Page 83 of The Chef and the Countess

As Celia slid into that twilight stage of sleep, she smiled as complete joy took hold.

It will never leave me, not as long as I have Liam.

* * *

“You are going to be married?” Drew exclaimed. “When?”

Drew had arrived at the rear entrance at a quarter past eleven. Liam and Corrine swiftly escorted him to the staff dining area for privacy. Then they had told him of their plans.

“Well, we were hoping you would know how to do it quickly,” Liam said.

Drew smiled. “Because I assisted in arranging Corrine and Mitchell’s nuptials?”

“They took your advice,” Liam replied.

“Mitchell and Corrine discovered that marriage at the registrar’s office can take up to ten days or more, but only two or three days in a church and with a special license. They opted for the church. I gave them the name of Reverend Wilton, a friend of my father’s. He is the vicar of Bow Church in Stratford.”

“Oh,” Celia replied disappointedly. We were hoping to have the nuptials here. And we want it on a Sunday when the restaurant is closed.”

“I am sure James Wilton would travel here any other day, but Sunday is likely out of the question because of church services.” Drew scratched his chin. “He could marry you at the church early in the morning before services begin..”

“What do you think, love?” Liam asked as he slipped his arm about Celia’s waist. The plan sounded acceptable to him.

Celia smiled warmly. “I think it’s perfect. We will do it in two weeks. That will give Mr. Eckley time to make a wedding cake for us.”

Drew stuck out his hand. “Leave it with me, then. I will contact James Wilton this afternoon. May I offer my sincere congratulations to you both?”

Liam looked at the outstretched hand, and instead of taking it, he pulled Drew into a brotherly embrace. “Thank you—brother.”

Drew returned the sentiment, and then they patted each other on the back before parting. “Well met. I am pleased.”

Celia laughed and kissed Drew on the cheek. “You will come, of course?”

“I would not miss it for the world,” Drew replied.

“Will you stand up for us? Fiona will be the other witness,” Liam asked.

“Absolutely. I would be honored.”

“Do stay for luncheon,” Celia urged. “We have mutton with duchess potatoes and roasted carrots.”

Drew’s eyebrows shot skyward. “That’s quite the meal.”

“Chellenham sent two huge boxes of food yesterday,” Liam replied. “Here, let’s get you seated. We open in ten minutes.”

After seeing Drew seated comfortably with a cup of tea, Liam and Celia returned to the kitchen. Liam was relieved to have Morrigan assist him now, and he watched in appreciation as she busily stacked plates on the prep table. The kitchen was in full swing when a horrendous crash stopped everyone in their tracks.

“Morrigan, watch the stove.” Liam ran through the swinging door into the restaurant to find complete chaos. The two large windows on either side of his corner lot restaurant had been broken. Outside, Liam spotted three men throwing bricks. Customers screamed as spraying glass shards flew in all directions. Some had jumped to their feet, knocking over the wood tables. Food flew across the floor. When the men spotted Liam, they dropped the bricks and ran off in different directions.

“Drew!” Liam yelled.

“There are numerous injured people. I’ll tend them,” Drew replied.

Liam nodded.

A customer, a young man in his early twenties, stood. “I’ll help you catch them, guv.”

“Come on then.”