Simon wasn’t sure what to think as he settled onto the sofa in his pajamas. Doing things outside of his normal routine, and especially something as unconventional as this, always made him feel slightly off-balance. But when Madelene turned a vibrant smile on him, it was suddenly perfect.
“This is my favorite part of the day.”
“Are you really sure you want to marry me?” he asked her quietly. “This place is wonderful, and you seem to be flourishing.”
She took both of his hands in hers. “It is wonderful here. But I love you, Simon, and I want to be with you more than anything. Besides, you’ve already agreed to bring me up here for visits, and I plan to hold you to that.”
“You’d better.” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her wrist.
A woman with red hair, also in her nightclothes, walked in and deposited a tray on the table. She threw her arms around Madelene. “Selma told me your happy news!”
Madelene introduced them as Selma settled onto the other end of the sofa. Lamsley was the last to join them. He filled all the teacups and handed each of them a saucer.
Simon watched as Madelene helped herself to a pair of sausages and a scone, and drizzled honey in her tea. She nodded toward the refreshments, and Simon followed her lead. Once they were all settled, Lamsley raised his cup.
“To our happiness, to our health, to our home, and most of all, to our family.” His gaze rounded the room, making eye contact with every one of them before giving Simon a nod.
Simon’s heart swelled as contentment settled over him. They were welcoming him into this wonderful family.
“Slàinte Mhath!” the other two women said as they raised their cups.
“Cheers!” Madelene looked at him and he raised his cup with the others.
“Cheers,” he repeated. As he sipped the unfamiliar tea, surrounded by the kindest, most caring people, it felt strangely cozy and domestic. A life he was never supposed to have, and hadn’t even realized he wanted. But there was no question, with Madelene, he did.
As Madelene repeated her vows, she still struggled to believe this was real. Struggled to believe she was deserving. But somehow, Simon really did love her. Not only had he said it countless times, but the adoration that shone in his eyes was undeniable.
And now, she was officially his wife. As he bent down to kiss her, his smile was disarming. His lips were warm and soft as they pressed to hers in a kiss that was far too brief. But before he straightened, he whispered into her ear, “I love you, Mrs. Allister.”
Her breath whooshed out and she had to gasp to draw it back in again. She looked into Simon’s eyes. No longer did she have to carry her father’s name, and a weight lifted from her she hadn’t even realized she’d been bearing. Quiet, reserved, lonely Madelene Lund no longer existed. Simon had given her the ability to blossom. He provided her a family. Taught her how to be confident and strong. He’d shown her passion and love, and through all of that, she’d grown into Madelene Allister.
Following an afternoon of wedding celebrations, Simon finally led her to his room. He hadn’t allowed her into his bed this whole week, out of respect for Selma. Which was ridiculous. Madelene had watched Lamsley let himself into Selma’s room a number of times, and they weren’t married. But tonight, she and Simon were husband and wife.
As soon as the door clicked shut, he pulled her into his embrace, his lips finding hers. His kiss was urgent and demanding and she returned his passion in full.
“I must be the luckiest man alive. It’s hard for me to believe you sacrificed the amazing life you could have had here to be with me. Are you sure I’m worth it?”
She shrugged. “It’s too late to change my mind now.”
Laughter spilled out of him. “I guess I’ll just have to do my best to make sure you’re always satisfied.” An alluring mischief sparkled in his eyes before his tongue seared a path all the way up her neck to her ear. “Shall we get started on that, Mrs. Allister?”
The reminder that she was now his wife stoked her desire. “Yes.”
Simon purred appreciatively, the vibrations against her neck making goosebumps prickle down her arms.
Hot, open-mouthed kisses moved slowly over her jaw. “Do you know how much that simple word makes me want you?”
She relished the power he gave her. “Yes.”
The heat from his laughter feathered over her neck. “It’s time for you to get these clothes off, Mrs. Allister. I need all of you.”
“I like being Mrs. Allister.”
He brought her pleasure three times before finally taking his own. Making up for lost time, perhaps. But she wouldn’t complain. After collapsing onto the bed, he pulled her in against his side.
He breathed a contented sigh. “I will be eternally grateful to whatever or whoever brought you into my life.”
She circled her fingertip on his chest. “I’m pretty sure I’m the one who should be grateful. Although, you nearly did me in tonight.”
