He began to move with her, to thrust hard and deep and strong, reaching for the moment when the world stopped. His mouth kissed her mouth, her throat, the soft, warm skin of her breasts. Claire reached with him, her head tossed back, her body straining for the same magical madness. When it came, she cried out his name and Garrett stole the sound, covering her mouth.
* * * *
“We should put on our clothes and go upstairs,” Claire said lazily.
It was two in the morning by the soft chime of the foyer clock. Garrett moved beside her, pleasantly exhausted from their lovemaking. “Not yet,” he said, then kissed her again. The urgency he'd felt earlier had faded, but not the need—or the love. He pulled her head down and rested it on his chest. “You're a delight to love."
Claire blushed, although it shouldn't be possible after some of the things Garrett had taught her. She brushed her hair away from her face and placed a kiss against his bare chest, over his heart. “Do you think Grams heard us?"
“No,” Garrett lied. “You were as quiet as a church mouse."
Claire poked him in the ribs. “She'll think I'm a wanton hussy."
Garrett captured her hand and raised it to his lips. “She'll think you love me."
“I do."
Epilogue
Claire repeated the same words on the tenth day of August, 1887. Standing in the small garden at the back of the Nob Hill mansion, wearing a white satin gown and a smile, she gave herself legally to the man who already owned her heart.
Donald, Mae Ling, Dr. Baldwin, and a few close friends watched while the bride and groom stared at each other with love in their eyes. Grams was smiling right along with them. And crying tears of pure joy.
The reception was small and the guests mingled around the garden while a trio of musicians played stringed instruments under the shelter of the portico. Claire had decided against a large wedding and having the reception at the Hotel Landauer. The memories were still too new to ignore and she didn't want her wedding day spoiled by thoughts of the past.
“You did it,” Dr. Baldwin whispered, congratulating Grams as he handed her a glass of champagne punch.
“And you owe me one hundred dollars,” Grams replied smugly. “I told you. I've always been his weak spot."
Garrett came up behind them. “You shouldn't be drinking,” he said, reaching for the glass. He frowned at Dr. Baldwin. “I thought I could depend on you to take care of her while I'm gone. I can't have a good time on my honeymoon if I'm worried about Grams keeling over from too much alcohol."
“I don't need taking care of,” Grams scoffed, pretending to be offended. She smiled as Claire joined them. “I'm going to drink champagne and dance until dawn."
Claire laughed at the disgruntled expression on her husband's face. When Dr. Baldwin joined in his grandmother's laughter, his look went from mildly frustrated to confused.
“Go ahead, tell him,” Grams prompted, smiling all the while.
“There's nothing wrong with your grandmother's heart,” Dr. Baldwin said. “At least nothing that one or two doses of my tonic didn't cure the first time she complained about not feeling well."
“She isn't sick?” Garrett looked from the doctor to his grandmother and then back to the trusted physician. “But you said..."
“I lied,” Chester Baldwin admitted. “Actually, Grams dared me to lie. She bet me a hundred dollars that if you thought she was on her deathbed and getting married would save her, you'd have a wife before Christmas rolled around again. You know me, Garrett, I've always been a gambling man."
Claire laughed until tears streamed down her face and dripped on the white lace of her wedding dress. She slumped against Garrett's side, using him for support while she dabbed at the tears.
“You fraud,” Garrett charged his grandmother. “You mean I married this beautiful, irritating, worrisome woman because you tricked me?"
“No,” Claire answered for her. She faced him, draped her arms around his neck, and smiled her best smile. “You married me because you love me. Deny it, if you can."
“I can't,” Garrett said. Pulling her close, he kissed her, then whispered. “Grams always was one step ahead of me. Remind me never to play poker with her. I'll lose the bank and then we'll be out in the cold."
“I'll keep you warm,” Claire promised.
* * *
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A Gentleman's Bargain Page 31
