Because she was a good girl.
And it would have made sense if they’d decided Kevin was the better option. He was a friend of theirs that they’d presumably known for a while, he went to their church, he was a stable member of the community. Not to mention he’d been willing to fork over ten grand. I didn’t think the Bradburys were hurting financially, but still, ten thousand dollars was a lot of money.
But they had to know she wouldn’t be happy with him and were willing to give me a chance.
Granted, she shouldn’t have to marryanyonein order to remain a member of their family, but if they were going to insist on it, at least they’d made the right choice.
Although, I wasn’t sure they’d ever asked Jess whatshewanted.
We were both quiet on the ride into town, and as we approached Main Street, I asked, “Do you mind if we get our ice cream to go, and we head back to my place for a while?”
She didn’t immediately agree, so I quickly added, “I just want to be able to talk alone.”
“Um… okay.”
“I promise, I won’t try to kiss you again or anything.”
“No, no, of course not. Why would you?”
Because I’m about to officially ask you to marry me. And because I’m half-in love with you already.
“Well, I could think of quite a few reasons why I would, but I’m trying to be respectful.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Shoot.”
“Why are you doing this? What do you get by being married to me?”
“Well, it’ll keep you from marrying Kevin while you get your degree. By the time you’re finished with school, we can quietly get divorced.”
Plus, I’ll get a chance to date you and make you fall in love with me, so you won’t want to leave.
I wasn’t sure how to convey that part into something that didn’t sound creepy, so I went with some off-the-cuff bullshit.
“And, I build homes for families, yet I’m a single guy. Why would people want me to build them a home if they believe I can’t relate to them? If they think I have a wife and child, that will help my standing in the community, which will help my business.”
My response seemed to surprise her because she pulled her neck back and declared, “Oh. I guess that makes sense. Are you going to want me and Ruthie to move, too?”
“No, of course not. But I hope you’ll be willing to visit every now and then, so we can be seen around town together.”
“Does that mean you’re not going to live here? With us?”
I wasn’t sure if she sounded relieved or disappointed.
“I’ll be here enough that it won’t raise anyone’s suspicions about our marriage.”
“That’s kind of vague.”
I honestly had no idea how we were going to navigate this.
“How about we just play things by ear and see what happens.”
****
Jessica
Well, if I were under any illusions that this was going to be a real marriage, he’d just cleared that up.
