Page 73 of Married at Midnight

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“We did it,” Ellie said in awe as she stood beside Connor outside Grayson House, their breath curling in the chill morning air.

Sunshine glimmered off a light dusting of snow that had fallen in the last hour, covering the roof and the lawn, turning an already beautiful house into a fairytale setting.

“It’s not just a house—it’s magical,” Ellie said with a smile. The nineteenth-century mansion looked better than any other house on the street.

“It’s Christmas and family and love all rolled up in a pretty pink package,” Connor said.

He put into words the emotions inside her. Grayson House was a home—their home for one more day.

“Let’s get you out of the cold,” Connor said. With a hand at the small of her back, he ushered her up the stairs to the door.

Zanzibar waited for them in the foyer. At their entrance, the cat padded over to Connor and rubbed against his legs. A soft purring sound filled the air.

“Someone is happy you’re home,” Ellie giggled.

“That makes two of us. I’m happy you’re home and safe,” he said, yet worry reflected in his eyes.

Knowing there was more to be said, Ellie said, “But . . .”

Connor released a heavy sigh and waved her into the parlor. “I know you must be exhausted, but we’re finally going to have that talk. No matter what.” He took a seat on the settee.

She settled onto the settee across from him. To her surprise, Zanzibar jumped into her lap, curled up, and went to sleep. Exhaustion should have overcome her by now, but she was far too awake to contemplate sleep. Ellie summoned a grateful smile. “Thank you for everything you did to negotiate my release.”

Connor frowned. “You were only in trouble because of me and my connection to Amanda.”

Ellie shrugged. “What relationship isn’t a little bit complicated?”

He raised a brow. “I’d say being kidnapped and drugged goes well beyond complicated and into dangerous.”

She fixed Connor with an uncompromising gaze. “You’re worth any danger that might come our way.”

“If you want to get married again, without the Elvises, we can,” he said, his smile fading. “I want you to have the wedding you’ve always wanted.”

“It’s the person you marry who matters, not the wedding itself.” She set Zanzibar on the floor, then stood as she closed the space between herself and Connor. “There is one last thing I want you to know, to really understand if we are to be husband and wife.”

She paused while he stood and looked into her eyes.

“I’ll never leave you,” she said.

“I believe you not only because it’s you who’s saying it but also because I’ve put my past to rest.” At her incredulous look, he continued. “I found out why my mother left my father and me.”

“How? Why?” she asked in a disbelieving breath.

“Trevor helped,” Connor explained. “He found a hospice nurse who remembered my mother.”

“Hospice?”

Connor nodded, then explained all he’d learned about Mary Grayson.

Tears pooled in Ellie’s eyes, falling onto her cheeks. “Does it help to talk about her?”

“With you, yes.” Connor reached up and brushed her tears away. “I want to talk about anything and everything with you for years to come.”

She swallowed roughly. “What are you saying?”

His green eyes filled with an emotion she hadn’t seen in them before. “I love you, Ellie.” He reached for the divorce papers on the table beside them and ripped them in half.