The group left the courthouse and filed into three different cars. Eve noted two other vehicles besides their three. One in front of the row of cars and one in back with burly men she assumed were bodyguards.
At the restaurant, the owner himself came out to greet them and congratulate the couple.
She couldn’t stop smiling. She couldn’t remember being so happy before in her life.
The menu was already set. They started with tasty omelets, followed by shrimp and lobster in a butter sauce, and then a small filet smothered in mushrooms. A cake was brought out, and the couple cut it together, feeding each other a bite.
More pictures were taken, and she couldn’t wait to see how they turned out.
They stayed and celebrated for a few hours until it was time to go.
At the curb, the girls hugged and congratulated Eve and then said good-bye.
Eve let Patrick help her into the car. She watched him come around as she leaned against the seat and sighed.
Patrick grinned at her and took her hand. “Are you happy, baby?”
She turned his way. “Very. How about you?”
He kissed her knuckles. “I couldn’t be happier.”
The drive home was spent talking about different things they wanted to do. She relaxed when he pulled into the garage and shut the door. He helped her out of the car.
Agnes cried out and rushed to them when they came into the kitchen. She enfolded Eve in her arms.
“Congratulations, child. I am so happy for both of you.”
Eve squeezed her as tears came to her eyes. “Thank you.”
He kept his arm around her and grinned. “I’m going to take her up and lay down for a bit.”
“I’ll have dinner ready at six,” Agnes informed them.
He stopped at the stairs. “Go on up. I’ll be right there after I check my messages.”
She went up on her tiptoes and kissed him before making her way up the steps.
****
He sat down at his desk. He’d only gotten halfway through his messages when someone knocked on his office door.
“Come in,” he called out.
Agnes stuck her head in. “Sir, there are some police officers here to talk to you.”
He stood with a frown then walked out into the foyer where the men stood. “Officers, what can I help you with?” he asked and shook their hands.
“We’ve been told you are holding a girl here against her will.”
He grinned. “Let me guess, a Reverend Morton Sherman?”
The two officers glanced at each other. “Yes, sir.”
“What do you need from me?” Patrick smiled and crossed his arms over his chest.
“We need to speak to the woman. Alone.”
He nodded. “You can use my office.” He turned to see Agnes in the hallway. “Will you go get Eve, please?”