here or we’d live to regret it. What’s going on?” Soren entered immediately after the twins.
“What’s going on?” they chorused.
The three stopped dead in the entrance to the living room, their mouths dropping open. Dante recovered first. “You’re getting married?”
“Without inviting us?” D’Angelo followed up.
Luc glared at Matteo, his look promising retribution. “Yes, I’m getting married. If you want to witness it, stand next to Matteo and be quiet.”
“Give me Toni,” Dante told Matteo.
“No, I want to hold her,” Soren said.
“I’m holding her.”
Lu
c thrust a hand through his hair. “I want you four to shut up or you’re out of here!” He took a deep breath, then said, “Please continue, Reverend Barnes. I’m sorry for the interruption.”
“Go ahead, Dad,” Grace urged.
The minister glanced uncertainly at the four Salvatore brothers. “All right. Now, where was I? Oh, yes. Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today to join this man and woman in the state of holy matrimony, a state not to be entered into lightly.” He focused a stern gaze on Luc and Grace, then his brow wrinkled in concern. “I’m sorry, but . . . Why didn’t you invite your brothers?”
Luc gritted his teeth. “Because they don’t know how to behave in public. Proceed. Please.”
Toni let out a loud wail. “Uh-oh,” Matteo interrupted. “Can we take five for a diaper change?”
“No!”
“Luc, be reasonable,” Grace murmured. “Go ahead, Matteo. Dante, mix up a bottle, just in case.”
Luc turned on her. “You know full well that if you fill up the one end it comes out the other. Dante, no bottle.”
“Never mind, Dante,” Grace said, exasperated. “I’ll get the bottle.”
Five minutes later, they gathered once again in the living room. Soren now cradled Toni in his arms, cooing happily. Dante held the bottle, ready to insert it at the first squawk. Luc’s face had settled into grim lines.
“Are we set?” he asked the room at large. “Any other comments, criticisms, or concerns?” No one said a word. He nodded in satisfaction. “Then, we can begin.”
Reverend Barnes cleared his throat. “Let’s see . . . Dearly beloved—”
“We did that part already,” Luc bit out. “We’re currently in a state we shouldn’t enter into lightly.”
“Amen to that,” Reverend Barnes muttered.
Grace tightened her hold on Luc’s arms. “Dad. Please!”
“Perhaps if we skipped to the crucial bits?” Luc suggested.
Reverend Barnes glanced uncertainly at Grace. “You don’t object?”
“No, Dad. I don’t.”
“Very well. I must say, this is highly unusual, but if you both agree, I guess it’s all right. Let me think . . . Oh, right. Do you, Luciano Salvatore, promise to love, honor, and cherish this woman?”
