“I’m not starting anything. Just saying we had a good time, that’s all.”
“I’m out. I intend to stay that way.” I kiss Marigold on her hair. “I have much more interesting things to focus on now.”
“Oh, by the way, the Brewster brothers botched that job.” Elliott sighs. “Made a huge mess of the whole thing.”
I lean forward. “I need details.”
“They were supposed to take out that loudmouth senator, but they accidentally killed an envoy from Qatar. Now Qatar is hunting them down. They’ve gone to ground, but it’s only a matter of time.”
“Absolute clowns.” I snort.
“A senator?” Marigold turns to me, her eyes wide.
I shrug. “He’s actually a Russian asset who’s sold out our military operations time and time again. No loss.”
“Oh.” She doesn’t seem convinced.
I give Elliott a warning look. “Enough business. This is a day for celebration.”
“Agree.” Elliott takes his champagne glass and raises it. “To the happy couple.”
Mr. and Mrs. Lou join the toast, and we all drink. I’ve never been happier. With Marigold at my side, I feel like I’ve captured the greatest treasure on the planet. She’s everything to me. I hope she knows it.
“I love you.” I kiss her again, pulling her close as we begin our new life together. This is just the start, the sweet beginning to a life that will be whatever we want to make it.
“Heirloom, looks like it’s you and me tonight, bro. Hey, how about we watch that bird channel you like so much?” Elliott pats Heirloom, then rises and picks him up. “It’s his favorite. We’ll have a bonding night while you two have a …” He glances from me to Marigold. “A married one.” He smirks and carries Heirloom from the room as Mr. Lou asks Mrs. Lou to dance to the low music playing in the background. She accepts, and they slowly swirl their way into the foyer.
I rise and offer Marigold my hand. “May I have this dance?”
She looks up at me, her beautiful face framed by the soft curls in her hair. “Yes.”
I pull her to her feet and take her to the foyer, then hold her close as we start to sway.
“This is like a dream.” She sighs against me.
“A good one, I hope?”
“The best.” She lets me lead her around the room, her white dress hugging her curves as I hold her tight.
She takes a deep breath and looks up at me. “Avery, I … I love you.”
I didn’t think this day could get any sweeter. Not after I made her my wife, but to hear those words from her lips–it warms every bit of me, my heart beginning to pound as I realize just how lucky I am.
“I love you, Goldie.” I kiss her, sealing this moment into my soul.
We’re still kissing when the front door is blown open and dozens of officers swarm in, all of them with assault rifles pointed right at me.