Chapter Fifteen Ella
Chapter Fifteen
Ella
It’s the morning of the last day of the year, which means it’s officially Tiero’s and my wedding day.
Two hours ago, I woke wrapped securely in Tiero’s arms while the blizzard still howled outside, rattling the shutters and bending the trees.
But somehow, against all odds, it looks like there’s a chance for our original plan to go ahead.
As we gather in the kitchen to prepare breakfast, the storm begins to ease. The violent gusts settle into something more manageable, the wind no longer screaming but sighing.
By the time we finish eating, a strange calm settles over the world outside.
Snow still falls, but slower now, softer. In the distance, patches of blue sky break through the heavy clouds.
“If it wasn’t for all the debris littering the ground, you could almost believe the blizzard never happened,” Rhia says, staring out at the winter landscape.
“I wish it hadn’t,” I reply. “Then we’d already have our marriage license. Without that, nothing can happen.”
“We will get married today,” Tiero says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
We all turn toward him.
He looks every bit the Don he used to be, controlled, certain, used to being obeyed. It’s ingrained in him, especially in moments like this when a decision has to be made.
I raise my brows. “It won’t be legal without that piece of paper.”
“Princess, don’t believe for a second that a piece of paper is going to stop me. There are ways around it.”
My brows lift higher. “What do you mean?”
Uncaring that we have an audience, he answers, “There are people who can adjust a date to what I want it to be.”
My mouth falls open.
“Tiero, no. This is my one and only wedding. There will be no illegal shortcuts.”
“Adjusting a date isn’t a grave offense,” Claudette says, siding with my fiancé.
Why am I not surprised she has no issue bending the rules?
I look at Rhia. She shrugs.
“It’s just a date on a piece of paper. It doesn’t matter. Your wedding day does.”
“We could just get married in a day or two,” I argue. “Once the roads are cleared and we can actually reach the clerk.”
“No,” Tiero says, his voice cutting through the room. “We begin the new year as husband and wife. End of discussion.”
Lex, standing beside Rhia, grins like this is the best show he’s seen all week.
“What’s so funny?” I snap. “Do you agree with them too?”
I know the answer before I’ve even finished the question. Lex isn’t one to follow rules either. Am I really such a goody two-shoes?
Tiero presses a kiss to my forehead. Turning to Lex, he asks, “Shall we check if we can salvage the spruce tree for tonight’s ceremony?”
“Sure thing,” Lex says. “I’ll get changed.”
With that, both men leave the living room. I watch them go, a knot forming in my stomach.
Turning back to the girls, I tilt my head, thinking it through.
“I’ll pick up the license from George Roberts, the clerk who’s been processing it. We went to his house the other day, and with satellite navigation, I should be able to find him again.”
Even as I say it, doubt flickers. Rhia huffs, and I send her a look that she ignores completely.
“Will it be ready this time?” Claudette asks.
“He promised it would be. I have to trust that.”
“And how are you planning to get there?” Rhia cuts in. “The roads are buried, and there’ll be fallen trees everywhere. Why not trust Tiero? He clearly has a plan.”
“It’s not just a ceremony, Rhi. It’s the beginning of my marriage and the rest of my life. I don’t want to start it by bending the rules.”
I hesitate for just a second. I’ve watched Rhia enough times by now, and I’m sure I can manage.
“I’ll take the dog sled,” I declare. “That way I can get around any obstacles.”
Claudette rubs her hands together, a grin spreading across her face.
“You know Tiero will have a hissy fit if you put yourself in danger.”
“Well, I’m not going to tell him,” I say, pushing past the doubt. “And if he and Lex get back before I do, I’m sure you’ll come up with something convincing.”
Claudette fist-bumps me while Rhia groans in frustration.
I head for the door. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rhia throw up her arms.
“El, wait!”
I don’t. I hurry down the corridor and slip into Tiero’s and my bedroom, pulling open drawers in search of my thermals.
“Why do you need those?” Tiero asks, stepping out of the walk-in closet, already dressed for the cold.
“Um… I need to take the dogs back to the shed.” I force a casual tone.
It’s not even a lie. I did promise him they wouldn’t turn into house dogs.
“And I want to decorate the sled for tonight,” I add quickly.
Also true.
“Remember, you promised to sit on it and let Rhia drive.”
I roll my eyes, and he swats my butt lightly.
“Yes, I haven’t forgotten. Though it’s not fair that Rhia gets to have all the fun,” I mutter.
He steps closer, bending to my ear.
“Don’t worry, princess. I’ll make sure you have plenty of fun tonight.”
Heat rushes through me as he captures my mouth in a kiss. For a moment, everything else fades.
Then he pulls away, gives me a wink, and leaves the room. I stand there for a second, my heart racing for more than one reason.
Then I move.
I change slowly at first, listening, waiting.
The moment I hear the snowmobiles roar to life, I finish dressing and head for the mudroom, pulling on my jacket and boots.
Rhia is already there, fully geared up, pulling her beanie over her head.
She grins at me. “You didn’t think I’d let you go out there on your own, did you? We both know you’d never find this guy, even with satellite navigation.”
I hate to admit it, but she’s right. There’s a good chance I’d get lost. Not that it would have stopped me.
“Plus, you promised Tiero not to mush the sled until after the baby. So you’ll need a chauffeur.”
She gives an exaggerated bow.
“At your service, milady.”
I pull her into a headlock before hugging her tight, holding on for a second longer than usual.
This is a bad idea. But I’m not backing out now.
Whistling to call the dogs, I force a smile.
“Let’s go then.”