He looked like he wanted to argue, but snapped his jaw shut and gave a stiff nod.
“I’ve inventoried everything there—”
“And I gave you my credit card information, which we both know will cover the cost of all of them if something were to happen. Which itwon’tbecause the rings will all be there when you come back in.” I shut the door the last few inches while he was still in the way. I gritted my teeth. I should have taken Ida Jane to the store. No, I should have just bought her a ring and been done with all this.
Except, as I rounded back to face her, saw the confusion and misery in her expression; I took a deep breath, let it out slowly. I settled next to her at the table.
“I very much disagree. This is mywedding. Yours, too. And we’re going to be together for months, possibly longer.” Hurt flashed through me and I dropped my gaze, not wanting her to see it. Tomorrow mattered to me. I wanted it to matter to her, too, not just be something she must endure while helping me out.
I really hated that she was doing something so monumental out of pity. My pride reared up, and I had to tamp down on the urge to call the situation off. Lance had explained that marrying Ida Jane was my best chance to stay in the U.S. My teammates needed me; Coach was counting on me to seal this deal. So, I would, even though I ached inside.
“I know it’s not what you dreamed of, but I take my vows seriously, and I’ll be faithful to them—to you. So let me get you something beautiful that you’ll be proud to show off.”
She poured herself another glass of champagne, then, noting that the bottle was less than half full, raised it toward me. “Whatever my husband wants.”
I grimaced at her mockery.
“I’m sorry,” she said, setting down the drink. “That was rude. Bitchy. I’m just…overwhelmed.” Her bottom lip quivered. “And clearly handling this whole situation terribly.” She squeezed my hand. “I’m sorry, Maxim. I’ll do better.”
I pulled out the last of my tricks, hoping I wasn’t making a mistake. “What if you call your mother? Talk to her? That should help, right?”
Her eyes rounded and I realized she worried over telling them about us—this. “I’ll be here with you. I want to talk to your father.”
“You don’t have to—”
“Yes, I do. I know you’re from a small town, a traditional family. I want your parents to accept me, and that starts with me showing them I value their beliefs.”
She shook her head, eyes never leaving mine.
“We can video call your mother and she can help us choose your band.”
Ida Jane giggled. “Oh, that would be a trip. My mama adores jewelry. The finer it is, the more she loves it.”
Exactlywhat I was counting on.
“Go ahead.” I gestured toward her phone.
“I’ll just call. I don’t want them to worry about me.” She gestured toward her face.
I nodded, but I wasn’t surprised that the moment Ida Jane told her mother hello and that she was getting married tomorrow that her mother sent the video call request. Ida Jane whimpered, but I pressed the button to accept and then settled into the chair next to hers.
“Ida Jane Barl—my goodness, baby girl, what happened to your face?” her mother shrieked.
“What is it, Loreen?” her father called.
“Your daughter! She’s—”
“Someone hit you,” her father said. “I’ll be there to pick you up in a few hours. You’re coming home.”
“No one hit me, and seeing how I’m not in Houston, that’s gonna be tough.”
Chapter13
Ida Jane
My accent grew stronger, as it always did around my parents, and when I worried over a situation, as I did now. Telling them about the attack and my plan to marry Maxim was a double whammy.
“I need my Henry,” Mama said. “Where’d you put the ammunition?”
