I tear my gaze from the mirror as a soft knock sounds at the door.
“Charlie, are you all right in there?” Heath calls out.
“Yeah,” I choke out. “I just need another minute.”
After checking in with Carol at the reception desk, I slipped away to the bathroom and must have lost track of time.
I swipe at a rebellious tear while rummaging through my clutch for my red lipstick. My hands tremble as I apply it.
Even though I agreed to this, it doesn’t dull the sharp sting, knowing my groom is only giving me his last name out of duty, not love or devotion. And it certainly doesn’t help that we’re saying our vows in a drab, low-lit courthouse with just a cranky judge and a court clerk with an obsession for Tic Tacs that rattle in her pocket whenever she moves.
Grams, Florence, and the girls not being here weigh on me more than I expected. They would’ve dropped everything to support me if I’d asked, but involving family and friends would have blurred the lines and made it feel like more than it really is.
I have to guard my heart somehow, and keeping things as practical as possible is the only way I’m going to come out unscathed. Although I’m not even sure that would be true if Heath cut things off today. Regardless, I still wish I’d ignored logic and asked everyone to come, but unfortunately, it’s too late, and I’ll have to live with the consequences of my choice to do this alone.
I take a deep breath, smooth out my dress, and tuck my clutch under my arm before opening the door.
Heath leans against the wall just a few feet away. He pushes off it immediately when he sees me, a frown creasing his forehead.
“You sure you’re okay, hellcat?” he asks, moving to my side. “It’s not right for a bride to be sad on her wedding day, even if she’s about to marry a moody son of a bitch who can’t do a tie to save his life.” He motions to the crooked knot at his collar.
He’d texted me this morning asking what color dress I was wearing so he could match his tie, as though he already knew I’d skip white. I also appreciate him making the effort to cheer me up, even if it comes with making a joke at his own expense. I’m sure his pride is taking a hit, but damn if it doesn’t send warmth blooming through my chest.
“Good thing I’ve spent years dealing with a particularly grumpy asshole whose entire wardrobe consists of Wranglers.” I step in front of him, rising onto my toes. “Lucky for him, I happen to be quite good with ties.”
I loosen his, slide the silk free, then carefully loop it. My fingers graze against his neck as I adjust the length and tighten the knot with a gentle tug. The simple touch has my fingers trembling, making it hard to finish what should be a simple task. When I get the courage to look up, I’m met with Heath’s heated stare.
“Yes, very lucky,” he whispers, leaning in a fraction. “This guy must really test your patience, huh?”
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. “It’s his favorite hobby.”
“So why put up with him?”
“He’s easy on the eyes.” I tip my head and give his tie a final tug to center it. “Plus, I’m told he’s got great health insurance.”
A soft gasp escapes me as he trails a finger over my shoulder where my sleeve must have slipped. “He’s looking forward to providing for you,” Heath murmurs, his eyes not leaving mineas he pulls the fabric back into place. “And he thinks you’re the most beautiful bride he’s ever laid eyes on.”
My knees threaten to give out, and I shift my weight, aware of how close he’s standing.
A playful smirk crosses my lips. “Does he now?”
“Yeah.” His breath is hot against my mouth. “And he’s finding it real hard to keep his hands to himself right now.”
“Well, if he plays his cards right, I just might be tempted to—”
“Halstead and Bennett, you’re up,” Carol hollers from the end of the hall. “Best not to keep Judge Clark waiting.”
The few people in the waiting area turn to look at us.
“So much for staying under the radar,” Heath grumbles.
“Might as well give them something to talk about,” I say, kissing his cheek.
When I pull back, I spot the perfect red imprint of my lipstick marking his skin.
“Oops.” I giggle, reaching out to clean it off. “Let me just wipe that off real qui—”
Heath wraps his hand around my wrist to stop me. “Leave it.”
