Kimberly’s brow wrinkled. “I figured.”
“You have to be married for the deal to go through. They are afraid, otherwise it risks their campaign.”
“So this is the real reason you wanted to marry me then?” No more second guessing anymore.
“Yes, but like I said before I think it’s best for the baby.”
“For how long?”
He smiled. “What are you worried about, Kimberly?”
“How long is this farce of a marriage going to last?”
He wiped his face with a napkin. “Well, until after the baby is born and the contract is over.”
“Which is when?”
“Two years.”
She gasped, her face visibly whitening. “Two years!” That’s two years too long.
“I promise I’ll be a good husband.”
Her head pounded. “Publicly you mean.”
“Well, yes.”
She pushed her plate away from her. “I hope you know that I want a room of my own and Weenie needs space to roam too.”
He swallowed hard. “Whatever you wish, Kimberly.” He smiled. “Don’t worry. We have always gotten along at the office so no reason we can’t here.”
She smiled and stood. “You can take me home now.”
“You could stay you know. I have a spare room downstairs.”
Kimberly shook her head. “No, Weenie can’t be left alone all night,” she insisted.
Jeremy drove her home and gave her a peck on the cheek, promising to get the application for the marriage certificate in the morning.
***
Kimberly woke up and grimaced. She flung out an arm and slapped her face with an open palm. How could she go through with this marriage? But without marrying Jeremy the deal was sunk. She had no choice but to marry him.Two years wasn’t that long, she thought.
She rolled out of bed catching her reflection in a nearby mirror. Her hair was knotted around a pony tail holder and makeup smudged beneath her eyes. What she needed was some advice and she called her mother. When she explained the situation, her mother fell silent and then suggested she marry Jeremy. “He sounds like a great guy, and just think, you have two years to make that man fall in love with you.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll call you when I find out when we’re getting married.”
She struggled to her feet and tromped into the living room where Weenie jumped up, pawing her pink slippers. “I know. I’m letting you out.” As Kimberly let Weenie outside she saw Mrs. Barry standing on Mrs. Peacock’s deck. Undaunted, Kimberly stepped out on the deck.
“Oh my, you really shouldn’t let that dog on the beach,” Mrs. Barry said. “It’s unsanitary.”
Kimberly smiled. “I’m sorry to hear your dog died last week. I heard tell that you had it stuffed. Is that true?” she asked in mock outrage.
“I took it to a taxidermist. It’s quite a fad these days.”
“Deer heads, perhaps, but not pets.”
“If you hurry, I bet you might be able to get a hair appointment today,” Mrs. Barry said. “Your hair looks dreadful today.”
Kimberly gave a few tangles a pull and changed the subject. “Did you hear I was getting married?”
Gasps came from both Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. Barry, followed by Birdie.
“To whom?” Mrs. Barry asked.
Kimberly waved a hand. “I’m marrying Jeremy Preston.”
Mrs. Barry craned her neck forward and more gasps were heard, followed by Mrs. Barry laughing. “I’ll believe that when I see it, dear.”
“Doesn’t he have a girlfriend?” Mrs. Peacock asked.
Kimberly smiled. “No, she wasn’t his girlfriend. She was a client.” Why supply them with more information than they needed?
“Well,” Mrs. Barry started, “It sure seems like the new lawyer has kept himself busy since he came to town. It’s a good thing I’m not one to talk, or there might be some gossip running amuck.”
Kimberly rolled her eyes. “Mums the word, okay.”
“You won’t hear me telling anyone,” Mrs. Barry winked, whereas Mrs. Peacock shrugged.
Weenie ran up and opened his mouth, but instead of barking, he panted like a steam engine. Kimberly waved before she swung on her heels and strolled back inside.
She might as well get the ball rolling. Lord knows there will be talk in town. Of all the dumb luck... Mrs. Barry visiting Mrs. Peacock. Gossip mongers will be flooding into the beauty shop today for sure, but she didn’t care. She needed for the people of Redwater to believe this marriage was real for all their sakes. She needed the advertisement deal and the money, and who knew, perhaps Jeremy would indeed fall in love with her. She hoped.
Kimberly called Jeremy, who appeared at her door within twenty minutes. She had plenty of time to shower and dress in a pink tank dress with matching strapped sandals. When she opened the door she laughed, as he had with him a box full of paperwork.
“You should sign the contract before they change their mind,” he suggested. “Corrine was quite adamant about that earlier when she phoned.”
With a raised eyebrow, Kimberly asked, “And what about the wedding? Did you tell her we intended to wed?”
“Yes. She told me ‘she had expected no less from the two of us.’ What do you think she meant?”
Kimberly rolled a shoulder forward. “Beats me, but she was the one who insisted a marriage happen, right?”
He paused for a moment and glanced at the dirty dishes that filled the sink. “What? Oh yeah. Maybe I could help you with the dishes before we go.”
“Go as in where?”
“We need to fill out the marriage certificate forms. There is a three day waiting period, but after that we’ll be getting married.”
Kimberly bit her lip. “I called and told my mom this morning. I’m not sure if she’ll make the wedding, but she gave us her approval.” Kimberly glanced over at her sink of dishes and not seeing more than a few plates, she said, “And about the dishes, it’s not like there’s a sink full. I hope you don’t think just because we’re getting married, I’ll be the maid service.”
Jeremy’s eyes widened. “You’re not sleeping with me or doing the household chores?” he asked. “Am I at least allowed to kiss you?”
“At the wedding ceremony you can.”
He winked. “Perhaps we should try one on for size. That way everyone in Redwater will know for sure our marriage is the real deal.”
“She gasped. “I hardly think the whole town will show up. We’re just getting married at the courthouse, right?”
“No way! Anyone that looks at you would know that you’d never settle for anything less than a church wedding.”
“Is it the third eye on my forehead?”
“No, your makeup covers that eye quite well. I might have mentioned to the preacher that you wouldn’t marry me unless it was at church.”
“Is that the reason we waited to get married?” Kimberly asked. Her nerves finally had taken a hold of her. Jeremy acted like the baby was his and not another mans. Was it possible that he really didn’t care?
Stop it Kimberly, this isn’t a real marriage!
Kimberly wrinkled her brow. “I mean, it’s not like it took six months to find a church to marry in.”
“True, but it could be a challenge when you’re not a member of a church.” He leaned forward. “And about the kiss.”
“Oh, I had hoped you’d forgotten about that.”
“No way, come on. What’s it going to hurt?”
What’s it going to hurt? She didn’t want him that close, but her curiosity got the best of her. “O-Okay, I guess it won’t hurt, but don’t blame me if the baby kicks you. If you get too close that is.”
Jeremy closed the small space between them and carefully placed an arm around her and pulled her closer. Kimberly closed her eyes and waited breathlessly. She felt his hot breath against her lips for a moment, and then, he captured her lips with his. Searing heat took ahold of Kimberly and she
was glad he held her because if he hadn’t, she’d have fallen. She opened her lips more and Jeremy took that opportunity and plunged his tongue between her trembling lips.
She yanked away as if burnt. “Wh-What did... hey, that’s no fair. I’m pregnant,” she reminded him. The baby kicked in approval and before she could stop him, Jeremy placed a hand against her belly, smiling when the baby moved against it.
“Wow,” he whispered. “I felt the baby kicking,” he said in amazement.
“You can remove your hand now. The baby isn’t kicking anymore.”
He let his hand drop. “Sorry, it’s just such a miracle, babies are I mean, and of course, you marrying me.” He grinned. “Is it a boy or girl?”
Kimberly was rattled. First Jeremy kissed her and now he’s asking questions about the baby. Had he just said it was a miracle her marrying him? “Oh, no. I wanted to wait until the baby was born to find out. I love surprises.”
“Really,” Jeremy beamed. “I’ll have to keep that in mind.”
Jeremy’s phone rang just then, followed by a rap at the door. Kimberly made her way there and when she opened the door, Corrine and Clint walked past her, a camera in Clint’s hand. “It’s a great day for some test shots,” Corrine said.
“No its not,” Kimberly exclaimed. “I haven’t even signed the contract yet.”
Jeremy came forward and thumbed through the documents and pointed to where Kimberly needed to sign.
As she held the pen and began signing, she added, “Why do I feel like I’m signing away my life?” She muttered out loud. “Getting married clause indeed.”
Corrine gave Jeremy a hard stare and he escorted her outside.
Chapter Eight
“You told her what?” Corrine exclaimed. “I can’t lie to that dear girl.”
Jeremy nodded. “I know how you feel, but it’s best for both Kimberly and her baby.”
Corrine leaned against the fence on the deck and nearly toppled over it when a piercing voice said, “Hello.” Mrs. Barry’s cheeks were bright red and she held a can of Busch beer in her right hand. “I heard congratulations are in order.” She put a hand along one side of her mouth. “It’s awful nice of you to marry the girl after the baby’s daddy died in a hunting accident.”
Jeremy’s eyes widened. “Well, it was love at first sight.”
“Really?” Corrine asked. “And was that before or after you found out she was pregnant?”
“After I’m guessing,” Mrs. Barry said. “But I’m not one to gossip.”
“No,” Mrs. Peacock blurted out. “That’s a good one, Mrs. Barry. You’re the president of gossip mongers anonymous.”
“Be a dear and run in and get me another beer,” Mrs. Barry spouted.
“Mrs. Barry is a lush,” chirped Birdie the Macaw.
She shook a fist at the bird. “One more word and I’ll make you into soup,” Mrs. Barry told the bird.
“Get the bitch a beer,” shouted Birdie. “Hurry she’s losing it!”
Corrine laughed. “That’s amazing, that bird can really talk up a storm.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Peacock said. “Sometimes a little too much if you get my meaning,” pointing toward Mrs. Barry.
“Why I never…” Mrs. Barry said.
“Quit drinking,” Birdie added.
Mrs. Barry trounced in and said over her shoulder, “See you two love birds at the wedding.”
Mrs. Peacock shrugged and followed after Mrs. Barry through the door. And Birdie hid his face behind a wing.
“I’m not sure, but I wonder if Mrs. Barry gave that bird a headache.” Corrine said.
Jeremy’s smile faded as he gazed toward the beach. “I’m in love with Kimberly, and the marriage clause sounded like a good idea.”
“That’s one hell of a secret,” she grinned. “I just knew there was something between you two. I’m good when it comes to things like this.”
“I know, but I need some time before I can make Kimberly fall in love with me.”
“What makes you so sure she hasn’t already?”
“She told me she wasn’t sleeping with me or cleaning up my house.”
Corrine nudged Jeremy. “Smart girl. I mean who could blame her? After all, it’s supposed to just be a business deal. How are you planning to handle it if the press gets a hold of the story?”
“I’m hoping it won’t come to that, and it’s another good reason for us to marry. I know how the press can be. I want to protect Kimberly at all costs.”
“I wish you luck with that one, Jeremy. They are like vultures.” She gazed up at the sky. “It’s a beautiful day. We can work the whole rags to riches if we have to. Pregnant girl goes from small cabin by the lake to a chalet. I love it,” she clapped her hands. “It doesn’t bother you that she’s pregnant with another man’s baby?”
“If it did, I wouldn’t be marrying her.”
Weenie yapped as he flew down the steps. “We’re not interrupting you two are we?” asked Kimberly. Her eyes shot toward Mrs. Peacock’s cabin and she lowered her shoulders a notch like it relaxed her with them absent.
Clive rushed forward. “Kimberly, pose over there by the rail.” With a wave of his hand, Corrine and Jeremy moved away.
“What should I do?” Kimberly asked.
“Look like your lips taste, like strawberries and sunshine,” Jeremy suggested.
She shot him an “if looks could kill” look. Her lips curved into a smile as she leaned back against the rail and flung an arm over her face peeking just under her elbow. “Like this?”
Clint clicked away. “I just knew she would be a natural. Don’t be afraid. Keep posing. I’m going for natural. Pretty and pregnant on the beach with her Weenie dog.”
With that Kimberly dropped down and hugged Weenie close. More clicks and then a gasp. “Will someone please, help me up?” Jeremy gave her a hand and the camera clicked away. He swooped her into his arms and more clicks. He then positioned himself behind her and placed both hands on Kimberly’s round tummy, his head peeking out.
“You both are great,” Clint said. “I’ll have the test shots ready tomorrow.”
“Great,” Jeremy said. “I hate to break up the party, but we need to apply for a marriage license today.”
“Of course. We’re leaving. Clint’s taking photos of Clare later today. One of the reasons you’re not doing the perfume ad Kimberly, was that I thought the coco butter line was more fitting for Pretty and Pregnant.”
“I agree,” Kimberly said. “Perfume named Pretty and Pregnant might be hard to sell. I use coco butter every day and I’ll bet women would snap that off the shelf. I can’t remember the last time a new product has been added for pregnant women, lotion wise that is.” She gripped Jeremy’s arm and gave him a pinch. “It looks like I’ll soon have a husband to rub my lotion on for me. When can I get a sample bottle?”
Corrine pulled a bottle from her bag. “Right here. The label hasn’t been designed yet, but we should have it ready by next week before your wedding.”
“I thought Jeremy hinted we needed to marry in three days.”
“No way am I having our spokes model getting married without a proper wedding dress. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at noon,” Corrine told Kimberly. “We’ll have a real girl’s day of it,” she winked.
Kimberly let Weenie back inside and they all walked to the door leaving right behind Corrine and Clive. Weenie pawed at the screen door to be let out, but Kimberly waved a finger at him. “You have to stay home.” She locked up and Jeremy opened the door for Kimberly, who took about five minutes to get comfortable inside his SUV. He then rushed over to the driver’s side and jumped in.
“This is so exciting, isn’t it?” Jeremy beamed at Kimberly.
“Yes,” Kimberly said. “Like getting a tooth pulled.”
“You shouldn’t feel that way, Kimberly.”
She scratched her arm, “And how would you expect me to feel? It’s not like we’re in love and this isn’t even your baby.�
��
“I don’t care, Kimberly. It doesn’t matter to me.”
She frowned. “Well, it should bother you. It would most men.”
Jeremy peeled out of the gravel drive. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not like most men, wouldn’t you agree?”
She drummed her fingers in her lap in time with a Taylor Swift tune, “Our Song.” “I’d agree with that, but how do you feel about children?”
“I think children are great. I had hoped to have a houseful by now.”
Kimberly’s eyes widened. “A houseful?”
“Sure, and you?”
“I don’t know. I had hoped to be married before I got pregnant I guess.”
“I promise, Kimberly, that I’ll make you happy if you give me a chance.”
She gasped. “Seriously, how about if we just stick to the plan? I marry you within a week and we divorce in two years time. I can handle the baby all by myself. You don’t need to even be there when the baby is born.”
It was his turn to gasp. How cold could she be? “No way am I letting you go through this alone. I’m going to be there at your side the whole time.
They pulled up to Redwater’s courthouse and Jeremy helped Kimberly out. “See, I can be handy at times. Just trust me, Kimberly.”
She walked toward the small brick courthouse and Jeremy was surprised when she let him lace her fingers with his. Was he melting her resolve? He sure knew that kiss earlier was out of this world. She did taste like strawberries and sunshine.
Chapter Nine
Kimberly couldn’t believe what Jeremy had said. Would he really be there for her when she gave birth? That made her a little nervous too. This man hadn’t even been intimate with her, so why did he think he had to be the stand up guy? She wondered when she should tell Jeremy the truth about the baby’s dad. That he really had died in a hunting accident way before she realized she was pregnant.
She wanted to shake his hand from hers as it made her heart ache for him. Kimberly worried, what if she couldn’t make this man fall in love with her? Would he send her and the baby away after two years time like the contract stated or...stop thinking Kimberly—stay focused. It’s a business deal not a love arrangement, although it did seem like an arranged marriage. She could have just said no, but she needed the money and she loved the idea of a lotion line for pregnant women. She hardly felt like a good role model though.
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