“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m scared of losing everything I’ve worked so hard for. I keep thinking there’s got to be another way. On some level, what Andrew said makes sense to me, too—at least as far as work is concerned. But the relationship part—the marriage? I’m fucking terrified. He looks at me, really looks, and listens. And when he touches me, I’m ready to spontaneously combust. How can this be real? It’s got to be the air, or maybe a side-effect of the Valium you gave me, right? No one falls for someone in a day.” Tears cloud my eyes and threaten to fall, but I blink them away before I smear mascara all over my face.
“Oh, babe, I wish I were there to give you a hug right now. I know you’re scared, and that’s okay. But it shouldn’t stop you from taking the chance. What if you’re wrong, and he is the one for you, too? This could be your chance at everything you’ve ever wanted. Do you really want to run from it? Even if it seems crazy.”
“It is definitely crazy, no doubt about it,” I say, pushing my hair behind my ears.
“What are you going to do?” Cheri asks. From the low grinding noise I hear, she’s probably making more coffee.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure I have a choice. He said we have an appointment at the courthouse at two p.m. to get married.”
“Seriously?” Cheri exclaims.
“Oh yeah. Wants it to look like we were already dating and couldn’t stay away from each other. It has to look real or it might not work.”
“Shit. You’re going to get married without me?”
“It looks like it. Unless you’ve learned to teleport in the last few days.” Thinking about her popping up in the garden next to me makes me giggle.
“Yeah, no. That hasn’t happened. Shit. Maybe someone can hold your phone during the ceremony.”
“Are you serious? You want to watch me get married by a judge in some small town in wherever the fuck I am?”
“Of course I do. I wish I’d packed your white dress, but I added the blue silk, you should wear that. The baby blue brings out your eyes. You’re going to be a beautiful bride,” Cheri says, and I swear I hear her sniffle.
“You are starting to believe your own books, girl.”
“Maybe a little, but I still think it’s romantic. How does he kiss?”
“Oh, God. It’s toe-curling. His kiss makes me forget everything but him. And it’s not just his kisses, he makes me eat food, and stayed with me last night when I asked, but never once demanded anything in return.”
Her happy sigh is loud in my ear. “Aww, girl. If you really want my advice, you should go back and talk to him. Tell him what you’re worried about. From what you’ve told me, he definitely cares about you. He’ll do everything he can to make sure you’re safe. And if you really feel you can’t marry him after that, call me back, and I’ll get my brothers to come and rescue you. They won’t be intimidated by the Gallants.”
She has a point about that. Her brothers are ridiculous and mafia, even if she won’t admit it.
“Okay, I’ll go talk to him.”
“Good. Text or call me, let me know what you decide. I will send the pains-in-the-ass to get you if you need it. They’ll get there faster than I can.”
“I love you. Thank you for talking me off the ledge for the millionth time. One of these days, I’ll be your rock.”
“Jac, seriously, you already are. You believed in my dream when no one else would. You’re the sister in every way that matters.”
“Stop before I start crying and screw up my mascara. Then I’ll look like a zombie when I go talk to him.”
Cheri giggles. “Go before you lose your nerve. Call me if you need me. I love you, too. Always.”
After she disconnects the call, I stare at my phone, her voice echoing in my head. Looks like my bingo card is going to be full before dinner time. Marriage? Wow, I did not see that coming when I climbed the stairs to the plane yesterday. Shit. Was it only yesterday? It feels like I’ve been here for weeks already.
I turn around and head toward the front of the garden so I can go back inside to talk to Andrew. But when I get to the gate, he’s standing on the other side, concern pinching his eyebrows.
Andrew looks like a dream come true—my dream. The bright sunshine makes his brown hair look like it’s been painted with golden highlights. He’s waiting with his hands tucked into his pockets, causing the fabric of his shirt to strain over his chest. And damn, he’s rolled up his sleeves, showing all those glorious veins on his forearms. Why is that so damn sexy?
When I tilt my head to meet his gaze, he smiles, and all the butterflies in my stomach take flight. Fuck. I’m toast. There’s no denying the attraction, but is it enough to last forever?
“Oh, Sweetpea, it will be. I’ll prove it if you give me a chance,” he says, his deep voice gentle, as if he’s afraid I’ll run.
Shit. I said it out loud? “I didn’t mean for you to hear that…”
His smile is radiant, even making the skin at the sides of his eyes crinkle at the edges. “I know, but I’m glad you did. You asked for space, but you’ve been out here for a while. I was worried about you.”
