Page 26 of Hidden Desire

“And Grace?”

Robert tried to smile. “No. I need her help with something.”

“Okay.”

Grace stood and came to him. She looked up at him with curiosity and then concern. “What happened?”

Robert made sure Hannah was settled before taking Grace’s hand. “Come with me.”

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked as they walked down the hallway.

He glanced down at her. “Of course not.” He stopped, turned to her, and grasped her shoulders. “Do you trust me?”

She nodded. “Yes. You know that.”

“I’m going to ask you to do something, and later, I’ll tell you why we’re doing it this way.”

Grace nodded, but he could tell she was apprehensive. He pulled her into the office and closed the door behind them.

“Sweetheart, I’d like you to meet a few of my friends.” Hepointed to both men and said their names.

She nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” Channing said.

“I’m told you’re a very sweet woman,” the judge said.

“Oh…” She looked up at Robert, relaxed, and smiled.

Robert pressed a kiss to her forehead. “He’s right. You are the sweetest person I know.”

He was pleased when she leaned into him. “Thank you.”

He grinned down at her. “This man right here,” he said and pointed at the judge, “is going to marry us.”

Her eyes widened. “What? Marry? When?”

“Right now.”

Her body stiffened. “But…”

“I’ll explain later, but right now, I need you to trust me.”

He waited while she dealt with the shock. He could tell when she finally gave in because her shoulders relaxed, and she nodded.

“Good girl,” he murmured against her temple. “I promise everything is going to be okay.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s do this,” Judge Phillips said.

Robert held her shaky hand in his as they made their vows. He saw the surprise when he slipped his grandmother’s wedding ring on her finger and then one on his.

“You may kiss the bride,” Phillips said and grinned.

Robert cupped her face in his hands and kissed her like he never had before. Just the thought of her finally being his and that no one would be able to take her from him made it feel like his chest would burst. He tucked her against his side and shook hands with Channing and Phillips. Shortly after, the judge left.

“Brandon texted me,” Channing said. “They have everything you asked him to do. So, the wedding is already public knowledge, and he’ll make sure the information gets tothe right people. Just telling a few of the busybodies is all you need to have the whole town know. As far as the other thing, he emailed you a file.”