Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 83994 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83994 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
As far as dresses go, it’s not bad.
I hate this. I never wanted a courthouse wedding.
But I don’t have a choice, and fighting will only make it worse.
“Bastard,” I murmur as I carry the dress upstairs.
Declan’s mouth opens ever so slightly as I meet him in the front entry. My heels clack over the hardwood. I let him get a good look at the plunging neckline, the tight bodice, and the skirt ending right at my knees. It’s casual but practical, and I’m thankful for that.
“What do you think?”
He looks me toes to nose, and his face softens. “You look beautiful, Casey.”
That’s what I wanted to hear, but it still makes me flush red. “Really?”
“Incredible.” He offers me his arm. “Ready?”
I shrug on a light jacket. It covers most of the dress so I don’t feel like I’m walking around like a bride. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
There are a dozen men waiting outside. I’m startled and a little nervous, but Declan starts barking orders at them. We’re ushered into a black sedan, and an entire convoy of vehicles escorts us through the city.
Declan doesn’t talk on the way over. I have a million things I want to ask him. Like if he ever pictured his wedding day before, and if he did, was it like this? I want to know what song he would’ve played for a first dance, what flavor he would’ve liked for a cake, what his wedding night should’ve been like.
Actually, I might find out about that last one.
We don’t talk, though. Something’s clearly bothering him, and I’m worried it has to do with me. Maybe he regrets our deal. I know I’m not the kind of woman he probably wanted. I’m too messy, too carefree, too disorganized, too emotional. While he’s a strict bastard who’s obsessed with order and reason.
This is never going to work.
Except it has to.
The courthouse isn’t too busy. We’re whisked through security and taken back to the private chambers. I’m surprised to find Sheila waiting in the hallway beside Declan’s mother, and a wave of relief washes over me.
“I was afraid I wasn’t going to know anyone here,” I say, hugging her tightly.
She rubs my back. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
“Thanks for being here.”
“You can thank Siobhan. She’s the one who made sure I knew about it.”
I squeeze her one more time before letting her go. Declan’s mother beams at me and holds me at arm’s length.
“Do you like it?” she asks, grinning.
I open the jacket and let her see the dress. “I wasn’t sure I would, but it’s actually really nice.”
Her eyes crinkle with amusement. She glances at Declan. “How does he feel about it?”
“I think he likes it more than I do.”
She laughs, loud and genuine. “That was my goal.” She hugs me quickly before letting me go.
“Let’s get this done.” Declan seems straight-up miserable now. My heart is heavy and racing as we step into the judge’s chambers. He’s an older man, heavyset, in a nice sweater over a simple dress shirt. He greets Siobhan warmly.
“Thanks for doing this, Roger,” she says.
“Ah, anything for you and your family.” He beams and gestures for me and Declan to stand in front of his desk. “What sort of ceremony are we looking for? Short and sweet? Or should I give you the full version?”
“Short and sweet,” Declan says quickly.
My heart stutters. My back is sweating. I shrug off my jacket, and Sheila takes it from me. She kisses my cheek, showing more affection today than she has for most of my life. When she steps aside, I’m afraid I might pass out.
I can’t do this.
I thought I could. I figured marrying Declan would be a good deal. He’ll protect me and Sheila, and I’ll get paid for the trouble. I told myself I could play mafia wife if that’s what it took.
But that was stupid.
I’m nobody. My parents might’ve been from Declan’s underworld, but that’s not me. I’m not strong. I’m not clever. I’m messy and difficult most of the time. Men are repulsed by me.
Except for Declan.
I want to get away. I feel like I’m going to pass out. The judge is talking, giving us some kind of speech about the sanctity of marriage and all that as he adjusts the official marriage paperwork on his desk. He lines up a couple of pens. I think I might be sick.
Declan steps closer. I feel his warmth as his fingers reach down and find mine. I’m startled when he grabs on and holds my hand tightly.
I look up at him in surprise.
He’s staring straight ahead. His expression is set and determined.
But his hand squeezes mine.
I start to calm down.
Not completely. I’m still afraid and nervous. But his simple touch helps ground me. I don’t feel dizzy anymore. When the judge says we should sign, I’m able to do it without shaking. After the paperwork, Declan takes me into his arms as the judge says we’re allowed to kiss for the first time as husband and wife.