She closes her eyes. “That was a long time ago. When I thought I was normal. I never wanted it to be like this.”

I don’t want it like this for her either, rushed and secretive. I want her dreams to all come true.

“That’s what I tried to tell your father. We’ve no time to plan a fancy ceremony or to have a gown tailored—”

“Whoa, stop.” She holds up a hand and gives me a strange look. “I don’t need any of that fairy-tale stuff. It’s the marriage that matters to me, not the wedding. As long as our hearts are in the right place, we could be in pajamas for all I care.”

“But . . . I wanted to give you all that.” I watch her pretty face, trying to figure out what can make this right. What does she want?

“Kai, please, tell me what you’re thinking. We don’t have much time, and we have to make a decision.”

A decision? Does she think I haven’t decided?

“I . . .”

She’s watching me, searching my face for something. The only thing I can think to give her is so simple. So traditional. So not me. I slide down to one knee, still holding her hand, and look up at her. “My sweet, lovely Anna. I love you . . . and I want to marry you.” Wait, I don’t think I said that bit right. Shite, I was supposed to ask her, not tell her, as if it’s all about me. “But only if you want to. Do you? I mean, will you?” Spit it out! “Marry me?”

She breaks into exultant laughter and falls to her knees with me, grabbing my face and pressing her soft lips to mine. We kiss over and over, but still she hasn’t responded.

“Does it always take this long for someone to answer? It’s making me bloody nervous.”

She pulls back and meets my eyes, filled with mirth. “Yes, Kai. I’ll marry you.”

Sweeter words have never been uttered. This time I kiss her, and I wrap my arms around her to keep from trembling. I’ve never felt happiness like this. When our mates burst through the door, cheering, all I can do is grin like an idiot and say, “So much for privacy.”

Nothing, nothing can bother me at this moment, because I’m going to marry Anna Whitt. I’m going to love her and protect her and keep her safe any way that I can.

And it just so happens that the key to keeping her safe from my father is to shag her senseless.

I think I can handle that.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Till Death

“My walls are falling and my white flag is high,

I’ve surrendered to the feeling inside.”

—“The Only One” by Hot Chelle Rae

Everyone takes off and I’m left standing at Blake’s, a bit shell-shocked, blinking into the bright sun. What do blokes do to prepare for weddings? I rack my brain, thinking about grooms in commercials. Tuxedos are out. I could get her a garter. . . .

Wait. Rings! Brilliant. And, where will we go afterward? We’ll need a honeymoon suite somewhere. Look at me, already a pro at this husband business.

The first place that comes to mind is the one place Anna wanted to see that I didn’t get to take her to—the place I’ve only seen alone when I was at the lowest point in my life. Seeing it with Anna at my side will, no doubt, be a different experience. It’s time to set things right.

I do an internet search for Grand Canyon honeymoon destinations. Of course the best places have no vacancies tonight. I get on the phone with the owner of a set of luxury cabins.

“I’m so sorry, but we’re all booked.”

I put on my most polite English voice. “Yes, but I’m wondering if you can point me in the direction of anyone who might have a place. I know it’s late notice. I’ll literally pay any price they ask for one night. It’s my wedding night, you see. Sort of an impromptu wedding because we’re facing some rather worrisome issues.” I clear my throat and shut my eyes.

“Oh, dear.” The woman is quiet. “Well . . . there’s our personal vacation cabin. . . .”

My eyes snap open. “I’d hate to put you out, miss.”

“We don’t usually rent it out, but you sound like a nice young man. I suppose one night would be okay.”

I exhale a giant sigh and grin. “You are an angel. Thank you. I mean it. We’ll take good care of it.”

She sounds happy. “Let me make some calls and I’ll give you the lock code.”

I finish talking to the Grand Canyon angel, hoping her cabin is as beautiful as the ones posted online.

Next I scan through local jewelers on my mobile and head to the closest shop. As I browse at the counter, looking around for whisperers all the while, one thing becomes quickly apparent: I cannot buy Anna a diamond. They scream of matrimony. Every one of these sparklies would attract attention, even if she wore it on a different finger or hand. And the men’s bands are quite obvious as well.

This could take a while. I call Marna to help with some other things I won’t have time for.

“What can I do for you, darling?” she asks.

“I need clothes for tomorrow. I didn’t pack enough and I’m running low on time. Can you manage?”

“Absolutely. Anything else?”

“Food, perhaps.” I give her my sizes and get back to ring shopping.

In my search I happen upon a funky shop with artistic, handmade pieces. The prices are astronomical, but I don’t care. In fact, I’m glad to spend a lot on something to commemorate this day.

I consult the almighty Google to learn of Anna’s May birthstone, the emerald. Almost immediately my eye is drawn to a small ring with Celtic vines knotted around a circular emerald. The shop woman takes it out for me.