Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

She laughed some more as she wiped her face. “Then marry me, Josh McInnes.”

“Damn right I’m going to marry you.”

They turned to face the preacher. He grinned at them. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve adapted the wording of the service. I’m not asking for any objections this time.”

The group behind her laughed. The preacher’s words were a blur until Josh was asked if he took Caroline to be his wife. His answer was loud and clear. “I really do.” There was a cheer.

The minister turned to Caroline and asked if she took Josh as her husband. Caroline stared into Josh’s eyes and saw anxiety there. He was worried she’d refuse him. She touched his cheek with her palm and took a deep breath. “I do.”

Josh grabbed her around the waist and kissed her hard.

“Hey,” the minister shouted. “We aren’t at that part yet.”

With a grin that made her giddy, Josh put her back on her feet. Their friends were whooping loudly.

“It’s time for the rings,” the vicar said.

Mitch handed them to Josh. He turned back to Caroline. “They’re not what you expected because I thought we could pick them out together on our honeymoon.”

She looked down at the two plastic toy rings in Josh’s palm. She cocked an eyebrow at him.

“You forgot to get the rings, didn’t you?”

Mitch covered his mouth as he struggled not to laugh.

“I might have let it slip.” For once Josh was the one who turned a nice shade of red.

Caroline put her hands on her hips. “I gave you one job to do, Josh McInnes.”

He rolled his eyes. “Is this really the time and place for that discussion?”

She looked over her shoulder at their grinning friends and family. “Probably not, but don’t think it isn’t going to happen.”

He winked at her. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

He placed the pink plastic ring on her finger and grinned like he’d won the lottery. “We can pick out the one you want in Paris. Along with some new clothes.” He thought about it for a minute. “And lots of lingerie.”

She smacked him on the chest. He nabbed her hand and held it tight above his heart.

“Okay,” the vicar interrupted. “It’s Sunday night and I usually spend it watching Strictly Come Dancing. So how about we wrap this up?”

Josh squeezed Caroline’s hand tight.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Have at it. Kiss the woman.”

“With pleasure.” Josh’s lips descended on Caroline.

It wasn’t a polite kiss. It was a long, deep plundering kiss that stole the air from her lungs and the strength from her legs. When Josh pulled away from her, his look was knowing. “We’re having a short reception. In the kitchen.” He quirked an eyebrow at her, but did it with a smile. “Because the kitchen is the only room in the house with a floor.” Caroline grinned at him. “Then we’re heading to Paris. You and me. No people. No houseguests. No press. I’ll have you all to myself.”

He leaned down and kissed her again as the band began to play. Josh wrapped his arms around her, tucked his face in the crook of her neck and swayed to the music. Caroline gripped his shoulders. She wasn’t entirely sure that this wasn’t all a dream.

“Well, Mrs. McInnes.” She felt the words against her skin. “Any regrets?”

“Give me a week to answer that,” Caroline told him with a cheeky grin. “I’m sure I’ll come up with something.”

EPILOGUE

Nine Months Later—Invertary Castle