Not only did he call his father and explain what was happening, but the laughter that ensued was a little unsettling. The last thing he needed to hear was ‘Your mother is gonna love this’ followed by a crack at how ‘September babies are a blessing’. That comment got his brain thinking because his birthday was September tenth… which meant that –oh noooo.
Things you couldn’t undo:
Yelling ‘NO’ at your father.
Imagining your parents having sex on New Year's Eve - or Christmas Eve. Or both.
Recognizing that you were getting married to a perfect stranger - for a job.
Noticing the date was December 21st,and Christmas was right around the corner, and it was less than ten days to New Year’s Eve.
Yelling once more that ‘I’m not you!’ before ending the call with his parents.
Meeting your soon-to-be wife at the courthouse.
Looking up, he saw the tall woman with the blonde hair and brown eyes from last night… and swallowed. She was looking at him in the most possessive manner, making him feel like a piece of meat on a platter – tied up with a bow.
Harper.
“Hello,” he managed to get out. “Didn’t recognize you without all the blue fur.” And that smile she gave him was brighter than the sun.
“I adore the fact that you are teasing me and oh-so charming,” she beamed and immediately reached for his hand, causing him to jerk back for a moment.
Her smile faltered, and the pang of unexpected guilt was staggering. She had just as much to lose in a bad relationship as he did – and they were both putting their heads in the proverbial noose. The problem was – he was sweating buckets in that ‘noose’… and she was grinning like all brain cells had been long ago abandoned.
“Sorry,” he began nervously – and then nodded to her, holding hands with this stranger once more. If they were married and talking about ‘public displays of affection’, he was going to have to keep from freaking out every time she touched him. “I’ve gotta get used to this.”
“I understand,” she said gently. “It’s not every day you get married.”
“Boy, you aren’t kidding…” he muttered, turning to walk further inside – only to feel her grab his arm, stopping him. Looking at her, he saw the rampant concern in her expressive gaze.
“This is not torture,” she whispered softly to him, looking into his eyes with obvious worry. “If we go into this with dread,then we’re only going to end up hurting each other. You need a wife – and I’d like a moment at your side. I think we could both enjoy the next few months together.”
“I said I’m not having sex with you,” he hissed in a hushed voice, immediately on the defensive.
