Page 67 of Hayes

The hall had been lavishly decorated with pink and blue ribbons and chairs had been set up to accommodate the few guests.

Walking the few steps, he met her halfway and took her hand and lifted it to his lips. "You are by far the most beautiful bride I have ever seen," he whispered. "I can't believe you are mine."

"Believe it," she whispered back.

Tucking her hand through his arm, he led her toward the makeshift dais. Handing the bouquet of Calla Lily and red and pink roses to her aunt, she turned with a smile as the beaming cleric started the ceremony.

Hayes' eyes held hers as they repeated their vows and could feel the intensity of the moment almost overwhelmed him. Then it was time for him to slide the stunning diamond rings on her finger, sealing their bonds as husband and wife for always.

"Now you, my dear," the man said as he turned toward her.

Taking the ring she had carefully chosen, she held his gaze as she slid the gold and diamond on, her fingers pressing over the circle. For a minute, they stood there absorbing the moment until they were pronounced husband and wife.

"You may kiss your bride."

Drawing her into his arms gently, he tilted her chin up, he brushed his lips lightly, feeling the tremors starting in her body. When she started reaching for him, he eased back, a smile touching his lips. "Later darling," he whispered.

"How is the pregnancy?" Celeste asked her curiously as she helped herself to a slice of the pink champagne cake.

"Very well, and we are still not telling people," Camelia warned. "If you go ahead and print–"

"Darling, relax. You invited me to the wedding and the photographer got some perfect shots. You make a stunning bride, by the way.

This is going on the front page of the magazine, and the sweet story of teen sweethearts reunited after twelve years will tug at the heart." She patted Camelia's hand. "I cannot believe you are still going to be working at the magazine."

"Hayes and I came to an agreement," she told the woman with a smile. "Completely remote until I decide if I am coming back in or doing just remotely from now on."

"I am satisfied with anything I can get. Thank you."

She was cornered by her aunt who had been waiting to speak to her. Guiding her toward one of the pale pink velvet chairs, she sat and waited for her niece to do the same. "I am proud of you," Angela told her solemnly. Looking over at Hayes who was conversing with his mother, she shook her head in wonder.

"I never dreamed that bringing you back here was the sensible thing to do. But it was. Now you are married to the same boy you fell in love with when you were a teenager." She patted her niece's hand. "And very soon, you are going to have a baby."

"It feels like I am dreaming," Camelia admitted, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I never thought we would end up together, not after what happened between us."

"You deserve some happiness after what you have been through."

Chapter 16

"We are back at the cottage."

"I figured this would serve as the perfect honeymoon location since you are not able to travel very far. We could be alone together, and you could get some rest. The doctor assured me that she is on call if anything happens."

Pushing open his door, he climbed out, the wind tugging at his long cashmere overcoat as he went to help her out. "We should hurry in. They are calling for snow. Let's get you inside. Take your time darling, there are some loose pebbles right here."

Camelia felt the cushion of his love and protection wrapping all around her, and it felt wonderful.

Opening the door, he ushered her into the cozy warmth of the cottage with the sound and feel of the fire snapping inside the hearth.

"It feels so good here."

Taking her jacket and gloves, he put them away. "I will just go back to grab our stuff. Hungry?"

"For more of that delicious cake, I could have some hot chocolate." She laughed softly. "I know it's piling on the calories–"

"Let's not worry about that," he told her firmly. "You are eating for two and even if you grow as big as an elephant, you have my assurance that I will still love you." His green eyes twinkled with mirth.

"You had better." Lifting her left hand, she wriggled her fingers so that the light from the fire caught the diamond and sent prisms of colors shooting all over the room. "This says we are together until death."