Lime Tree Hill (A Reluctant Kiss #1)

16. The Knot

16

THE KNOT

Tim’s car was empty when they stopped beside it. As the celebrant cut the engine, Mitch leaned forward and peered through the windshield. “Do you see them?”

“There she is.” The celebrant pointed to the rocks. “Right. Let’s do this. We’re fifteen minutes late as it is.”

Once out of the car, Mitch strolled toward her, adjusting his tie as Luka and the celebrant followed a few steps behind. The closer he got, the faster he walked. But as she turned, he stopped. With her hair falling in burnished waves around her shoulders, the fading light catching the folds of her dress and the surf crashing over the rocks behind her, she took his breath away.

The significance of what they were about to do slammed into him like a sucker punch. “This is for you, Norman, you romantic old bastard,” he murmured under his breath.

Tayla smiled shyly, and as he regained his senses, Mitch stepped forward, one hand outstretched, urging her to join him. She lifted her skirt and navigated the rocks to where they’d stand in front of the celebrant. When she reached his side, he took her hand. It felt as cold as ice. For a moment, he wondered if she had a warm heart under that facade of indifference .

“Sorry we’re late. We got caught in a mob of sheep just past the orchard. They blocked the road for a while.” He stepped back, taking in her outfit, the flowers, and how her complexion came alive under the late-afternoon light. She’d be uncomfortable with the attention, but at that moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “You look amazing. That dress is perfect.”

A blush bloomed on both cheeks as she pulled her hand from his. “Thank you. I like your suit. And thanks for the flowers.”

It wasn’t much of a compliment, but he’d take it. And as she stood in front of him, preparing to recite her vows, it was the first time he’d considered a different outcome from this sham of a marriage. The first time his fascination for her hinted at something more than the physical.

“Are you doing okay?” he murmured.

“Yes, fine.” Tayla looked back at Tim, who stepped forward to take her bouquet. Mitch took both of her hands in his, and as he rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles, he sensed her relax.

The ceremony was brief and efficient. There were no handwritten vows, no romantic love songs. Just the two of them ‘repeating after me’ while Tim viewed them through the lens and Luka stood to one side, the rings in the breast pocket of his suit.

Mitch had been on edge all day, constantly second-guessing their decision, and as he held the ring at the tip of her finger, ready to slide it into place, his hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

By contrast, when it was her turn to place his band, she did so with purpose. And when he looked into those soulful eyes, her expression softened as she smiled for the second time that day.

“By the power vested in me by the laws of New Zealand, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The celebrant beamed. “Mitch, you may kiss your bride.”

There was no hesitation on his part. He leaned in and kissed her gently, his lips confident against hers. Her reluctance was evident, but at least she kissed him back. What more could he expect ?

Luka moved forward, pulling everyone into a group hug before the celebrant said her goodbyes.

Mitch looked at Tayla. “Shall we FaceTime my in-laws? Tell them the news?”

Tayla frowned. “What, now?”

“No time like the present.”

Luka laughed. “This, I have to see.”

“No way.” Mitch grinned at Luka and Tim. “Bride and groom only. We’ll meet you guys back at the car.”

And as he held her hand and led her away from the men so they could call her parents in private, Mitch thought the day couldn’t have been more perfect.

Except…it wasn’t real. He had to keep sight of that, always.

Little Brown Barn hummed with warmth and atmosphere as they walked through the door. If Tayla felt out of place among the Clifton Falls smart set, she didn’t let it show. Maybe to her, dining in a crowded restaurant in her wedding garb was the most natural thing in the world. The waiter ushered them to their table, and when Mitch pulled out her chair, she smoothed her satin skirt and sat, ignoring the stares of the other patrons.

Mitch loosened his tie and perused the menu, smiling at the handwritten descriptions. Earth mushrooms dancing in fields of green. Hand-crafted butter, fresh from the pat. Lovingly churned ice cream flirting with skillfully fragmented honeycomb shards. It sounded pretentious, but as he knew from experience, the food here was anything but.

He turned to Tayla. “What are you having?”

“I can’t decide.” She closed the menu. “You order for me.”

He stared at her in disbelief. Last week, Tayla could barely make eye contact. Now she wanted him to choose her wedding dinner. She faced Luka, engaging him in conversation about his work and family. When the champagne arrived and Tim proposed a toast, she responded with enthusiasm, leaning into her friend and hugging him.

Meanwhile, the enormity of what they’d done hit Mitch in his increasingly nervous gut. He ordered the twelve-hour shoulder of lamb with rosemary jus—a sharing plate for two. When the waiter placed it before them, along with an array of delicious vegetable sides, his new wife looked at him and declared, “Perfect.” And with that, she tucked straight in.

He, on the other hand, couldn’t find his appetite.