She slowly walked toward me, and my eyes filled with tears of joy. No decision I’d made in my life was better than this one. We were meant to spend our lives together.
Waiting until the end of our vows to profess our love felt right too, especially since the next thing we heard was Dipper saying we were husband and wife.
The kiss we shared was harder, deeper, more passionate than any that had come before it. I saw it as a promise of the love we’d share, not just between her and me, but with the family I hoped we’d be blessed with. Maybe it was something we should’ve discussed before we took this giant leap, but it was only one of many things we hadn’t. We’d figure out whatever came our way together, making decisions together.
Maisie put her palm on my cheek. “You’re deep in thought.”
I shrugged. “I was just thinking that whatever life brings us, we’ll figure out together.”
“I like the sound of that very much.”
“Who’s ready for dinner?” asked Mabel. “We can serve you in the dining room or in the honeymoon suite. Whichever you prefer.”
“Honeymoon suite?” I mouthed.
Maisie nodded. “I think Dipper and Mabel moved us.” She stepped closer and put her mouth near my ear. “I’d rather have dinner there.”
I had to agree. Preferably with far fewer clothes on.
“By the way, where did you find this dress?” I asked when we were changing before our dinner was delivered and Maisie asked me to help with her zipper.
“I think it came with the room. Although Mabel did say she wore it for her wedding. Oh, and I haven’t told you, but this is where my grandparents got married.”
“You’re kidding?”
She shook her head. “Mabel knows them.”
This place and its history got more surreal with every passing minute. What were the odds we’d end up at the same place Al and Mary were married only to decide to elope like they had?
We spent two nights at the Love Lodge, and while I’d asked Maisie if she wanted to postpone her meeting in Lake Placid, she said that as long as I didn’t mind, she’d rather get it over with.
Diesel hadn’t found a connection between the other people on Maisie’s list of attendees and Maxim Edwards, who as far as I knew, still planned to be there. I’d be by her side, so his presence didn’t worry me.
We also discussed inviting Diesel as well as Swan, who would pose as a couple interested in investing in Canada Lake’s redevelopment. Wasp and Buster would remain behind the scenes, both with orders to pay close attention to Edwards in particular.
Since we spent the last two nights doing nothing but enjoying our honeymoon, Maisie was frazzled and feeling unprepared.
“This is a preliminary meeting, beautiful. You have the initial information packets ready. You are an expert on not just Canada Lake but the surrounding area. I’ve done enough of my own research that I can chime in if necessary as well.”
Her eyes opened wide. “Who will we say you are?”
“Your business partner.”
She studied me. “Are you?”
“I would like to be your partner in all things, but that’s your decision. For tomorrow’s meeting, we can certainly play it off that way. Just know that I believe in you and your ideas. If asked, I can honestly answer that I made the decision to invest after our first conversation.”
“You did?”
“Absolutely.”
She launched herself into my arms and kissed me. It was something I planned to enjoy as often as possible for the rest of my life.
“Is everything okay with you?” Diesel asked later when we were in the living room of the suite we’d reserved and I’d finished briefing the team on their roles.
“Never better. Why?”
“That’s what I mean. Look, I know getting laid puts everyone into a better mood, but you’re over the top.”
I hated him using that particular expression when talking about my wife, but Maisie and I had agreed that until we told her grandparents and my parents, we didn’t want anyone else to know we were married.
“Yep, that’s what it is. Are we all set?”
He raised a brow but shrugged it off and left the room like the others had. Maisie came out of the suite’s bedroom.
“Is everyone ready for tomorrow?” she asked.
“This is tame by our typical mission standards.” I realized that probably wasn’t the right thing to say when she put a hand on her hip. “But no less important,” I added.
When I sat on the sofa, Maisie sat beside me. “It’s nice to be alone again. Although I’m a little sad to be missing the band at Sherman’s this weekend, especially since I invited Onyx and your brother to go with us.”
“I’d forgotten all about that, and no offense to you, but I’m sure they did too.” Between Jimmy’s separation and Onyx not being able to be with the woman he loved—because of the threat against K19—I doubted either man wanted to go to a place where there’d be other couples dancing.
“Maybe next weekend.”
I nodded, but I had other plans. Since everyone believed we were traveling to research the areas of the park that drew the most tourists, there was no reason we needed to hurry back. Once the meeting was over tomorrow and we determined Edwards’ reason for wanting to be in attendance, there was a good chance we’d be able to send two of the people traveling with us home. I’d let Diesel decide which two, unless Onyx had an opinion, of course.
Maisie stood, and I expected her to walk away. Instead, she moved my arms and sat on my lap.
“Mmm.” I nuzzled her neck. “I like this.”
“Since, according to you, I am prepared for tomorrow, I thought we could get back to honeymooning.”
I stood with her in my arms and carried her into the bedroom.
“I never dreamed I could be this happy,” she said when I set her on the bed and undressed her.
“I feel the same way.” I said the words, but in the back of my mind, I had an immediate and powerful premonition. Impending doom.
“Are you sure?” Maisie asked, studying me.
“I’ll feel better once we’re done with Edwards.”
She nodded. “You and me both.”
By the next morning, the bad feeling had gotten significantly worse, and I said as much to Diesel when he and Swan arrived.
“Maybe we should rethink having Buster and Wasp on the outside.”
“I agree.”
There were six unknowns attending this meeting and five of us, counting Maisie. Even without counting her, we outnumbered them on experience and firepower alone.
“Have two more copies of the prospectus made and advise the guys to dress the part.”
“Roger that. Anything else, boss?”
I looked up at Diesel, expecting to see a smirk. I didn’t. As he’d reminded me before, I was his boss, and it was time I acted like it. “Not at this time.”
16
MAISIE
I was a nervous wreck, and while he tried to hide it, I could tell Ranger was anxious too.
Fifteen minutes before I expected anyone to arrive, there was a knock at the door. I dropped the water I’d been holding.