No Strings Attached

James was still trying to wrap his head around the situation when there was a knock on the hospital room door.

Two guys in blue overalls walked in. They gave lan a polite nod. "Mr. Hayes, we've brought everything over. Got all the shots of you and Mrs. Hayes from last time. Just need a signature, and we can issue your marriage license."

lan cast his gaze downward at the slightly surprised girl in his arms. He gave her cheek a gentle pinch and said with a smile, "I think Grandma was right. It's high time I gave you a title. The baby's practically on the way, so why not strike while the iron's hot and get the folks over here. It's just one last step now, and you'll be all mine. Mrs. Hayes, you ready?"

Clara was still reeling from the shock of the incident with Elle. She was suddenly overcome with the prospect of getting married, and when she stared at lan, joy and surprise mingling in her eyes. With uncontainable glee in her voice, she asked, "lan, there won't be any hitches this time, right?"

lan watched her with a tinge of heartache. "Not a chance. In a minute, you'll be my wife in the eyes of the world, the lady of the Hayes household. Mrs. Clara, will you marry me, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to stand by my side forevermore?" Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

eyes glistened with emotion.

handed her the pen and whispered in her ear,

if she were in a dream. Their marriage license had been nothing short

a bid to leave nothing to chance, Clara quickly scribbled her name and handed the pen back to lan. "I've signed it. Your

become my wife, huh?" With a flourish, he signed his

a grin, he said, "Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, congratulations. Wishing you a prompt arrival of your bundle of joy

on the way. Now it's just a lifetime of happiness together."

bag and handed them to the clerks. "This is from Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. Make sure you go out there and do as I instructed, got

clerks' eyes sparkled at the sight of the hefty bills. They took them with both hands, beaming. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes.

they left with a