No Strings Attached

Chapter 416

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 Ian 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.”

Ian 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 Ian, joy and surprise mingling in her eyes.

With uncontainable glee in her voice, she asked, “Ian, there won’t be any hitches this time, right?”

Ian 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?”

Clara’s eyes glistened with emotion. “I will.”

Ian handed her the pen and whispered in her ear, “Then sign here, Mrs. Hayes.”

Clara’s hand trembled as she signed her name. She felt as if she were in a dream. Their marriage license had been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Every time it came down to the wire, something went awry.

In a bid to leave nothing to chance, Clara quickly scribbled her name and handed the pen back to Ian. “I’ve signed it. Your turn.”

Ian chuckled. “So eager to become my wife, huh?” With a flourish, he signed his name on the document.

The clerk pulled out two shiny, new licenses, affixed the prepared photos, and stamped them with an official seal. Handing them over with a grin, he said, “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, congratulations. Wishing you a prompt arrival of your bundle of joy and a lifetime of happiness together.”

Ian ran his fingers over the glossy photo, a smile playing on his lips. “The bundle of joy’s already on the way. Now it’s just a lifetime of happiness together.”

“Double blessings for you then, Mr. Hayes. Quite the cause for celebration.”

Ian’s smile deepened as he gave Dawson a nod. Understanding the cue, Dawson pulled out two gifts from his 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 it?”

The clerks’ eyes sparkled at the sight of the hefty bills. They took them with both hands, beaming. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. I’d be a fool to turn down such joy. Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of it just like you said.”

Then, they left with a sense of tact. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Clara was inspecting their marriage license, about to tuck it into her bag, when it suddenly vanished from her grasp. She whirled around to see Ian pocketing it. “Hey! You’ve got your own. Why are you taking mine? Give it back!”

Ian pocketed both licenses nonchalantly, justifying, “I’m safeguarding it for you, in case you lose it.”

James, who’d been watching the drama unfold from a corner, let out a scoff. “He’s probably hiding it so you can’t divorce him. That guy’s a sly one, and I know him well. Underhanded and crafty. You’re so innocent, no match for him.”

Ian, unfazed, raised an eyebrow at him. “Don’t you have anything to say about our little ceremony here? Clara even called you ‘uncle’ just now.”