The Australian Affairs Collection. Margaret Way

we’ve eaten, ring and see if they’re home today.

      * * *

      Unlucky to see the bride before the wedding? Yeah, right—that had really worked for her before.

      Sophia James had probably insisted that Louise follow tradition. And Alina hadn’t been able to deny Jean’s request after she’d been so supportive, even promising to keep the wedding a secret.

      Ethan had won Jean and Ray over with his charm and sincerity, convincing them that Alina was the only woman he’d ever wanted to marry. Jean truly believed he loved her. Only Alina knew he wanted to ensure the baby’s right to his name.

      After a teasing protest he had agreed to let Alina and Jean spend two nights in the hotel suite in order to shop and prepare. His compromise had been being allowed to have a short time alone with Alina the night before the ceremony.

      He’d sat beside her in the lounge, took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles.

      ‘Everything had to be arranged so quickly we didn’t follow many of the usual traditions. This one I can make right.’

      Before she could speak he stunned her by dropping to one knee without relinquishing his hold.

      ‘Alina Fletcher, will you marry me tomorrow? Be my wife for as long as you feel you can?’

      Her heart lurched at the hitch in his voice on the second question. Her eyes misted; her throat choked up. She looked into sincere cobalt eyes and her answer came easily.

      ‘Yes, I’ll marry you, Ethan.’ She refused to think about the time limit right now.

      He pulled a flat black box engraved with a familiar jeweller’s name from his jacket. The exquisite amethyst pendant was a flawless match for her engagement ring. Another thoughtful gift she wasn’t sure she deserved.

      She stared wide-eyed at this man who’d so drastically changed her life, pushed and cajoled her in matters he deemed important, eased off and given her freedom in others. Like where she slept. Knowing she was attracted to him, yet still unsure of herself, she hadn’t slept with him again. As promised, he hadn’t mentioned it.

      Over the last two weeks they’d slipped into an easy friendship she wanted to maintain though it was inexplicably frustrating sometimes. Hormones again?

      ‘It’s lovely, Ethan. Why...?’

      ‘Because I wanted to.’

      His lips covered hers in a long tender kiss. She slid the box onto the couch, leant in and wound her arms around his neck. Somehow she ended up in his lap on the floor, wishing he could stay.

      When he left his whispered, ‘I’ll miss you...’ was as tender as his kiss.

      * * *

      The wedding party was waiting for them in the roof garden. She had no reason to stall. Her hair shone with new highlights, its longer length framing her face and curling on her neck. The make-up applied by a beautician was light and perfect. Her long chiffon dress, shimmering with shades of lilac and silver, fell softly over her burgeoning bump. Her new necklace completed the illusion.

      This wasn’t the shy girl in a white princess gown who had trembled with eager anticipation eleven years ago. The woman staring at her today was a mature stranger, fulfilling a vow to friends. No wildly beating heart. No dreams of eternal love. Strip off the trappings and tonight’s ceremony was just a formal recognition of the decision Ethan had made to remedy a family dilemma.

      Everything changed the moment she stepped out of the elevator. He was watching for her, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and dark blue tie, his brilliant cobalt gaze immediately zoning in on hers. A dashing knight waiting for his princess.

      Her feet refused to move forward. Sensations cascaded through her brain, impossible to separate. Except for the one certainty she’d clung to since consenting to his scheme—her trust in this man, and her absolute belief that he’d never hurt or betray her.

      Her palms began to sweat as they gripped her orchid and fern bouquet. Her insides melted in a rush of heat while her heartbeat crashed into a rock ’n’ roll drum rhythm.

      A gentle nudge came from behind her. ‘He’s waiting for you, Alina.’

      Not any more. He strode forward, eyes gleaming, his radiant smile just for her. Taking her hands, he drew her to him, the rough timbre of his voice revealing his emotion. ‘Exquisite. Unforgettable.’

      Through misty eyes she was vaguely aware of Jean moving past her to join the others, glimpsed a photographer beside the celebrant. The city noises faded until there was only Ethan holding her, surrounded by a neon-enhanced darkening blue sky.

      His lips touched hers lightly, reverently. In an instant her mind cleared. Her reservations dissipated. She kissed him back, standing on tiptoe for deeper contact. The tremor that shook his body echoed in hers. They walked together to the flower festooned arch where she relinquished her bouquet, allowing them to join hands as they stood face to face.

      At this service the male response was calmer, clearer than the one so long ago. It ought to be impassive. Yet there was something in the resonance of his voice, in the pressure of his grasp and in the depths of his eyes that chipped at the barricades guarding her heart. She replied with the vows that would bind her to him in kind, without qualms or hesitation.

      ‘I pronounce you husband and wife.’

      Not waiting for permission, Ethan kissed her with all the fervour of a loving groom. Hugs and kisses were exchanged, and after the certificates were signed they all moved to a small lamplit marquee.

      The first toast was to the bride and groom, wishing them a long and happy life together. As they clinked glasses Ethan’s piercing eyes sent a message for her alone. His distinct, ‘To us!’ triggered a pleasurable shiver.

      The celebrant left and then their entrées were served. The wine waiter refilled their glasses and moved discreetly away.

      Ethan spoke next. ‘To those who will always be remembered, living on in our hearts.’ He held out his glass to Alina, dropped his gaze to her stomach and mouthed Louise and Leon. She reciprocated, touching her glass to his.

      Then her husband—a phrase she’d believed she’d never think or say again—surprised her even more. His fingertips gently lifted her chin and his eyes darkened with intensity as he repeated the salute. Her eyes misted as she understood his generous gesture. For Colin, his parents and Michael.

      The sweet liquid caught in her throat as she suddenly realised there’d been only a numbing sorrow as she’d thought their names. Had she come through the darkness, as Jean had suggested this morning? Not really. Ethan found it so easy to believe in our baby. Her maternal feelings had died on a dusky country road.

      She was definitely appreciative of the delicious specially prepared courses, making a mental note to send a written thank-you to the chef and his staff. Everyone in the know had been loyal and discreet—a tribute to the man by her side.

      * * *

      Ethan fiddled with his new gold ring. The sun had set. Hot drinks and handmade chocolates had been served. He was married—something he hadn’t envisaged in his foreseeable future. If he ever had, he would have imagined his choice would be one of his peers—a successful woman with interests they’d share, who had no desire to procreate.

      Circumstances and his code of honour had dictated otherwise. Yet to his amazement he felt satisfied, content, as if he’d found a unique treasure he hadn’t realised he’d been searching for. The vows he’d made to her were real. Her vows had been defined and strong.

      As if sensing his attention, Alina turned to meet his gaze. When she smiled shyly contentment morphed into something earthier, lustier. He’d never had the urge to swing any other woman round and then drag her into a mind-blowing kiss. Never had an impulse to sneak away at a family function for a kiss and a cuddle—maybe more. Now he stared into enticing violet eyes and imagined