“Warn me about what, baby?”
Clicking heels outside the room had her eyes going wide as she looked at the door. In the next moment, my mother stepped into the room, Patricia and one of our part-time maids behind her, arms full of presents in various sizes.
Brenda Bennet had a ten-thousand-dollar purse hanging from her bent arm, was dressed like she just got back from Fashion Week, and had a smug grin on her face like she just knew she’d pulled a fast one.
“Merry Christmas, darling.”
Swallowing a groan, I straightened to my full height. “Mother,” I greeted cautiously. “What a surprise.”
“I know,” she said with a smirk. “Lucky for me, dear, sweet, little Ellianna helped me arrange my arrival.”
“I’m sorry,” Elli whispered when I shifted my gaze back to her. More tears spilled from her eyes, and she lowered her head.
“Who pays your security detail, Mother?” I tossed the question at her.
She shrugged. “I’m sure my accountant does.”
“No, Mother. I do,” I informed her with a smirk. “I’ve known you were planning this ‘surprise’ since August.”
What I didn’t know was why Elli was so upset about it. My mother could always manipulate her. Playing the “poor me, I’m so helpless” card and taking advantage of Ellianna’s kind heart.
“No need for theatrics, Judge.” She rolled her eyes. “Honestly, you would think you would appreciate the effort I put in to see my son for the holidays.”
“Ask yourself why you have to sneak around to be welcome in my home, Mother. And then we can talk about my theatrics.” Grasping Ellianna’s hands, I helped her to her feet.
Her chin was still wobbling. “You knew?”
“I’ve been keeping close tabs on her since she called Lyla over the summer to ask what our plans were for Christmas. I get a weekly report on her movements and a list of who she calls just to make sure she’s staying out of trouble.” I tugged Elli as close as possible with her baby bump in the way. “What did she say to convince you not to tell me she was coming here?”
Brenda huffed from the other side of the room. “You mean your spies didn’t tell you that?”
Ignoring her, I kept my eyes glued to Elli’s tear-soaked face. “Talk to me, baby.”
She hiccupped. “I got her call the same night Lyla had the incident with Gwen. I was worried, scared, and just all around not thinking straight. I barely heard what she said. I agreed without fully listening. I forgot all about it. Until two weeks ago. And she called to confirm, but I didn’t even remember what I promised her.”
“I’m sure she reminded you.”
She nodded, her braid flying around her head. “She mentioned the w-woman she was going to introduce you to. The one I agreed to help set up a lunch date with the day after Christmas. The same one she thinks will make the p-perfect…daughter-in-law.”
Wiping a tear from her cheek, I blew out a breath. “Another test?”
“No, no, I swear. I knew you wouldn’t even look twice at whoever she introduced you to. That’s why I didn’t say anything. But I was hurt because you obviously hadn’t told your mom about us. Or the baby. And I was a little jealous.”
I cocked a brow, and she sucked her lip between her teeth. “A lot jealous,” she amended.
Biting back a pleased smile, I tipped her head up. “I didn’t tell her yet because I hadn’t spoken to her. Since she was coming for Christmas, I planned to make the announcement then.”
“Oh.”
“Baby?” Mother squawked. “What baby? Please tell me your sister isn’t pregnant already. She’s too young to ruin her figure.”
Tuning her out, I kept my focus on the only person in the room who truly mattered. “I was hoping to make a double announcement.”
“You’re running for mayor?” Brenda asked hopefully.
“God, you get more annoying every time I see you,” Mabel griped.
Pulling the ring box from my pants pocket, I dropped to my knees in front of my Elli. “Ellianna Audrey Chambers, love of my life, mother of my child, keeper of my heart and dreams, marry me. Please.”
More tears flooded out of her eyes, but a smile teased at her trembling lips. “Is this real? You are actually asking me to…”
“Are you insane?” Brenda shrieked. “She’s the help.”
Enraged, I slowly turned my head to stare coldly at the woman who had given birth to me. “Shut your mouth, or I will lock you out of this house and freeze your accounts.”
“You’ll never become governor of this state if you marry her,” she wailed. “Let alone mayor.”
“Last warning, Mother.”
“But she’s—”
“Do not finish that sentence!” I roared. “Get out before you make me do or say something that will make Elli cry.”
She sniffled like I’d just broken her heart. “Fine. I’ll be quiet.”
“Too late. Leave. Now.” When she just stood there, I snapped my fingers. Two of her security detail walked in. Both of them had been vetted by Barrick, so I knew I could trust them. Tony had taught me a very valuable lesson, if nothing else. “Get her out of here.”
Huffing, Brenda turned on her heel. “I decided not to stay after all. And I’m taking your presents with me.”
“Oh no,” Mabel said dryly. “Don’t go. We’ll be so sad without you.”
One of the guards closed the door behind them, and I returned my focus to Elli, where it never should have left. “Baby, I’m sorry. I should have waited. Should have known she would ruin this for us. Forgive me.”
She threw her arms around my neck. “I love you. Please, can we get married today?”
Relief made it impossible to breathe for a moment as her words sank in. She wanted to marry me.
Today.
“You don’t want a wedding?”
“Just you. I only want you.”
And I would always give my Elli what she wanted.
Epilogue II
Ellianna
The moment the door to the classroom opened, I knew it was him. Had been anticipating it all day, my heart leaping every time my phone buzzed. I’d left it unanswered. Not even clicking on the messages to deny him the READ receipt it would supply him.
Keeping my attention on my students was a difficult feat, especially when my husband’s angry, hungry gaze was on me.
I kept lecturing, walking back and forth at the front of the room, asking and answering questions. Building Zachary’s anger until I could feel it. My skin pebbled with goose bumps. My nipples hardened. If I’d been wearing panties, they would have been soaked.
My skirt floated around my thighs, barely brushing the tops of my knees as I turned, pacing from one side of the room to the other as I talked.
“Elli,” he snarled from the door, his patience at an end.
I shivered in anticipation.
“Class is dismissed.”
I lifted my hands when the students quickly began to gather their things. “No, it isn’t. Ignore Judge Bennet. We still have fifteen minutes until class is over.”