“Anywhere you want.”
“How about that new hotel in Morgan Creek this time, Italy next time?”
“Morgan Creek? Seriously?”
“I haven’t seen the town since the work was finished. Are there any rooms available?”
“I know the owner. I’m pretty sure I can find something.” Ethan smiled inwardly. As part of the renovation, he had used his own money and hired a separate crew to remodel and redecorate Blair House—new paint, new carpets, new drapes. He’d had the furniture in the warehouse in Arizona sent to Morgan Creek and ordered appliances for the kitchen, as well as some additional furniture. And done a major remodel of the lair. He had done it all on the sly when he and Sofia were still engaged. The house had been vacant since he’d decided Sofia would be better off without him. Now, he couldn’t wait to carry her over the threshold and show her what he’d done.
“Are you happy with the way the town turned out?”
“Yeah. It looks great. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
“What about Saintcrow?”
“He seemed satisfied before he left.”
“Where did he go?” Sofia asked.
“Kadie wanted to go to see Graceland.”
“He really loves her, doesn’t he?”
Ethan frowned. “Well, sure. Why do you sound so surprised?”
“I don’t know. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to fall head over heels in love with anyone.”
“The way I heard it, he wanted her the minute he laid eyes on her.”
“Did he make her fall in love with him?”
“No. For a while, she hated him. Or at least she said she did.”
“Will we be as happy as they are, Ethan?”
“I hope so. I won’t be able to whisk you away to far-off countries, at least not until I make a dent in what I owe Saintcrow, but I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy.”
Sighing, she snuggled against him. “You already make me happy.”
“I should let you get some sleep,” Ethan said. “I’ll come by for you tomorrow around noon and we’ll go to the county clerk’s office for a license.” He kissed her lightly. “Tomorrow night, we’ll be married.”
“Tomorrow night,” she murmured, and closed her eyes as he claimed her lips again. This kiss was deeper, longer, and filled with promise.
* * *
After Ethan left, Sofia couldn’t sit still. Excitement thrummed through her at the thought of being his wife. And marrying in secret made it all the more exciting.
Going to her closet, she went through every dress she owned. None seemed appropriate for a wedding and she discarded them one by one. Nothing for it but to buy something new.
* * *
Sofia woke early. After showering, she dressed, then headed into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. She came up short when she saw the front door. The damaged lock had been replaced. Two shiny new keys sat on the table in the foyer.
Frowning, she went into the kitchen. Ethan must have come back and repaired the damage last night after she went to bed. She smiled as she poured a cup of coffee, thinking how sweet it was of him to do so.
After finishing the coffee and rinsing the cup, she dropped one of the keys in her handbag, then drove downtown. She found exactly what she wanted in Sally Ann’s Bridal Shoppe—a white tea-length gown with fitted sleeves and a scoop neck adorned with brilliants. She also bought a darling little hat with a fingertip veil, new underwear, and a sheer black nightgown.
She was back home in less than an hour.
After a quick sandwich, she packed a suitcase, then checked the time. She had thirty minutes to spare.
At eleven-forty, her phone rang. She groaned softly when she saw Tony’s name.
Taking a deep breath, she answered. “Hi.”
“How are you?” he asked. “I’ve been worrying about you since I left your place last night.”
“I’m fine, really. But thanks for worrying.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I replaced the lock and repaired the frame. I hope you found the new keys okay.”
“You replaced the lock?”
“You’re not mad, are you?”
“No, of course not. Thank you. How much do I owe you?”
He made a dismissive sound. “I’m glad you’re all right. Would you mind if I dropped by tomorrow night, say around seven?”
Sofia glanced at her watch. It was five to twelve. Ethan would be here any minute.
“Sofia?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m busy Saturday night.” She couldn’t help smiling. Busy indeed. She would be on her honeymoon.
There was a long pause. “Any point in my asking about Sunday night?”
Sofia glanced at the door when the bell rang. “Tony, I really have to go. Someone’s here.”
“I’ll bet I can guess who that someone is,” he said, his voice tinged with bitterness. “I’ll see you at work tonight.”
“Oh! I was going to call you. I can’t make it tonight. I’m sorry for the short notice, but something’s come up and I won’t be able to work for you anymore. I’m so sorry, but I really have to go.”
“What’s going on? Does this have anything to do with that guy who busted into your place last night?”
“Yes. I thought Ethan and I were through, but . . . we’re getting married. I’m so sorry if I led you to believe . . .” Sofia bit down on her lower lip. What more was there to say?
After a long pause, Tony said, “Good-bye, Sofia.”
Before she could say anything else, he disconnected the call. She stared at the phone. She hadn’t meant to end things so abruptly. True, they’d only been going out for a few weeks. It wasn’t as if they were dating exclusively or anything. But she couldn’t help feeling guilty at the way she’d ended things between them, and for quitting on such short notice. But it couldn’t be helped.
She smiled as she ran to answer the door.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Ethan!” She gasped his name as he swept her into his arms.
“How’s my bride this afternoon?”
“Wonderful. Nervous. Excited. How’s my groom?”
“Wonderful. Nervous. Excited.” He grinned at her. “Are you ready?”
She nodded.
“All right. Grab your suitcase and let’s go see the county clerk. I made an appointment for twelve-thirty.”
Trembling with anticipation, she grabbed her suitcase and handbag, then closed her eyes as Ethan wrapped his arm around her waist.
When she opened her eyes, they were standing behind the courthouse. “I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she said as they rounded the building and climbed the steps.
“Me either.”
The clerk’s office was at the end of a long corridor. She knew it was silly, but Sofia kept glancing over her shoulder, expecting to find her father bearing down on her, waving a wooden stake in one hand and a bottle of holy water in the other.
It didn’t take long to show their identification and fill out the forms. The clerk informed them that blood tests weren’t required and there was no longer any waiting period. He also pointed them in the direction of a nondenominational church where they could be married that day.
Sofia felt as though she was floating on air as they left the courthouse. “We need to find a hotel.”
Ethan grinned at her. “Are we having the honeymoon before the wedding?”
“No, you idiot. I’m not getting married in jeans and a sweater.”
“Ah.” He glanced around. “How about that one?” he asked, pointing at a place down the block—The Traveler’s Rest.
She nodded. Made of red brick and fronted by a low wall lined with trees, it looked clean and well cared for.
* * *
Ethan paid for a room, kissed Sofia on the cheek, and told her he’d be back in an hour.
She glanced around the room, then opened her suitcase and laid out her wedding dress. She was getting married. To Ethan. A vampire.
> She sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for some sense of unease, some dire portent that she was making the biggest mistake of her life. Instead, butterflies took wing in the pit of her stomach, and all she could do was smile as she pictured herself as Ethan’s wife.
Humming softly, she took a quick shower, applied fresh makeup, and brushed out her hair.
When she was dressed, she stood in front of the mirror, turning this way and that. She was reaching for her shoes when her cell phone rang.
It was Rosa.
Sofia let it ring a couple of times, then, thinking it might be news about her father, she scooped it up. “Hi, Rosie. What’s up?”
“Nothing much. I stopped by your apartment, but you weren’t home.”
“Oh. Did you need something?”
“No, I was just in the neighborhood and thought maybe you’d like to go to a movie or something. So, are you out with Tony?”
“No. We . . . uh . . . broke up.”
“Why?” she exclaimed. “He was so hot!”
Sofia scrambled to find a good answer, but nothing came to mind. She was still trying to think of something when Rosa said, “It’s Ethan, isn’t it? You’re still in love with that vampire.”
“Rosie . . .”
“I knew it! You’re with him right now, aren’t you?”
“You should have been a detective,” Sofia muttered. “Listen, Rosie, I have to go. We’re on a . . . a date.”
“Something special?”
“You could say that.”
“All right, but I want to hear all about it. Call me later.”
Sofia had just slipped on her heels when the door opened, and Ethan stepped inside. But it was an Ethan she had never seen before. All she could say was, “Wow!”
“Like it?” he asked, grinning from ear to ear.
She nodded. All men looked good in a tux, but he looked like he had been born to wear one.
“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” he said, reaching for her hand.
“How many have you seen?”
“One or two. But none have been mine. Are you ready? The minister is waiting for us.”
* * *
The church, built of white stone and topped off with a large wooden cross, was two blocks away from the hotel. One of the oak doors stood open in welcome. Sunlight glinted off the stained-glass windows.
“It’s lovely,” Sofia murmured. Pausing, she pulled her phone from her handbag. “Go stand on the stairs.”
“Seriously?”
“Oh! Can you . . . I mean, do vampires photograph?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, let’s find out. Go on, get up there. I want to remember this.”
“Let me take your picture.”
“You first.”
At that moment, an older woman walking a dog passed by. She paused when she overheard their conversation. “Here now, you two,” she said. “Let me take that photo.”
“Thank you.” Sofia handed her the phone. “Just press here.”
The woman nodded. “I know what to do. My grandkids showed me. Smile now.” She took a picture, then took a second one. “Just in case, although the first one is lovely. Such a handsome couple,” she said, returning Sofia’s phone.
Sofia glanced at the images, relieved to see Ethan standing beside her in the photos.
“I married my Henry in this very church fifty years ago,” the woman remarked with a wistful sigh. “I hope your marriage will last as long and be as happy.”
Ethan smiled at Sofia as the woman tugged on the dog’s leash and continued on her way. If Sofia ever agreed to let him bring her across, they would be together a lot longer than half a century.
* * *
The inside of the church was as impressive as the outside. Vaulted ceilings. Dark pews and an altar polished to a high shine. A lovely parquet floor. Sunlight came through the most beautiful stained-glass windows Sofia had ever seen.
The minister, wearing a long black robe, smiled a greeting as they walked down the aisle. Ethan introduced his bride to the cleric, who introduced the two of them to the middle-aged couple who would stand as their witnesses. Ethan shook their hands; then he and Sofia took their places in front of the altar.
“Please, join hands,” the minister said. “Sofia Ravenwood, do you take Ethan Parrish to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, and give yourself only to him as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Sofia gazed into Ethan’s eyes, thinking he would never be sick, never grow old.
“Ethan Parrish, do you take Sofia Ravenwood to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, and give yourself only to her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“I understand you have a ring for your bride.”
Nodding, Ethan reached into his pocket, then took Sofia’s hand in his. “I love you, Sofie,” he said fervently, and slipped an engagement ring on her finger. Leaning forward, he whispered, “You get the wedding ring next time.”
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ethan, you may kiss your bride.”
Sofia’s eyelids fluttered down as he took her in his arms. His first husbandly kiss was achingly tender, so filled with love it brought tears to her eyes. She could feel the tumult of emotions within him—his need, his hunger, but most of all, the intensity of his love for her.
She blinked away her tears when he stepped back.
“I wish you all the happiness in the world,” the minister said, handing them an embossed certificate certifying their marriage had been lawfully and legally performed. “Go with God.”
Sofia couldn’t stop smiling as they left the church.
Outside, Ethan pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, his tongue ravishing her mouth. She melted against him, her heart pounding with happiness and anticipation. He was hers. All hers.
He kissed her cheek. “What do you say we go back to the hotel and warm up that bed?”
“I’d say, let’s hurry!”
* * *
If there hadn’t been so many people on the street, Ethan would have used a little vampire magic and whisked her back to the hotel. Fortunately, it was only two blocks away. Any farther than that and he was afraid he might have dragged her behind a bush.
“Walk faster,” she said, tugging on his hand.
Ethan laughed, delighted to know she was as eager as he.
Some of Sofia’s eagerness waned when they were alone in their room. The bed suddenly seemed enormous. She had never been intimate with a man. She knew her friends thought there was something wrong with her, but she had never met anyone she liked enough, wanted enough, to go all the way.
And now the time was here.
She kicked off her shoes, shivered as Ethan came up behind her, his arms sliding around her waist as he nuzzled her neck.
Sofia closed her eyes, then opened them again. Did vampires make love like everyone else?
Behind her, she heard Ethan laugh.
“Not to worry,” he said, his hands sliding up to cup her breasts. “You’ll find everything where it should be. And it all works.”
“Well,” she murmured, pressing herself against him. “There’s good news!”
Turning her in his arms, he said, “I won’t hurt you, Sofie.”
“I know.”
Hoping the pounding of her heart was anticipation and not fear, he unfastened her gown, revealing a lacy white bra and matching bikini panties. He whispered, “Sofie, you’re beautiful,” as he dropped her gown on the foot of the bed.
She flushed under his admiring gaze, shivered as his fingers stroked her bare skin. With hands that trembled, she reached for his belt. “I’ve never been intimate with a man before.” Her voice was barely audible as she tossed his belt aside.
“Sofie.”
“I just thought you should
know.”
He didn’t know what to say. In lieu of words, he shrugged out of his jacket and shirt and tossed them on a chair, then pulled her into his arms again, his lips trailing fire as he rained kisses along her neck and breasts.
She moaned softly as he lifted her into his arms and lowered her onto the bed, then slid in beside her to draw her close.
He had kissed her before, but never like this. Always before, she had sensed he was holding something back, but not tonight. Her underwear and the rest of his clothing disappeared as if by magic, and she was lost in the thrill of skin against skin, the exhilaration of his caresses, the excitement of knowing he was hers, that she could touch him and taste him—everywhere.
Most amazing of all, she knew his thoughts, felt his excitement, his arousal, and knew, in the same way, that he was keenly aware of what she was thinking, feeling. What she wanted that she was too embarrassed to ask for.
She had never made love to a man before, had no one to compare Ethan with, yet she knew that no mortal man could have loved her so completely. Or so deeply.
Or been so ready to do it over again as quickly.
* * *
Pleasantly tired and aching in places that had never ached before, Sofia lay curled in Ethan’s arms, her finger drawing lazy figure eights on his chest. She had never felt so contented, so happy, or so loved.
Had she been a cat, she thought she might have purred when he began lightly stroking her back. “Mrs. Ethan Parrish,” she murmured. “Mrs. Sofia Parrish.” She smiled at him. “Isn’t Mrs. a beautiful word?”
“Not nearly as beautiful as wife.” His gaze searched hers. “No regrets?”
“Ethan!”
“It’s a big step for you, tying your life to mine.”
“I know, but someone had to do it,” she said with mock despair.
“Very funny,” he muttered, nipping her earlobe.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Today you can ask me anything.”
“Do you think we might be able to adopt a baby?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Not right away,” she said, her fingers playing over his flat belly. “Right now, I want you all to myself.”
“Believe me, honey, I’m all yours.”
“Does it hurt to become a vampire?”
Twilight Desires Page 22