Knight Takes Queen (20 page)

During the ceremony, Nana stood on one side of the bed, Dominic on the other, Kate’s hand in his while the minister read the vows. The guests were those from Dominic’s house and office staff who couldn’t be ignored, along with Nigel Bell and Mrs Hastings who’d been included out of gratitude for their masterful accomplishments. The room was packed.

Max frowned at Nigel when the designer took out his cell phone and started taking a picture of the bride and groom, and even a man of Nigel’s bravado understood the danger. He quickly put away his phone and Max’s attention returned to the ritual being performed.

The ceremony had reached the point where rings were exchanged. The minister waited while Dominic took two rings from his jacket pocket, handed one to Kate, then leaned forward slightly.

‘Look inside,’ he said, quietly, as if they were alone in the room, the world, his focus exclusively on Kate.

She turned the wide gold band in her fingers, read the
inscription:
Katherine loves Dominic
. Followed with a colourful enamelled happy face.

‘I hope you don’t mind,’ he said, softly. ‘I presumed.’

Her smile was warm with love. ‘It’s perfect.’

‘Your ring is inscribed
Dominic loves Katherine
, happy face. See?’ He held out her wedding band of square cut diamonds.

‘No property of?’ she murmured, a teasing note in her voice.

‘I figured that’s what the wedding bands mean. Mutual property of.’

A mischievous smile this time. ‘Good call.’

Leaning in even closer, Dominic said, brusquely, ‘I’m serious, Katherine.’

‘You better be,’ her brows lifted in warning, ‘because I’m
super
serious about that.’

Of all the audacious qualities in their relationship, perhaps the strongest was the obsessive nature of their love. It was enigmatic and amazing, exuberant and chaste, a bona fide miracle Dominic in particular recognized having been alone so long.

Nana cleared her throat and Dominic looked up. ‘I’m an old lady. I don’t like to stand too long. Could you have this discussion later?’

Kate flushed with embarrassment.

Dominic’s mouth twitched, but he suppressed his guffaw, thinking it likely would offend the minister. ‘Forgive me, Nana. It was inconsiderate of me to make you wait.’ Then he nodded for the minister to resume the service.

This time it was Nana’s mouth that twitched and she wished Roy was still alive. He would have liked Dominic. Roy had been equally unflappable. And she looked up for a second to send her husband a message because she talked to him a lot and she wanted him to know:
Our baby girl is getting married to a nice man, Roy. Are you smiling?

When the service was over and the minister pronounced the conventional phrase, ‘You may kiss the bride,’ Nana waited politely until Dominic had kissed Kate before she said, ‘Gramps wanted to give you a kiss too.’ She kissed Kate on her cheek. ‘And one from me, baby girl,’ she whispered, and kissed her again.

‘Don’t cry, Nana, or I’ll cry,’ Kate whispered, seeing the tears in her grandmother’s eyes. ‘And tell Gramps thanks.’

‘He knows.’ Nana blinked and smiled. ‘Now I don’t know about you,’ she said, changing the subject, ‘but that champagne from the bottom of the Baltic has me intrigued.’ She looked at Dominic.

‘Coming up, Nana.’ He’d no more than spoken than one of Quinn’s servers appeared, carrying a tray with four glasses.

The minister didn’t stay long and whether it was his departure or the fact that half the bottles of champagne already had been consumed but the reception turned lively. The re-corked champagne was excellent even after having lain in six hundred feet of water for almost two centuries.

Nana was enjoying herself, entertaining Nigel and others with stories of fishing in the Boundary Waters, comparing notes with the designer on lures; he made his own colourful
ones for trout fishing. Even Mrs Hastings was seen to actually smile a real smile when Nana complimented her on not only the entire wedding but her pearls. ‘Family heirlooms?’ Nana inquired, graciously. At which point Mrs Hastings explained her necklace’s history at some length to Nana’s interested nods and smiles. Decades of making polite conversation with parents who thought their children were geniuses had honed Nana’s diplomatic skills. She wasn’t always bluntly outspoken.

Having drunk their token toast and eaten from Quinn’s splendid smorgasbord, accepted congratulations from all their guests and chatted with everyone, Dominic and Kate relaxed on the bed, enjoying the rising level of conversation and congeniality. His jacket and shoes discarded, Dominic held Kate in his arms, content, deeply satisfied, relieved that their relationship was legally validated, that they were married at last. He’d never been a man who’d waited for what he wanted.

That his pleasure was partially clouded by the loss of their child was only normal. But,
Katherine’s mine
, he reflected, obsessive and adoring.
Now and for ever
. That certainty helped mitigate the pain.

Recognizing Dominic’s sudden quiet, Kate turned slightly to look up at him. ‘How are you feeling?’ At his blank expression, she said, ‘Sorry. Wrong question with you. Are you OK?’

‘Yes. And don’t get pissed, but I was just thinking that you’re mine for ever.’ He smiled faintly. ‘I happen to like the idea.’

‘It’s not a problem. I know what you mean about having someone.’ She ran her thumb over one of his shirt buttons, then looked up and her voice dropped in volume. ‘You had your sister and I had Gramps and Nana—’ she paused.

‘But you always felt—’

‘Just a little bit alone,’ Kate finished, softly.

‘Yeah.’ His eyes were grave. ‘Sometimes more than just a little.’

She smiled. ‘And now we’re not alone.’

He slid his finger under her chin, lifted her face. Their eyes met. ‘And now we’re not alone,’ he whispered, and slowly, unhurriedly, touched her mouth with his. And in the lush pleasure and ripening silence, they committed to memory the sheer beauty and magic of the moment.

After their kiss, Dominic surveyed Kate with slight puzzlement. ‘What? Did I do something?’ He was beginning to recognize Kate’s moods. Or perhaps he loved her enough to pay attention.

She shook her head. ‘It’s just me. I’m feeling really happy and feeling guilty about being so happy. Like it’s not right or I shouldn’t be so un—’

‘Don’t,’ he interrupted, softly. ‘It’s a new day, OK? It has to be – or we’re not going to get through this.’

‘I know.’ She softly sighed. ‘You’re right.’

Wanting to trample that sigh into the ground or carry the weight of it himself, he said, straight-faced, ‘Jesus, let me record this moment for posterity.’ He made a check in the air with his finger, smiled faintly. ‘You’re saying I’m
right
?’

She giggled. ‘Maybe just this once.’

‘Uh-uh, not just once. Now that you’re mine and can’t get away, I’ll start training you. Teach you to take orders. Make you understand that I’m
always
right.’

She sat up straight. ‘That’s never gonna happen.’

‘Hell yeah, it might,’ he drawled.

‘No way.’

But she was smiling. ‘Two games out of three?’ he said.

‘I set the rules.’

‘Go for it. You still don’t have a chance.’

Her face flushed. ‘We’ll see about that.’

‘After everyone leaves,’ he said, pleased he’d averted another outpouring of tears. At least for now.

Although, he knew neither could ever forget their irretrievable loss.

But they didn’t have a chess play-off that evening because once everyone left, Kate was too fatigued. Nana kissed her goodnight and left with Max who was driving her back to the house. Mrs Hastings and Martin saw that the suite was cleaned up quickly and quietly before leaving. Then Dominic helped Kate get ready for bed and held her until she fell asleep. He still had two calls to make before they could leave London, so he waited until she was sleeping deeply and then he slipped from the bed and walked out into the hall.

Justin picked up on the first ring.

‘I need your help with Katherine’s contract at CX Capital,’ Dominic said. We’re leaving London in a day or so. The good
news is that I’m married as of five hours ago. The bad news is we lost the baby. We’re at St Mary’s Hospital. The doctor says Katherine can go home day after tomorrow.’

‘I’m sorry about the baby. It must hurt like hell.’

‘Yeah, it’s killing me.’

A silence fell, thick, dry as dust.

Measurably nervous, Justin spoke first. ‘If I’m not out of line to say it, congratulations on your marriage. I know Katherine is …’ he hesitated, rejected words having to do with love considering Dominic’s history, ‘important to you.’ Under different circumstances, Justin would have made a quip or two about Dominic and marriage.

‘Thanks, appreciate it,’ Dominic said, as if Justin’s agitation wasn’t vibrating through the phone. ‘I’ve been wanting to marry Katherine for quite a while. Now, if you need our attorneys to step in at CX Capital, let Roscoe know,’ he said, crisply, back on topic. ‘If you need more than attorneys to clear this up, if I have to talk to someone, let
me
know.’

‘I don’t expect problems.’ Justin quickly adjusted to Dominic’s business-like tone. ‘Bill’s a good guy. I’ll explain the situation to him. It’s completely understandable. And if there’s anything else I can do to help with – whatever …’ His voice trailed off.

‘Thanks. That’s all I need at the moment.’ Dominic suddenly sounded tired. ‘I’ll give you a call later, make sure everything went smoothly. Ciao.’

When he spoke to Joanna, her response to news of Kate’s miscarriage was wholly female; she offered sympathy
without inhibition and restraint. ‘Oh, how awful! Are you sure Kate’s all right? Does she want someone to sit with her? How terrible for you! I can’t imagine anything sadder when you were looking forward to the baby. Just tell me what I can do to help.’

If he wasn’t so wiped, Dominic might have considered smiling at the gender differences. Instead, he said in as friendly tone as he could conjure up under the circumstances, ‘Thanks, Joanna, but we’re both semi-managing the pain. We were married a few hours ago though so there’s pleasure in that.’

‘Married! How wonderful. And I won’t make the cliché remark about a future family, but you know what I’m thinking.’

‘I do. We’ll be leaving London in a day or so. I just wanted to let you know. Katherine’s sleeping now. It was a long day for her. I’ll tell her I talked to you. She gave me permission to speak to you about her leaving. Are we good?’

‘Yes, of course.’

‘I’ll tell Katherine you’ve been considerate about her circumstances. Please accept my appreciation for your understanding.’ He paused briefly and his exhaustion was evident in his voice when he added, ‘You can expect some new clients from time to time. And I’m not doing it to be nice. You’re good.’

‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you. But before you hang up, I’d like to come and see Kate if she’s up to it.’

No don’t in case you screw this up
. ‘I’m sure she’d like to see
you,’ Dominic said instead because Katherine was his wife now; he could deal with anything knowing the permanence of that bond. ‘I’ll tell Katherine you’ll be over.’

With those two necessary calls accomplished, Dominic returned to the suite and spent another hour on his emails. Then he found pyjama pants and a T-shirt Martin had packed, put them on, and opened the rollaway bed he’d had brought in.

He stood motionless for a moment, his gaze on Kate, debating whether he’d disturb her if he joined her in bed. He smiled faintly. What the hell – it
was
his wedding night.

A yogi couldn’t have done it better; he moved each muscle with slow, exquisite restraint as he climbed into bed, put his arms around Kate and gently drew her against his chest. She sighed once as she snuggled closer.

He smiled. Jesus Christ, that was an improbably beautiful sound.

A second later, he was sleeping.

Kate was feeling so good the next morning that she was ready to leave. But Dr Fuller insisted on one more day in the hospital.

So Dominic settled in, not in the mood to let Kate out of his sight, not sure he’d ever be in the mood after having nearly lost her. Quinn brought in their breakfast, Martin came in with casual clothes for both of them, and Nana and Leo arrived shortly after ten.

‘I came in to say good morning and to see how you’re feeling,’ Nana said.

‘I’m feeling like I’d like to get out of here, but the doctor said no. Tomorrow though,’ Kate said from the bed, ‘I’m free to go.’

Nana glanced at Dominic. ‘And then?’

‘The plane’s on the tarmac. I’m just waiting until Katherine feels strong enough.’

‘I’m good,’ Kate said. ‘Whenever.’

‘Why don’t we see how you’re feeling tonight? I’ve been
beat up enough to know the aches and pains get worse as the day progresses.’

‘I can sleep on the plane.’

Dominic smiled. ‘You sound ready.’

‘I am.’

Nana shot a look at Dominic, sitting next to the table with their breakfast remains. ‘You staying here all day?’

He nodded.

‘Wheels up tomorrow?’

‘Maybe. Depends on Katherine.’

‘I’m guessing tomorrow then,’ Nana said with a grin for her granddaughter. ‘In that case, if you don’t mind, Katie, Leo’s going to take me on a rush tour of the museums. He claims he can do it in four hours.’

‘Take your time, Nana. Dominic will entertain me, won’t you?’

He smiled. ‘I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.’

Five minutes later, they were alone again and Dominic glanced up from pouring himself another cup of coffee. ‘Want some? No?’ He dropped in four sugar lumps, and leaned back in his chair. ‘Nana must like museums if she’s doing the whirlwind tour.’

‘It’s the teacher in her. She sees it as an intellectual obligation.’ Kate smiled. ‘I’m not saying she doesn’t like art and culture, but the duty part comes first. If there are five museums in town or ten, Nana’s going to see them. Are you sure Leo doesn’t mind?’

‘He doesn’t mind. He paints in his spare time so he’s a great tour guide.’

‘Leo paints?’

‘He’s pretty good.’

‘Seriously?’

‘Seriously. He had his own show last year in Sydney and he sold out.’

Kate grinned. ‘You bought them all?’

‘Uh-uh. I had to fight off two people just to buy one. He paints meticulous landscapes – photo realism stuff. Really impressive. The painting I bought is in the dining room in Hong Kong.’

‘I didn’t see it.’

‘The small dining room.’ His brows flickered. ‘Mother requires the formal one.’

‘Ah – I see.’

He grinned. ‘So polite, baby.’

‘We’ve only been married a day. I’m still on my best behaviour.’

He laughed. ‘So I should stay alert.’

‘Not you, your mother. You need someone to protect you.’

‘And you’re taking on the lioness role.’

‘You betcha.’ Cupping her fingers and miming claws, she playfully growled.

Dominic grinned. ‘Now
that
little scene is definitely on my wish list. Should we invite Mother to our wedding reception back home?’ At Kate’s sudden grimace, Dominic’s expression sobered. ‘Don’t worry, baby. I won’t let her near you.
You’ve led too sheltered a life to take on the wicked witch. Leave her to me.’

‘Maybe if I had Nana at my side,’ Kate said, offering up a tentative smile.

‘You don’t need Nana, baby, you’ve got me. No one, including Mother, will ever hurt you.’ He didn’t say,
I’d kill for you
, because he didn’t want to freak her out. But there was no question in his mind. ‘So what do you want to do?’ He lifted the remote from the table and raised a brow.

‘Take me for a walk down the hall. I’m tired of lying here.’

She held Dominic’s arm and they walked to the gift shop where Kate bought some magazines and candy bars.

On their way back to the suite, Dominic gave the bag a little shake. ‘You must be feeling better. You have enough candy bars for—’

‘Me?’ She shot him a quick stare. ‘Is that what you were going to say?’

He laughed. ‘For you and Miss Bossy both.’ He winked. ‘Glad you’re back on form, baby. But if you’re feeling generous, I’ll take one of those pecan things.’

‘Things?’ she said in a little hum. ‘As in you never eat candy?’

‘I don’t much. Is that a problem?’ He grinned. ‘Remember who the real boss is before you answer.’

She swung her arm and punched him hard.

‘Ow, ow!’ he yelped. Flicking his glance sideways to a couple who’d come to a stop at his sharp cry, he turned to Kate with a private little smile. ‘Playtime, baby?’ Then he
swept her up in his arms and rolled his eyes at the open-mouthed couple. ‘Sorry. She’s off her meds again,’ he said as he strode past them. ‘It happens every time.’

‘You’re such an exhibitionist,’ she hissed, hugging him hard, giggling against his neck.

‘Always, baby,’ he murmured, dipping his head and nuzzling the warmth of her hair. ‘So don’t fuck with me in public.’

‘Maybe I don’t care.’ She looked up at him with a smirk. ‘What do you think of that?’

That flicker of teasing in her eyes never ceased to make him think of how lucky he was. How the odd, magical evening in Hong Kong had changed his life. ‘I think it sounds like a match made in heaven,’ he said, softly. ‘You and me together.’

Her eyes filled with tears. ‘Kiss me,’ she whispered. ‘
Right now
.’

‘Because somehow we found each other in this spectacularly messed-up world, right?’

Choking back her tears, she nodded.

He stopped and kissed her in front of the elevators with a dozen people standing by.

But he didn’t notice.

Nor did she.

Because Katherine was his world, and he was hers.

Their kiss ended to a round of applause.

Dominic looked around. ‘We just got married,’ he said with a smile.

‘He means I finally caught him.’ Kate grinned. ‘And it wasn’t easy.’

‘She likes to kid. I had to kick her boyfriend’s ass and haul her off,’ Dominic said, walking away.

‘Young Americans,’ someone remarked, matter-of-factly.

An elderly man was smiling as he watched Dominic’s departure. ‘I envy the young chap. A Californian I’d say with that accent.’

‘That explains the complete lack of manners,’ a thin, pursed-lipped woman observed, not amused. ‘And the sandals.’

‘You’re in big trouble,’ Kate quipped. ‘Embarrassing me like that. Is it too late for an annulment?’

‘It was too late six months ago, baby. Look surprised. I was too. But what can I say … Cupid’s arrow hits and it’s all over.’ He grinned. ‘Want me to write a song?’

‘Not if Cupid’s in it.’

‘I could pay someone to write a song.’

‘Or you could just keep smiling at me like that and I’ll forget about you embarrassing me.’

This was where he
could
have argued about who started what. ‘Thanks, baby. I appreciate your understanding.’

‘OK, now I’m worried. What do you want?’

‘You permanently right here.’ He shifted her slightly in his arms. ‘Nothing much,’ he said, pleasantly. ‘One simple request. All the rest is negotiable.’

‘OK, yes.’ No hesitation, a big wide smile.

His eyes creased with pleasure. ‘Smart girl.’ Because none of it was negotiable, not really.

After they reached the suite, it turned out Kate wasn’t as strong as she thought she was, or perhaps she’d become over fatigued yesterday; she spent a good part of the day napping. Dominic worked on his laptop, looking up to check on her breathing every few minutes because he still hadn’t gotten over the frightening events in the operating room. He wasn’t sure he ever would.

Nana and Leo returned that afternoon with glowing commentary on the various art shows they’d seen, Max arrived shortly after with some reports for Dominic, and Joanna stopped by after work. When Quinn brought in dinner, Joanna stayed and ate with them. It was a festive evening, the food exquisite, Dominic’s wine cellar superb, going home the topic of conversation. Joanna was completely circumspect about the details of her agreement with Dominic. And when she gave Kate a cheque equal to half their business, Kate took one look at the sum and said, ‘Heavens no. That’s too much. Tell her, Dominic,’ she added, showing the amount to him. ‘I couldn’t possibly take that much.’

He glanced at it. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course I’m sure. I know what we had in the bank.’

Dominic’s gaze was bland when he spoke to Joanna. ‘Why don’t you send another cheque later?’ He turned to Kate. ‘Is there some sum you think appropriate?’

‘A third of that.’

Dominic smiled at Joanna. ‘Simple enough. And I know better than to get into an argument with Katherine over
money,’ he said with a significant lift of his brows. ‘She’s the authority on those matters.’ He glanced at both women. ‘Is everybody happy now?’

Since Max had delivered Dominic’s cheque to Joanna he was well aware of the dynamic playing out. Nana wasn’t a participant in the game, but she hadn’t been born yesterday or even last year and she knew somehow Dominic was involved. But since he obviously was seeing that Kate wasn’t obliged to stay in London, she was on board. When it came to having Katie back home, she and Dominic were equally selfish.

If Katie had wanted to stay in London, Nana wouldn’t have interfered.

Fortunately, that wasn’t an issue.