I looked to the judge and back to Rett. “I guess it’s my turn.” I inhaled as the bodice pulled tight. “You, Everett Ramses, came into my life like a hurricane, which I suppose is appropriate for New Orleans. I think we’ve also learned that I won’t always be the easiest of wives, but as long as webothpromise to keep trying, to never give up on one another or ourselves, I believe we can fulfill fate’s plan. I am willing to spend my forever trying as long as you’re by my side.”
His forehead came to mine as his deep whisper ricocheted through me. “I will never leave your side, nor you mine.”
“Do we have rings?” the judge asked.
“I don’t.” It was the first time I’d thought about a ring for Rett.
“I do,” my fiancé said, pulling something from his pocket. “May I have your left hand?”
I lifted my hand as he gently held my fingers and removed the large diamond he’d placed earlier in the day. “I’m good at a lot of things, Emma, but this isn’t one of them.” He changed out the solitaire diamond for a diamond-studded platinum band. And then he placed the single diamond ring over the band. “When I was a boy, my mother tried her best to instill some understanding into a determined young man. She’d bore me with stories. Now, I realize how valuable those stories were.” He looked over at Miss Guidry. “Maybe she knows she succeeded.” His gaze came back to me. “One story my mother would tell was about these rings. She would say that anyone can propose; it’s a simple question. However, the act of marriage was never simple. It required commitment. That is why the band is worn beneath the engagement ring, closer to your heart as a reminder to the wearer that working for something you value is worth the effort.” His sheepish smile made my insides twist. “I want you, Emma. I hope you decide every day that I’m worth the effort.”
The judge hadn’t given us the go-ahead, but that didn’t stop us. Nodding, I lifted my arms around Rett’s neck as he leaned forward and our lips met. We’d shared more passionate kisses, but at the moment, I didn’t think we’d shared a more meaningful one.
“And there we have it,” Judge McBride said. “By the power invested in me by the state of Louisiana and the parish of New Orleans, I pronounce you husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Ramses.”
Rett’s gaze glistened.
“Emma Ramses,” I whispered.
“Praise be,” Miss Guidry said. “The spirits are dancing.”
“Will you stay for dinner?” Rett asked Judge McBride after he shook his hand.
“Another time. As you know, this invitation came on my schedule rather unexpectedly. Let’s go sign the certificate and the two of you can enjoy your first meal as husband and wife.”
Emma
As the solid doors to the house opened and we all progressed toward Rett’s front office, the soft music and Miss Guidry’s excitement mixed with loud voices coming from down the hall. Rett’s and Ian’s posture changed, our steps staggered, and Miss Guidry reached for my hand.
“Oh no,” she said, “Mrs. Ramses, come with me.”
Judge McBride seemed confused.
“You too, Judge McBride,” Miss Guidry said, trying to lead us back to from where we’d come.
I tried to make sense of what could be happening as the mixture of concern and anger radiated from my husband’s being.
The voices were close, near the grand staircase in the foyer.
It didn’t make any sense.
Who would be in Rett’s home—our home?
Henri, one of Rett’s men, came around the stairs. “Mr. Ramses, I’m sorry. They demanded to wait for you. They have been checked and are free of weapons.”
They?
Weapons?
“Ramses.” The loud call came from beyond our view.
Rett turned to me. “Emma, go with Miss Guidry. She’ll take you upstairs another way.” He looked at Judge McBride. “This won’t take long.”
I reached for Rett’s arm. “Will you be safe?”
“Yes, and so will you. Go.”
Miss Guidry seized my hand and tugged me back toward the courtyard. Before we could get another step, the loud voice called again.