Therefore, as we typed the email ready to change our world and someone else’s, I signed the message the only way I could:
We’re ready to save a life.
Any life.
Elder and Tasmin Prest.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
Extended Epilogue
______________________________
Pimlico
* * TWO MONTHS LATER * *
MONTE CARLO.
The city where I’d fallen in love, walked away from love, and been arrested.
The city where my life had truly begun again all thanks to Elder Prest, my fiancé, the love of my life, the man I was tying myself to in sickness and in health until death did us part.
Elder held my hand as we stared at each other. His black eyes on my green hazel.
We’d arrived a few days ago and moved into the stunning house with the Asian accents and Mediterranean relaxation, perched on a hill overlooking the ocean Elder loved so much.
Selix had helped us arrange a marriage license and we’d gone shopping the day before for a simple suit for Elder and a basic white sundress for me.
Elder had sent invites to his family with no expectation of their acceptance, but for once, it didn’t gnaw at him or steal any of his happiness. He’d come to terms with what he’d lost but also with what he’d gained.
If I dared break eye contact and look to the side where our witnesses stood, I’d see Selix as Elder’s best man and Louise, a sweet maid from the Phantom, as my maid of honour.
Two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate once we said the magic words.
That was all we wanted.
Just us.
The under-decorated magistrate office held a flag of Monaco and some official looking banners. No flowers. No garlands.
It didn’t matter.
It could’ve been the most beautiful place on earth and I wouldn’t have noticed.
All I cared about was him.
My husband to be.
Elder squeezed my fingers as the justice of the peace asked, “And do you, Elder Miki Prest, take Tasmin Pimlico Blythe as your lawfully wedded wife? To cherish, protect, and worship for as long as you both shall live?”
Goosebumps ghosted over my arms as Elder smiled. “I do.” Twisting a little, he held out his hand to Selix who placed a ring I’d never seen onto his awaiting palm. Splaying my fingers of my left hand, he slipped it onto my digit along with a simple gold wedding band. My wedding and engagement rings given in one go.
Tears immediately glassed the sparkling diamonds, conjuring rainbows in my vision. The brilliant cut was simple, the diamond big and beyond flawless. It sat on my finger as if it had always belonged.
Elder leaned in, whispering, “I had Jethro Hawk give up another one of his diamonds. I think they suit you.” He ran his thumb over my penny bracelet as he cleared his throat and looked once more to the gentleman marrying us.
The justice of the peace turned to me, asking me the same slightly amended question. “And do you, Tasmin Pimlico Blythe, take Elder Miki Prest as your lawfully wedded husband? To adore, cherish, and love as long as you both shall live?”
I nodded, my heart dressed up in pretty flowers and nodding with all its ventricular might. “I do.”
Louise bent forward, passing me a ring I’d only just had commissioned in Monte Carlo. I’d had to judge Elder’s finger size from watching him sketch yacht drawings the week before. Once armed with measurements, I sent Selix on yet another errand to tell the jeweller who I’d bought from online to make the correct size.
The thick gold glinted as I pushed it onto his finger and read the engraved inscription aloud. “You did more than love me. You saved me.”
Elder clutched my hand so tight it hurt.
The justice of the peace closed his folder, clasping it in front of him. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
I expected Elder to peck me sweetly—to avoid the compulsion of his needs. We couldn’t jump into bed after this. We had another appointment to attend to.
Just as important.
Just as vital.
However, he launched himself at me, scooping me up and kissing me fierce.
Applause came from Selix and Louise as I kissed my husband back, just as fierce, just as violent for the very first time.
* * * * *
“Are you ready?”
I clutched Elder’s hand as we climbed from the black Town Car and made our way to the hotel where we’d agreed to meet.
“Not at all.” I laughed, doing my best to hide my nerves.
We’d just got married.
The timeline for a baby would normally be another few years, not a few minutes.
It’d been two months since we’d messaged Tess and Q about saving a life, and in that time, I’d flip-flopped between utmost elation and absolute terror. The responsibility of this decision had woken me up in the night in a full-blown panic attack only for Elder to calm me down and give me a chance to pull out only to induce another panic attack at the thought of not having what we’d already become so attached to.