On top of that, I hired Bryce to create a medical trust to pay for Grace’s mother’s care, and had to videoconference with him to go over the details during my little free time. But I wanted to get it done before I returned to the States.
Grace said she didn’t want to rely on me because she’s afraid I might change my mind or use it to control her. The idea is insulting, but then, we don’t have faith in each other yet. The trust will ensure that she isn’t taking the money for herself. Twenty-five grand a month is a lot for Nelson, and not sustainable indefinitely. The man likes to live lavishly, and he spends money as quickly as it comes in on his vacation homes, cars, clothes and watches. Mom often says he’s lucky that he’ll be able to do his own bankruptcy filing when it becomes necessary.
–Me: Right now, I’m stuck in London, so I can’t.
–Grace: Amazing Grace indeed. There might not even be a ceremony.
–Me: Don’t worry. I’ll be there.
–Grace: I’m warning you—I won’t be left at the altar. I’m going to marry the first bachelor I spot.
Jealousy sticks a flaming sword into my gut. Madison told me Grace invited her guy friend.
–Me: Like Adam?
–Grace: Yes. Or maybe your father.
–Me: Ugh. The image. And believe me, he’s not the marrying type.
–Grace: Well, he seems to care more about this wedding than you do. So he wouldn’t be a terrible backup if you don’t show.
I shake my head. Dad is already thrilled he got invited to the wedding. Madison apologized, saying it happened even though she warned Grace to not invite him. By the time Madison found out, it was too late.
Should’ve told Grace myself before leaving. That way she would have understood how detrimental inviting Dad to the ceremony would be. The man is going to make everything about himself. Jesus, even the sun revolves around him in his worldview.
Although I initially wanted him to attend just to embarrass my family, Grace deserves a dignified ceremony.
–Me: What did I say about filling your head with nonsense?
–Grace: Excuse me, but you aren’t back in the country yet! Is that nonsense? And don’t forget that YOU picked this date, not me! And YOU chose to go to London! How hard is it to get a flight back home? It isn’t like you’re in Siberia!
She sounds sort of cute and funny when she’s angry like this. Reminds me vaguely of an outraged hamster a high school girlfriend used to have. Every time you picked her up by the scruff, she would squeak and start waving her paws as though to hit you.
A reluctant smile tugs at my mouth.
–Me: I promise I’ll be there. Now stop stressing. It isn’t good for the baby.
I turn to Madison, because Grace has a good point. I shouldn’t have picked a date so close to my return date from my London trip. But Madison was worried that if the ceremony took place too late, Grace would show, which would limit her gown options.
This isn’t how I wanted to get married. I shouldn’t care about the desires of my unwanted bride. But taking away gown options from Grace when ultimately it takes two to create a baby made me approve the date. I want to continue to cling to my anger that she got pregnant on purpose, but she couldn’t have planned it. It was my condom and my sperm.
“I don’t care if I have to sit inside a lavatory,” I say to Madison. “You will get me on a flight to L.A. in the next hour or you’re fired.”
Chapter Thirty
Huxley
Perhaps it’s the threat of termination or just sheer luck. Magically, the paperwork is in order—and my jet takes off.
I take a nap, then shower and freshen up. There’s barely enough time to reach the orangery for the ceremony once we land. Thank God I brought my tuxedo just in case. I put it on and slick my hair back.
“You look perfect,” Madison says with a small smile. “Allow me.” She reaches over and adjusts the tie. “Better.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m sorry about the snafu.”
I nod. “Don’t let it happen again.”
