"Doesn’t matter, though, Mitch. She can't sell it back to you without violating SEC rules."
Mitch’s spine tingled with the possible dire consequences Tess faced. Tess was stiff, so he placed his hand over hers. "She is an employee of Morgan Enterprises, so we're talking corporate theft."
“Only if she intends to keep it for profit or intends to negotiate for something.” More typing could be heard in the background. "She hasn’t moved it to a personal account, right? Or has she?”
Mitch looked at her, motioning to the phone. “No,” she said. She took a deep breath. “I put everything in an electronic vault online, but I’ve not put any deposits in anything I can steal from. Right now, I’d say it’s frozen.”
Tess wasn’t going to get in trouble for him. He pressed against her thigh while they hunched over the table. He asked, "What do you suggest we do, Stanley?"
"My honest opinion? I’ll issue more stocks so we water those down. But while I work out the paperwork, if anything of yours is in Tess’s name, for example, if she’s your wife, you can try to claim anything done was marital property and retain control of your company.”
Tess never blinked.
Mitch held still. If he married Tess for business reasons, he was no better than his father for marrying Isabelle. "Marital property? We aren’t married. Even If we got married right, we wouldn’t have been when she interrupted the transfer."
Stanley stopped typing. "Courts don’t look at the time stamp. They look at the date."
His mother suffered all her life because his father was married to another for money. His shirt felt tight. "Today?"
"Impossible." Tess opened a browser on the computer and went to the courthouse webpage. A moment later, she swiveled the screen and showed him. "Florida has a forty-eight-hour rule."
“Wait,” Stanley answered. "Searching now, too. There is an exception to the rule."
Mitch’s gaze met hers. She deserved better than this. Tess deserved his loyalty. He held her closer.
She asked, "What exception?"
"One second. I'm going to send Mitch the link."
“Does this save her from possible prosecution?” Mitch asked. What mattered was Tess. He’d spent the past hour thinking he’d lost his bank. He’d survive, but now he needed to protect her. With his last name, there was less of a chance Peter would turn her in. They'd have to talk to him today. If she could risk everything to help him, he'd do the same.
She seemed jittery as she pointed toward his email icon.
He pressed it, then put the phone on mute. "Tess?"
She looked up at him and placed her hand on his cheek. "Let's hear the options. I would rather not go to jail."
He unmuted the phone. Stanley said, "If you take this online course and print out the completion certificate, they will issue you a marriage license at the courthouse. I'm booking your appointment now. Do the class and go."
“Okay. Please send everything to me.”
The sooner they did this online course, the sooner he could negotiate for her as a Morgan. His heartbeat pounded as he tried to understand how Tess felt about this plan.
"Talk to you later, Stanley. Thanks." Mitch hung up.
Tess’s eyes were so big behind those glasses of hers. He hoped the right words came out of his mouth. "Tess, my brother is unlikely to prosecute anyone with the last name of Morgan. I’d like to marry you."
She averted her gaze again, but she stayed close. He brushed against her thigh. She placed her hand over his heart. "I don’t know, Mitch. I need to think."
"Why?"
This was the only way he could protect her. No harm would come to her if she took his name. And unlike his father, he'd never set out to use any woman and he wouldn’t start now. Tess had to be his wife. She was his, and he’d tell the world.
18
Tess’s heart beat so fast, she could hardly breathe. Marry Mitch? Because of business? He wanted to because he wanted to protect her, not because he loved her. Her hands trembled, and she held onto the edge of the dinette table in Mitch’s suite.
"There are other possibilities. I speak decent Spanish. I can go to South America somewhere where there is no treaty to send me back home."
He massaged her arms and she stopped shivering. This wasn't good. Depending on Mitch might mean she’d ruin her own life, but if she hadn’t helped him, she'd hate herself.
"Does running away from your family and me make you happy?"
Reasoning wouldn't help her. It made everything worse. Tears threatened again. There was no way she should marry Mitch. "No, but I won't marry anyone I don't love."
“Wait.” He kissed her forehead. "You just said you loved me."
The tears refused to stop. "Don't use my words against me."
His arms around her created a bubble in which she lost her senses. If he told her he loved her, she'd marry him and follow him anywhere.
"Tess, it's for the best. That way, I can ensure nothing happens to you and we can protect each other."
She let out a small sigh. This was too soon and too fast for both of them. She stepped out of his arms. "I don't need protection. I can take care of myself. I’m not weak."
"Then don’t run away. I want you to be my wife.”
Really? Did he mean that? "Mitch, don’t lie, not now. You don't want to marry me."
He traced her skin. Every place he touched felt alive. "Actually, I do. We need to get started on this online class. Please, sit."
Doing the class didn’t mean she agreed to the insane plan. It just sped everything up, in case nothing else could save her. He took his laptop and guided her toward the couch. Within seconds a video appeared. The narrator said, “Communication is the key to a successful marriage.”
The words reverberated in her mind. If she married Mitch, she'd be able to give him his company back. She had never wanted to marry for money, but she’d not hurt him. It was a way to help. She felt a lightness in her chest, which spread throughout her body. Maybe he'd eventually fall in love with her and they would then have it all.
She held his hand and whispered, "Do we even have a relationship? We hardly know each other. What if marrying me is the biggest mistake of your life?"
His warm breath tickled her skin. He took her glasses off in a slow, sensual manner. She blinked as he wiped the lenses on the sleeve of his crisp, white shirt. He slipped them back on her face with gentle care. "I will never treat any woman like my father treated the women who loved him."
"That's not what I asked.” A sigh escaped. The air around her smelled of cedar, smelled of him. If they married, this sense of belonging might stay, too. “I don’t want to be a mistake.”
“Not marrying you would be a mistake.” His finger massaged her jawline, and her body heated. "What did you ask a minute ago?”
Part of her heart whispered, In time, he might love me. She refused to voice such a thing out loud. Instead, she said, "Do we have a relationship?"
“You had agreed to be my girlfriend.” His blue eyes were warm and inviting. "Now it’s about becoming my wife. I like how you make me feel, Tess. If I have to marry someone, I'm happy it's you."
Like wasn’t love, but there was no way she could ever refuse this. She lowered her eyes. "How do I make you feel?"
His lips came close to hers. Her eyes closed as she waited. Finally, the brush of his lips on hers sent a spark through her. The rest of the world was forgotten.
His hand massaged her leg. "I feel happier and more secure with you. I think we should finish the class so we can get married..."
Her heart raced. Multiple-choice questions appeared on the screen. Without speaking, they picked answers to each question. On the last one, she said, "The answer is A."
"I agree." He clicked it, then they submitted their test.
The screen flashed and they both read, Congratulations. Print counseling lesson here.
As he clicked it, she said, "We passed."
"Nothing is stopping us now
. Will you marry me?"
He turned toward her again and she stared into his eyes. What was she going to do?
She nodded. “Yes.”
In a few hours, she'd be Mrs. Mitch Morgan.
She stared into his gaze, his warm muscles around her. "I'm about to marry you without a pre-nup, Tess."
“That’s not smart.” But this wasn’t about money. She sucked in a breath. This was something he had to believe. "This is to get your company back, Mitch. I don't want your money."
The couch underneath her shifted when he moved closer. She pushed her hair behind her ear. His gaze narrowed. "Then what's the problem?"
The words had to be sincere. This time, she couldn't screw up. The last time she’d almost married, she chose the wrong guy. She couldn't make that same mistake. Mitch made her feel safe.
"I’m nervous, but I’ll try to be a good wife."
A sexy smile crossed his face. He rose slowly, then reached to help her stand. Once she did, he hugged her and spun her around, like he’d won the lottery. "Then we agree."
When he put her down, she fixed her black dress with cap sleeves. He tugged her hand toward the door, but she shook her head and pulled back. Even if they were only going to the courthouse, she should still be pretty. "Wait. I know we're in a rush, but I don't want to get married in my black funeral clothes.”
He glanced up and down her body. "You look amazing."
"Still..."
"Fair enough, but we have to be fast. There is a dress shop in the lobby."
“No.” She took out her phone and frantically texted Caro. Her fingers typed faster than her heart beat. Once she was finished, she nodded and let out a breath. "I texted Caro. She works in Victoria Morgan’s House of Morgan fashion design. My wedding dress will be here in under an hour."
He checked the appointment time Stanley made for them and showed her it was in ninety minutes. Mitch’s hands wrapped around her waist. "So...what do we do until then?"
They were interrupted almost every time. The idea heated her body, but she put her finger on his lips. "No time. I'm going to take a shower and do my hair."
He let her go. Tonight was her wedding night, if she didn’t go to jail. She needed to get ready. She walked toward the bathroom. “I wish I had my makeup kit.”
“You’re a natural beauty,” he said, but picked up the hotel phone and ordered her help from the salon. “And I want you to wear this again.”
“The diamond necklace and earrings from our first date.”
“You looked beautiful and I wanted to wait for the right time to give them to you, for real.”
Her hands shook as she took the jewels again.
A few minutes later, Tess felt like a bride as she got hair and makeup attention.
From the living area of his suite, Mitch called out, "I’m going to ensure the limo driver doesn’t tell my mother anything until we are done. I don’t want her or my brothers’ opinions."
The hair stylist was almost done. Tess waited until her lipstick was blotted and then called out, “Are you sure you don’t want them there?”
Another knock rang in the air. Mitch called out, “They’ll just slow us down.”
A minute later, Mitch walked into the room carrying a black dress bag and a box of shoes with a note. The hair stylist and makeup artist stayed to assist as Mitch left the room so she could get dressed.
She unzipped the black bag and removed the white, knee-length dress, then opened the box and took out a pair of white Valentino shoes. Caro knew her. The white flowers embedded in the dress made this uniquely her. She quickly pulled on the soft, delicate dress and spun around. This was the perfect look for today. The hair stylist helped her button the back of her dress, then she and the makeup artist left. While she adjusted her jewels, she heard Mitch give them a tip and his thanks.
Waiting for her pulse to settle down, she looked at the clock. They were out of time. As she walked out, her breath caught at handsome blond Mitch in his black tuxedo, holding a bouquet of pink peonies. Smiling, she took them and smelled the wonderful scent.
"Flowers, too?"
He kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful. The flowers don't compare."
Her face flushed. A blush would make her red and unattractive. She lowered her eyelashes, but stayed close to him. "Stop. They are gorgeous."
"Let's go." He guided her to the door.
She'd have to call and explain all of this to Caro, Jess, and her mother, but right now, Mitch was the only one who mattered.
The limo drove them to the courthouse. Some man in a gray suit, Tess thought he probably worked for Mitch, pointed them toward a room in the back. There was a white gazebo with fake flowers winding around it and a white mirror on the wall with a chair underneath. Neither of them sat, but she explored the gazebo until a clerk walked in. Mitch came to stand beside her and took her hand. The clerk nodded and read the basic marriage vows.
Everything was a blur until she heard the words, "Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
This was it. She swallowed. Two words that would change her life forever. She stared into the blue abyss of his eyes and nodded. "I do."
The clerk looked at him. "Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
She couldn't blink and refused to move. Mitch traced her face with his hand. Her heart beat loudly as she waited for his answer.
"I do."
"Then, by the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I hereby declare you husband and wife."
She was now Mitch's wife. Her heart thundered in her chest. He hadn’t claimed to love her but she had hope.
Finally, his lips met hers for a fast kiss. Though brief, it made her lashes flutter shut. She clutched his chest and he placed his hand on the small of her back. "We'll plan a fancy wedding soon."
The clerk said, "You may now kiss your bride."
Did the brief kiss not count? Mitch leaned in and she closed her eyes, lifting her face to meet his.
Mitch whispered, "I intend to. Every day."
This kiss was harder and more demanding. It was like a lightning bolt rushed through her and lit her insides. She hoped he'd love her one day because in her heart and soul, she wanted them to live happily ever after.
19
Tess was quiet on the ride from the courthouse to Morgan Enterprises. The driver pulled to a stop. This wasn’t what she’d envisioned for her wedding reception. Mitch reached across her to open the door, but she tugged on his arm. Looking at her, he patted her knee.
"Everything will be okay, Tess."
Not if she went to jail. Her entire body was tight and her legs bounced. "Mitch, I'm nervous."
The driver opened their door for them. There was no way to stop this now. After Mitch climbed out, he offered her his hand. "Do you trust me, Tess?"
"Yes." She gripped his hand, like they were about to sink in the Titanic. At least the spark that rushed through her skin hadn't dissipated. She scooted out of the car, one arm folded at her waist.
Mitch pressed his hand to her back. "Let's go clear your name. I can't have anyone upset at my wife."
She nodded, adjusted her jewelry, and followed him into the building. She met the security guard’s gaze and felt panic, even though he never blinked at her.
Mitch’s hand on her back kept her from bolting in fear. They walked into the waiting elevator and she pressed the button to the top floor where Peter's office was located.
Her nerves were tied in knots so tight, she couldn’t breathe. Mitch massaged her arm and she told herself there was no need to be nervous. Nothing would go wrong. Once Peter realized it would be a family war, he'd bend. Mitch believed that. She had to, as well.
Once the doors opened on the top floor, Peter's wife, Belle, stopped midstride. She lowered the papers in her hand. "Tess?"
"Belle." Tess held her head up high, but clutched Mitch's arm.
Belle pressed her lips together then motioned for them to follow her d
own the hall to Peter’s office. She breezed them past Tess’s mother, who must have come to work because Peter had returned from California.
Tess hid her hand and the small temporary band—his college ring. If she could tell her mom later, personally, she’d feel better.
Belle walked over to Peter’s desk and pulled up a seat beside him. "We have company, my love."
Tess felt small, but knew there was no need for her to panic. Mitch would handle this-she’d done it for him.
He led her to the seats opposite the desk and dragged his seat closer to her so he could hold her hand.
Surely there could be no better husband than Mitch, even if this only lasted a day. Peter stood from behind his mahogany desk situated in front of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Miami skyline and the blue ocean beyond. He held out his hand. "Mitch."
Mitch met his half-brother's gaze and lifted his head. Tess felt the panic growing in her body. Mitch paused then said in a clear voice, "Peter, I’d like to introduce my wife, Tess."
His eyes widened. "Your wife?"
Tess wanted to sink into the floor.
Mitch broke eye contact with him and turned toward Tess. Then he brought his gaze back to Mitch and Belle. Belle swallowed like she couldn’t breathe, but stayed silent.
“Congratulations." Peter nodded, then waited for his wife.
Belle cleared her throat. “Yes. Congrats, Tess.”
Peter pointed toward couches that faced each other near the window. Mitch took charge, and Tess gratefully followed his lead. She kept her head down out of deference to this change in her status.
Peter and Belle sat in the leather sofa opposite them, and Peter said, "I had no idea things were so serious with you or that acquiring your bank would lead to finding Jess’s missing brothers. I met Jess during her summer internship about a month ago, and we made plans to talk about her family soon."
Her... Their sister was a topic she could discuss. Tess told Mitch, “Jess is still in college. She is focusing on her studies.”
“She will be held to a different standard when she takes the Morgan name.” Peter leaned with both hands folded in front of him. "It seems you’re about to learn that lesson, too, Tess." Peter then sat back. "I owe you both an apology."
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