CHAPTER NINE
Mitch nervously paced the gazebo, the meal already prepared and waiting in the heated trays to be served. He was in nice jeans, a button-down shirt, and his best loafers. And. He was uncomfortable. Both for the way he was dressed and what he was going to need to tell Marnie.
He heard a sound and turned to see her walking toward him. She was in a soft tangerine dress that hit just above her knees, highlighting her shapely calves. The sweetheart neckline pushed her breasts up high, instantly making his mouth dry and full of desire.
“Hi,” she smiled with lips tinted in a beautiful gloss.
“H-hi,” he stammered. “Holy fuck. You’re stunning.”
“Thank you,” she grinned. “Believe it or not, I feel stunning and you can thank Angel for the dress. It was his gift to me.”
“I will. I absolutely will,” he said taking her hand. He kissed her at the corner of her mouth, careful to not smudge her makeup. Leading her to the seat, he grabbed the champagne and poured them each a small amount. Raising the glass, he smiled at her.
“You look very handsome, Mitch.”
“I’m glad you think so,” he smiled. “To us.” The clinking of the glasses echoed through the bayou and he took the seat beside her so they could both see the setting sun on the bayou.
“This is beautiful,” she whispered.
“Marnie, I need to tell you something.”
“Oh, God,” she said pulling her hand from his. “You changed your mind. I knew you would.” She tried to stand but he refused to allow it.
“No! Shit, no! Can you just let me speak?”
“I-I’m sorry,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“Don’t cry, honey. Please don’t cry. I feel like a dick for starting the night that way. It’s not about you and me. You and me are perfect. There was an incident at the hospital this afternoon. A doctor that tried to apply for a job.”
“Was he hurt?” she asked with a frown.
“No, baby. It was Alden Johns.”
“Oh, God,” she whispered, swaying slightly. He held tightly to her, not allowing her to fall. “I have to leave. I can’t risk your safety.”
“You’re not leaving,” he said holding her even tighter. “We have men out looking for him now. He’s already violating his parole by leaving the state. He knows that we know the truth about what he did. He won’t be bothering you.”
“How can you be so sure?” she asked. A single tear trickled down her cheek and he kissed it away with a flick of his tongue.
“Because this is what we do. He won’t come near you. I do need to request that you only go through the back entrance of the hospital and that when you’re there, you always make sure one of the male nurses or doctors are with you.”
“Why only the males?” she frowned.
“Honey, they’re all Special Forces operatives. SEALs, Marines, Rangers, all of the them. We need, I need to keep you safe and they’re going to help me do that.”
“Mitch, he’s crazy. The threats he made, the things he said,” she said shaking her head.
“I know all about those and he won’t be able to follow through on any of it. We’re looking for him right now.”
“How did he find me?” she asked.
“I’m guessing that he somehow still has access to a database that says where doctors are working. None of that matters. Especially tonight. Tonight is about you and me.”
“You’re so calm about all of this,” she said with confusion. “I’ve been terrified for months that he’d come after me and now he has. What am I supposed to do?”
Mitch looked at her and smiled, pulling her onto his lap. She went willingly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Her long hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, only serving to emphasize those huge brown eyes.
“Love me,” he said quietly. She stared at him, confused at first. “Just love me, Marnie. I already know that I love you. I know because you’re the woman that’s been haunting my dreams for months now. I’m begging you to love me.”
“Mitch,” she said shaking her head in disbelief.
“No woman would ever need to be begged to love you. I’m so scared of so many things.
Alden, is probably number one. But this, you and me, is a close second.
I’m scared but I know that I’m falling in love with you as well.
How do I explain that? All from one kiss? ”
“It was a great kiss,” he smirked kissing her again. She laughed and held her tightly. “Let’s eat.”
In spite of the bad news, Marnie found herself famished. The dinner was absolutely perfect, like all the meals at Belle Fleur. Crème brulé for dessert and café au lait while they listened to the sounds of the animals, topped off the night.
“Shall I walk you back?” asked Mitch.
“Yes, please,” she smiled.
He held her hand as if it were glass. Precious and entrusted to his care. Others were out strolling, holding hands on this beautiful evening. Even his triplet younger brothers were in the grove, trying desperately to woo the girls.
“They’re so stinking cute,” smirked Marnie.
“Hey Marnie!” they waved.
“Hi guys.”
“Hey, don’t mind your big brother,” laughed Mitch.
“Oh, hey, Mitch,” said Cooper.
“I’m really loved,” he grinned.
“You are loved. By everyone. Including me, Mitch. Tonight was beautiful and although I’m terrified of what Alden might do, I trust you. I really, really trust you.”
“I’m glad baby.”
“But I do have one request,” she said standing in front of her cottage.
“I promise to tell you everything that’s happening,” he said. “I won’t keep anything from you.”
“That’s not it,” she said nervously. “Will you, I mean, could you, would you mind staying with me tonight. I mean, we don’t have to do anything.”
“No,” he said shaking his head. “If I stay with you tonight, I’m not leaving. Not ever. You’re mine and I’m yours and I will treat that body as my possession. If you can handle that, I’ll stay. Otherwise, I’ll see if one of the other guys will guard your home.”
Marnie stared at him, so surprised by his statement, she could barely breathe.
“M-Mitch,” she whispered. “Do you mean, stay, stay?”
“I mean stay forever, honey. Like I’m gonna put a ring on that finger and I’m gonna make you mine in every way possible. Understand?”
“I understand,” she smiled. “And yes. Stay with me.”
“Forever, baby.” She nodded and he took her hand, entering through the front door of the cottage. When he stopped in the living room, turning to be sure she was still with him, she grinned and pulled him toward the bedroom.
“Forever.”