Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90099 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90099 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Tim looked up when she appeared on Cain’s arm. His expression softened, affection showing on his face. Cesar and Lee stood at Tim’s side, dressed in their black groomsmen suits. Bono sat in the first row next to Eve and Charles. Kat and Lann hurriedly settled on the first bench with Thomas, while Joss rushed after them with Clelia in his arms. The rain, the most beautiful music there could ever be, started pouring down outside.
Bishop Alistair stood in front of the altar. He motioned for Maya to walk slower, but she all but dragged Cain the short distance to her groom.
“Hurry,” she said to Alistair. “Clelia’s water broke. She’s going to have the baby.”
“Holy shit,” Alistair said. “Tim, do you take Maya Martin to be yours in every way, forever?”
Tim turned to her with so much love in his eyes that her vision blurred with emotion. “I certainly do.”
“And you, Maya Martin, do you promise Timothy Fardel the same?”
“I do.”
“Quickly,” Alistair said, “kiss the bride.”
Tim took her face between his hands and kissed her deep and long, like the endless sound of the rain that will fall for as long as the world existed, like forever.
“I declare you husband and wife,” Alistair said in a rushed tone. “And it looks like I may have to hang around for a baptism.”
Joss hugged Clelia to his broad chest when she moaned. The loud howling of Clelia’s wolfdogs sounded outside. Bono rushed to their side with an umbrella, Eve and Charles short on his heels.
“Come on,” Eve said, “let’s get her to the castle.”
Lann put a protective arm around Kat, cushioning Thomas between them. The group left the chapel, making their way through the forest in the storm.
Alistair tapped her on the shoulder. “Thanks for the donation. And don’t think you’re getting it back now that you’re not dying.”
She grinned. “You’re welcome. I don’t need the money. It’ll be put to better use building that orphanage you’re planning.”
“I was thinking of naming it after you,” Alistair said.
“No.” She took Tim’s hand and gave a soft squeeze. “Name it after Darren.”
“Good idea. He would’ve hated that.” Alistair turned to Tim. “I was informed this morning that one million dollars has been transferred from a Cayman account to our new orphanage fund.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Who could the donor be?”
Tim smiled. “How generous.”
“Mm.” Alistair scratched his chin. “Now that you two are legally married, I’d like to talk to you about adopting one of our babies.”
“Don’t worry,” Tim said. “Maya and I have already discussed it, and we’d be delighted to adopt.” He looked at Maya with meaning. “A boy and a girl.”
“Of course,” Alistair said, rubbing his hands together.
“But,” Tim leaned closer, brushing his lips over hers, “that doesn’t mean we’re not going to practice, even if my bullets are blanks.”
Alistair cleared his throat. “TMI, thank you.”
She hugged Alistair tight. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Smiling, she pulled Tim toward the door. “Come on. I want to know if it’s a boy or a girl.” Tim took an umbrella from the stand and offered it to her, but she shook her head. “I think I’ll take a walk in the rain.”
He handed the umbrella to Alistair and took her hand. “I think I’ll walk with you.” Stroking his thumb over the vein in her neck gently, he said, “Before we join the others for the double celebration, I have a feast of my own planned for us.”
“You take a lot for granted, Mr. Ambassador.”
“So do you, Mrs. Fardel. But I’ll never take you for granted.”
“I love you,” she whispered in his neck.
“Forever,” he said, kissing his mark.
As they arrived at the castle, the newborn cries of a baby filled the air, rising above the storm.
~ THE END ~