Chapter 243

"I brought everything we need," Alyssa said, placing a folder on the desk. "I even put on some makeup. Do I look a little better?" Howard's office was warm and bright. She looked livelier, and not as pale as before. It was clear she expected him to say yes. But Howard felt no urge to go to the courthouse. Maybe it was fatigue. Maybe it was something else entirely. "Another day," he said, lowering his gaze so he wouldn't have to see her disappointment. "I'm tired," he added, rubbing his brow. "And a wedding still takes some preparation." She noticed the stubble along his jaw but didn't press, even though she wanted nothing more than to become his wife as soon as possible. In her mind, she was already imagining the moment she'd slap that marriage certificate in Megan's face—watching her seethe and crumble. "Howard, I don't need a grand ceremony," Alyssa said softly. "You know me. I just want to marry you. That's all." Howard still didn't look at her. "I know you're tired. A lot