Til Debt Do Us Part (Married At Midnight #4)

Chapter 37

Thirty-Seven

Dare

I straighten my collar in the gilded mirror, the crisp edges of my button-down stark against the opulent wallpaper. I've elected to wear a pair of chinos and a simple light blue button up shirt. Hardly wedding attire, even for an impromptu vow renewal. But we didn't want to repeat the wedding that we already had.

I wanted something more intimate, just a small gathering to celebrate our vow renewal.

Besides, we couldn't wait. Not with the baby coming. Soon, we will be too busy with a new baby and a new adopted daughter to think about ourselves.

This is our last chance to be selfish.

My fingers tremble as I fumble with the cufflinks Talia picked out for me. I'm more nervous now than I was at our first wedding.

This one feels real. Permanent.

"It's time, Mr. Morgan."

I turn to see Clive in the doorway, prim and proper as ever in his coat and tails. He's been a fixture of this house for decades. The closest thing Burn and I ever had to a father.

I clap him on the shoulder.

"For the thousandth time, Clive. It's Dare. And thank you for the heads up. How's it looking out there?" I ask.

"Perfect, sir-- er, Dare. Just as you envisioned."

I nod, exhaling slowly. "And Talia?"

"Radiant as ever. I believe Ms. Solana is keeping her occupied."

Despite the churning in my gut, I smile.

Solana. The sweet, fiery orphan who burrowed her way into our hearts. When I picture my future, she's a giant part of it.

Another deep breath. "Well, let's not keep them waiting."

Clive bows. "Right this way, Mr. Morgan."

Frowning, I follow him out, each step heavier than the last.

The gardens are resplendent, overflowing with roses and peonies. White chairs line the stone pathway to an arch woven with hydrangeas and lilies. Our closest friends and family fill the seats - Aunt Minnie dabbing her eyes, Rob fussing with the programs.

At the end stands the justice of peace, holy text in hand. A door swings open and heads begin to turn.

My heart races as I catch sight of Talia. She's wearing a stunning blue dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. It does nothing to hide her obvious pregnancy, but that's more than okay with me. Her hair is swept up in an elegant bun and she's clutching a bouquet of red roses. She's breathtakingly beautiful. For a moment, I forget why we're here and just stare.

Solana is at Talia's side, pink petals spilling from her small hands. The sight takes my breath away.

My breath catches as Talia lifts her eyes to meet mine. The nerves melt away. All I feel is joy. Absolute certainty. No more games or misunderstandings. This is real.

She beams as I take my place beside her.

"You look beautiful," I whisper.

"So do you." She smooths my collar, her ring catching the light. The one I slipped onto her finger seemed like a lifetime ago.

The justice begins, his voice distant. My focus stays on Talia. The woman who fought her way into my heart. The one who makes me want to be better.

"Do you, Dare, take Talia..."

"I do," I say firmly.

Her eyes glisten as she echoes the vows. We speak the traditional words, but for us they carry new meaning. In this moment, we create our own family. Our own future.

I slide the ring that Aunt Minnie gave Talia onto Talia's finger. Looking at her, thinking how this moment symbolizes our stories coming together. It's not just about us anymore. It's about the life growing inside of her. It's about Solana. I swear to protect and love them all with everything I have.

"You may kiss the bride," the justice intones.

I cup her face in my hands and kiss her deeply, sealing our promise. Applause erupts around us. Solana skips over, hugging our legs.

I bend down and scoop Solana up, lifting her so that she too can share an embrace.

We are Mrs. and Mrs. Morgan again. But we're so much more than that. And it feels so damn right.

Talia pulls back, laughing through her tears.

"We're really doing this," she says.

I smooth a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No backing out now."

My thumb brushes her cheek, and she leans into my touch. A tender moment before the reception sweeps us up.

"Can I have cake?" Solana inquires.

Talia laughs and nods. "You certainly can, honey."

A server appears with a tray of champagne flutes, her broad smile creasing her wrinkled face. Standing right behind the server are Magda and Clive, watching the server with rapt attention.

Clive stands ramrod straight, dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief. Magda takes several flutes off the tray and offers them to us.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. Everyone gets sparkling cider, out of respect for the baby." Magda presses glasses into our hands. "Let us all drink to new beginnings."

We clink glasses and drink. The bubbly liquid stings my throat. Makes me feel alive.

Rob weaves through the crowd toward us, phone glued to his ear as always. But his grin is genuine. He covers the speaker and whispers.

"I've got Felix's lawyers on the line."

I huff a laugh. "You should just hang up on them. Tell them they've got a loser of a case."

Rob nods and turns away, still listening to the speaker.

Talia slips her arm through mine. "Shall we mingle, husband?"

The word sends a thrill through me. I squeeze her hand.

"Lead the way, wife."

We descend the steps into the gardens and a shower of rose petals. Solana dances around us, her flower girl duties done.

As we make the rounds, my thoughts linger on Talia beside me. Her inner strength. Her compassion.

Talia's arm loops through mine as we make our way through the well-wishers. I catch glimpses of the ornate diamond on her finger, glinting in the sunlight. Aunt Minnie's ring, passed down through generations and now resting on Talia's hand. A Chance family treasure.

Beside it, the impressive rock I presented her glimmers. Overkill, Tristen called it. He's not wrong. But Talia deserves the best and deserves to feel how much she means to me.

We pause as Solana skips over. Her grin is bright beneath her flower crown.

"Do you like my dress?" She gives a little twirl, the tulle skirt fanning out.

Talia crouches down, eye level with her. "It's beautiful. You make a perfect flower girl."

Solana beams and throws her arms around Talia's neck. My heart swells, seeing their bond. Knowing Solana needs this. She needs us .

I ruffle Solana's hair as she pulls away. "Yeah, not too shabby, kid."

She scrunches her nose at me. Sassy as ever. But her eyes are warm.

Watching her scamper off, I feel Talia's hand on my arm. Our eyes meet, a silent understanding passing between us. Solana has carved out a place in our lives.

I take Talia's hand, our fingers intertwining. The crowd parts as we make our way toward the garden gates.

There waits the sleek white limo, ready to whisk us away. To our new beginning.

But first, farewells must be made.

Magda steps forward, eyes glistening. She clasps Talia's hands in her wrinkled ones. "Welcome to the family, dear girl. You make our Dare very happy."

Talia smiles, voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Magda. For everything."

Magda pats her cheek fondly before turning to me. "You take good care of her," she instructs in her heavy accent.

"Always," I promise. We embrace tightly. The woman who bandaged my childhood scrapes, who snuck me cookies before dinner. My second mother.

Next is Clive, posture ramrod straight in his coat and tails. We clasp hands. "Congratulations, Dare," he says stiffly, though his dark eyes shine.

"Thank you, Clive."

He leans in close. "Your mother would be so proud of the man you've become."

I grip his hand tighter, words escaping me. Clive nods in understanding.

Finally, Burn steps up, trademark smirk in place. "Try not to run this one off too fast," he jokes, but his tone holds warmth.

I pull him into a bear hug as he thumps my back. My brother. My family.

With final waves, Talia and I duck into the waiting classic silver two seater Aston Martin convertible. I am beyond happy to drive as I wink at Talia. I gun the engine and put my hand on the stick shift.

"Are you ready to take this adventure with me, Mrs. Morgan?"

She smiles up at me, eyes brimming with promise. "Always, Mr. Morgan."

Her kiss is soft and sweet, a delicate promise. As we break apart, her fingers trail down my jaw, eyes searching mine.

We pull out, though we have to go slow while we're still in the miles-long driveway.

"I know it hasn't been an easy road for us," she says, shouting to be heard. "But I meant every word today. I'm yours, Dare. For better or worse."

My throat tightens. No matter how many times I hear it, her devotion still amazes me.

"I'll spend every day trying to be the man you deserve," I vow.

Her lips quirk. "You already are."

The sprawling green acres of the estate fade into the distance out the convertible top. There is a definite chill in the air, despite our wedding taking place in the late morning. I reach into the back and pull out a heavy blanket that I put there just for this moment.

Talia glances at me with a laugh and tucks the blanket around her shoulders. “You think you know me so well."

"Darling girl." I smirk at her. "If I don't know everything about you by now, then I have the joy of learning. I've got the rest of our lives."

Talia doesn't answer but she rests her head against my shoulder. God damn, that feels so exquisite.

Despite the urgency of our sudden wedding, contentment settles through me. With Talia by my side, I'm ready to face whatever comes next. Diaper changes, sleepless nights, spit up. Bring it on.

I drive just outside the city, to a two-story chrome and white house, a luxury vacation rental. We're parents now, so we can't go on any long honeymoon far away from Solana or the birthing center.

But I can have Talia to myself for tonight. I slow the car and pull into the drive. I step out and offer Talia my hand.

"Shall we, Mrs. Morgan?"

She takes it, beaming. "Yes please, Mr. Morgan."

Talia squeezes my hand as we walk into the yard and onto the beautiful verandah. She looks just like a movie star just now, her blue dress billowing in the breeze. I can't take my eyes off her glowing face.

"Just think," she says. "In a couple of weeks, we'll have a little girl with us."

I grin. "Our lives are about to change in the best way."

As we settle on the luscious outdoor furniture, Talia pauses, placing her hand on her pregnant stomach.

"This place is very nice."

I cock a brow at her. "Do you want me to buy it for you as a vow renewal present?"

She rolls her eyes, kicks off her shoes, and puts her feet in my lap. "A foot rub would be nice."

I massage her feet, which are swollen and red. I don't say a word about it. Rather, I relax and soak Talia in.

"It's so crazy to think our baby is growing in here right now," she marvels, cupping her stomach.

Reaching out, I gently lay my palm next to hers. A fierce protectiveness rises in me, determination steeling my spine.

"I'll always keep you both safe," I vow, my voice rough with emotion. Talia's eyes shine with unshed tears. "Solana too."

"I know you will."

Her lips curl and she leans forward to brush her lips over mine. In that kiss, I taste our future - one filled with love and family and new beginnings.