The older woman beamed. “He’s adorable.”
Pulling off her black gloves, one by one, Lola stuck them in her pockets. “Thank you.”
The white-haired man smiled at her, his eyes twinkling beneath bushy white brows. “So should we get this show on the road?”
Lola frowned at Rodrigo. “What’s he talking about?”
“This is the judge,” he said. “He’s going to marry us.”
“What? When?”
“Today.” Rodrigo’s lips curved. “Now.”
Lola stared at him in shock.
“We can’t,” she stammered. “We need a marriage license.”
“Occasionally, when there’s a good reason, the rules can be bent.”
“What’s the good reason?”
His black eyes gleamed. “It’s Sunday. And I wish to marry you today. Not wait to get the license from City Hall tomorrow and then wait another twenty-four hours after that.” He turned to the judge. “Shall we begin, your honor?”
“Now?” Lola’s head was spinning. “No! I want a real ceremony! With my friends!”
Rodrigo’s sensual lips curved sardonically. “Sorry to crush all your romantic dreams,” he said, as if he was sure she didn’t actually have any. “You’ll have to settle—” he reached into his pocket “—for this.”
Holding up a small black velvet box, he opened it to reveal an engagement ring. Her eyes went wide. The diamond was as huge as a robin’s egg.
“We have everything else we need. Witnesses.” He looked at Mrs. Farrow, and Tobias, the bodyguard who’d just come in through the front door. “A judge.” Tilting his head, he said courteously to the white-haired man, “I hope your daughter is doing well.”
“Yes, and I’ll never forget how you helped her,” the judge said warmly. “My four grandchildren still have a mother today thanks to you.”
Rodrigo acknowledged his praise with a slight nod. “I was glad to pay for the experimental treatment. I’m pleased it worked. And grateful for your help.”
“What, marrying you two?” The judge’s voice was genial. “Marrying folks is my favorite part of the job! I’ll make sure the paperwork’s all handled right.” Then, looking at Lola, he faltered. “Of course, only if the lady is willing.”
“I’m not,” she said flatly.
“Excuse us for a moment.” Grabbing her arm, Rodrigo pulled her back to the foyer. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Lifting her snoozing, limp baby from the stroller, she glared at him fiercely. “I’m not getting married without my friends!”
“Which friends are you hoping to see?” Rodrigo’s voice was dangerous and low. “A certain lovelorn Russian, to try to make me jealous?”
Lola looked at him in shock, then burst into a laugh. “Sergei? You can’t be serious!”
“I don’t intend to wait.” His expression hardened. “We’re getting married. Right now.”
“Or else what?”
“Do not defy me.”
“Is that a threat?”
His voice changed. “Marrying me today will benefit you as well.”
“How?”