Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 132951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
“That’s how I locked you into this with me,” I murmur.
Mildred’s devastation matched my own at the possibility that Meems’s life might be cut short. I should feel remorse for using that against her, but I don’t. Mildred exudes the same warmth and light as Meems, and making her my fiancée gives me more opportunities to be close to her. I’m hopeful more time with Meems will make up for the nightmare that is being married to me.
Meems swats my brother-in-law’s hand away when he tries to help her out of the high-backed white chair. “I’m old, not made of glass.”
Mildred releases my arm and steps away from me. I instantly want to draw her back to my side.
But Meems is already pulling her in for a hug—and not the kind my family is so fond of, barely making physical contact, air-kissing each other’s cheeks. No, Meems wraps her thin arms around Mildred and squeezes her tightly while Mildred carefully folds her in, like she’s precious. I swallow the discomfort that comes from watching people share genuine affection.
Meems whispers something to Mildred that makes her toss her head back and laugh. It’s carefree, and pretty, and loud, drawing the attention of the hyenas.
I move in again, wanting to protect my future bride as my brothers-in-law’s judging gazes lock on Mildred. My sisters, Portia and Isabelle, stand on either side of their husbands, wearing matching curious expressions. I’ve never introduced them to a girlfriend, so the fact that I suddenly have a fiancée has raised some questions. But they’re easy enough to explain away since I always have been and always will be the outsider.
“You’re just so beautiful.” Meems holds both of Mildred’s hands in hers and turns to me, her approval clear in her smile. “You picked the most perfect dress for Dred.”
“You picked this dress?” Mildred asks.
“Meems had the final say,” I explain.
“He took me shopping earlier in the week,” she adds.
“Well, aren’t you the sweetest,” Mildred says, her earlier sarcasm missing in her tone.
“You two are adorable.” Meems is beaming.
My youngest sister is the first to break rank from the family huddle. Isabelle approaches, wearing a nervous smile. She is the epitome of the perfect daughter. She married Julian, the son of one of my father’s business associates. Julian works for my father and enjoys all the perks of marrying into a family with billions of dollars, including my trophy-wife sister who never disappoints my parents.
I accept Isabelle’s air kisses as she places a hand on my shoulder and whispers, “Mother will be displeased with your suit choice.”
“I’m sure she’ll believe I picked it just to be difficult.” I picked it so I would match my bride-to-be and Meems, since we’re our own little team. “Where are our parents, anyway?”
“They had to take a call. They’ll be back soon, I’m sure. Are you trying to be difficult?”
“When am I not?”
She rolls her eyes to the ceiling and taps her chin. “I’m trying to recall a moment, but having difficulty,” she rebuts.
“At least I’m consistent.” I’ve always been the one who doesn’t fall in line. It made things tumultuous growing up. I was forever causing problems, and my sisters were the standard I could never live up to. My mother was perpetually keeping the peace, trying to make me into something I could never be—compliant, easy, the perfect, dutiful son.
“I don’t know why you always have to push their buttons.” Isabelle sighs.
“I don’t know why you don’t.”
She shakes her head. “It’s not just your own life you make harder, Connor.”
A wave of guilt washes over me. I’m sure she’s been on the receiving end of our mother’s wrath since I announced my engagement. It’s bad enough that I play professional hockey for a living. Now I’m marrying someone outside the approved social circle. My father will likely be angry, which puts pressure on my mother, who downloads it to my sisters, whose husbands must deal with their stress. It’s a vicious, depressing cycle, and in the end it’s always the same. No one understands me, and I’m the problem with no solution.
Arguing with my sister won’t make today better for either of us. “Let me introduce you to my fiancée. I think you’ll love her.”
She side-eyes me. “She’d have to be a sass machine to handle you.”
“Isn’t that the truth.” I skim the back of Mildred’s arm to get her attention.
She turns with a warm smile. “You must be Connor’s sister. Isabelle, right?”
Isabelle’s face lights up in a matching smile. “Yes! That’s right.”
“Connor has such wonderful things to say about you,” Mildred lies smoothly.
“Really?” Isabelle’s surprise sucks, but we’re not all that close.
“Absolutely! It’s so nice to meet you!” Mildred’s voice pitches up, and she pulls my sister in for a hug.
Isabelle once again looks surprised, but she gently pats Mildred’s back and gives me a quizzical smile.