“Can I help you?” the woman asked, looking down her nose at Bethany.
Bethany glanced up at Jamie. She never felt comfortable with women like this. They always assumed she didn’t have the money to buy the things they were selling. They were usually right.
Jamie put his hand on her back. “Bethany has just agreed to become my wife. She needs to pick out a ring.”
“We sell only the finest diamonds here. Our gold is no less than twenty-four carats. Our rings start at—”
“Bethany can have whatever she wants. I don’t care what it costs.” He pulled out his wallet and handed the woman a black credit card.
The woman’s eyes widened as she appraised at the card. “Of course, Mr. Green.” Then she looked at Bethany. “What would you like to see?”
Jamie watched Bethany as she walked around the store. He wanted this to be her choice. He’d never seen her wear a piece of fine jewelry. In fact, he hadn’t seen her wear any jewelry at all.
The saleswoman pulled out a set of rings with enormous diamonds, and Jamie rolled his eyes. Bethany took one look at those rocks and turned away. After what seemed like forever, Bethany pointed to some rings under the glass.
“Can I look at those?”
The saleswoman’s face fell when she saw where Bethany was pointing, but she pulled out the tray anyway. Jamie stood close behind Bethany as she looked. The diamonds were smaller than most in the store. He wasn’t an expert on jewelry, but he guessed most of the rings she was looking at were only a single carat. The rings the woman wanted to sell had to be between three and five.
The rings Bethany examined were delicate, with intricate bands. She steered away from the traditional and looked only at ones that were unique. She put a few on her finger and then put them down. Finally, she handed him one.
“What do you think about this one?”
“It’s your ring. I don’t really care.”
“But I’d still like your opinion.”
He took it from her and studied it. It had two bands that wove in and out of one another. One of the bands had a tiny row of diamonds, and the other had small leaves coming away from the center diamond, making it look like a flower. She had good taste. It was unique and small, but pretty.
He smiled down at her and saw the anxiety on her face. He wondered for a second what she was worried about. That he wouldn’t like it, or that it was too expensive.
He handed the ring back to her. “I think it’s perfect. Is it really what you want?”
She nodded.
He smiled at the saleswoman. “We’ll take it.”
“It’s not one of our more popular rings. And you know that band is extremely difficult to keep clean. If you’ll just consider one of these, I’ll think you’ll be much happier.”
She pulled over the stand of rings with the massive diamonds.
Bethany stood her ground. “No. That’s the one I want. Those all look garish and fake.”
Jamie bit back a laugh as the saleswoman sputtered. After he composed himself, he spoke to Bethany. “Dear, there are other jewelry stores. If you are concerned about their authenticity, we can go elsewhere.”
She shook her head. “I like that one.” She pointed at the ring in the saleswoman’s hand.
“You have my card. If you could ring it up, we’ll be on our way.”
Jamie handed Bethany the bag when they stepped outside. “You handled that like a pro. That woman is going to be fuming for months.”
“She was so rude. Thank you for the ring, it’s beautiful. I’ll be sad to give it back.” She looked wistfully at the bag.
“You can keep the ring.”
“You’ve got to stop giving me things.”
He didn’t know how to explain to her that he meant it. That he wasn’t giving her things because he pitied her or something.
“Why?” he asked, determined to understand her reluctance to accept gifts.
“Because I have nothing to give you in return.”
Jamie stood close to her and took her hand. She sucked in a breath.
“I need you to understand something. By agreeing to marry me, you’ve given me the one thing that no amount of money could ever buy. A chance to get my son back. You owe me nothing else. Do you understand?”
She nodded and took a few steps back. Her face unreadable. Then a slow smile spread.
“But I want to buy you one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll have to wait and see. Come on.”
She crossed the street and kept herself at least two steps ahead of him all the way down the small street. Finally, she stopped in front of a small shop.
“They have the best chocolate in town. Their truffles are the size of tangerines. Your turn to study the merchandise under the glass.”
The truffles were indeed enormous. Jamie had no idea which one to pick. To him chocolate was all the same. But he wouldn’t tell her that.
“Which one is your favorite?” he asked.
“I don’t have a favorite. I order a different one every time I come. The only one I refuse to try is the one with green tea.”
He turned back to the glass. “I have no idea.”
She smiled. “I often have the same problem.”
An older balding man came out from the back room.
“Bethany, where have you been? I haven’t seen you in weeks.” He spoke in a thick European accent.
“I’ve been busy.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “Busy with the California man with you?”
“California?” Jamie asked, confused.
“Yeah, you’re all blonde and buff. California.”
Bethany laughed.
“Hugo, this is Jamie.” She paused for a second and then forged on. “My fiancé.”
Hugo raised an eyebrow. “You have been busy. Let me see your ring.”
“It’s still in the box. We just bought it.”
Hugo put his hands on his hips. “I still want to see it.”
Bethany pulled out the small box and handed it to Hugo.
He whistled. “That is gorgeous.”
“She has good taste, doesn’t she?” Jamie asked.
Hugo looked up at him. “She always has. Except where green tea is concerned. It’s my best truffle, and she won’t touch it. When’s the big day?”
Jamie moved closer to Bethany and put his arm around her waist. “Tomorrow.”
Bethany stiffened next to him. He had taken her by surprise, but he couldn’t afford to wait. This had to happen fast, so he could prove to the judge that he was offering Garrett an honest, happy family.
“Why didn’t I get an invite?” Hugo seemed genuinely hurt.
“Because we’re eloping. No one knows. In fact, you’re the first one I’ve told.” Bethany had a comeback for everything.
Hugo grinned. “Congrats. Now what can I get you?”
“We don’t know. You pick three and surprise us. But no green tea.” Bethany gave him a smile that he’d only ever seen her use on Hexa.
Hugo shook his head. “Every time. One of these times I’m going to sneak that one in.”
Bethany laughed. Jamie wasn’t used to seeing her so relaxed. “But not today, because today’s my engagement day.”
“You have an excuse every time you come in. Next week it will be because you’re pregnant. The week after that it will be because you got in a fight with California boy. The day after that it will be because you made up.”
They paid for the truffles, and Hugo handed them their chocolate. Bethany tucked her arm in the crook of Jamie’s arm and pulled him outside.
“I want to show you one more thing.”
They walked a little farther down and came to strip mall.
“See that?”
“The dance studio?”
“Yeah. I’ve been dancing there since I was six. She’s selling it. Now, as long as it’s for sale six months from now, I get to buy it. And if she sells it first, I’ll just
start my own. Thank you.”
She met his eyes. He took a deep breath. He hadn’t expected to feel so much satisfaction over giving this woman what she needed. He suddenly had a desire to give her more.
Bethany stood in front of her closet staring at her clothes. She had no idea what to wear. Jamie said he had a few things to take care of and took off. They had an appointment at the courthouse at four. What did one wear at a fake wedding? Especially one at a courthouse with only a witness couple.
She still couldn’t quite believe she was doing this. Her parents would have been horrified, but she didn’t know what else she could do to save her house. This was the only option that presented itself. And it was a damn good option.
The doorbell rang, and she ran downstairs. She’d called Bunny last night and told her she had some news. If she’d gotten married without telling Bunny, she’d never forgive her.
Bethany flung open the door. Bunny spotted her ring before she could even open her mouth.
“That is gorgeous. He’s marrying you for your money, right?”
Bethany rolled her eyes. As many times as she tried to explain to Bunny that she was broke, Bunny never believed her. Though Bethany saw a wink and thought that maybe she was underestimating Bunny’s intelligence.
“No. He has plenty of money of his own.”
“Then why’s that ring so small?” Bunny held out her own hand. “Look at mine. And I know Jamie’s got more money than Danny.”
Bunny had a rock that even that snooty saleswoman would be envious of. “Because I wanted this ring. Maybe it has nothing to do with money. Maybe we’re in love.”
Bunny snorted. “Oh please. That man hasn’t so much as kissed you. I don’t know why you’re getting married, but love has nothing to do with it.” Then she shoved past Bethany and waltzed up the stairs. Bethany followed.
Bethany hoped that no one else was that observant. “Believe what you want. We’re getting married today.” The butterflies in her stomach were going bananas. Everything about this was surreal. The marriage. The money. Everything.
“Whatcha gonna wear?”
“I don’t know. I was just looking in my closet. Want to help me pick something out?”
“Of course.”
Bunny froze in the doorway. “I’m not going in there with that thing.”
Bethany peeked around Bunny and saw Hexa asleep on her bed. Bethany wiggled past her and jumped on the bed with the dog.
“If you want to help me pick out my dress, you will.”
Bunny screwed up her face. “This isn’t fair.” She tiptoed in the room, staying as close to the wall as she could and then slid into the closet. Bethany giggled at her. Silly girl.
Bunny started tossing dresses out of the closet. Then she poked her head out.
“You’ve got nothing sexy. This will have to do.” Bunny pulled out a light pink sundress that Bethany wore to a tourism convention once. The material was silky, and the skirt flared out at the waist. Then Bunny found a pair of strappy white heels. Bunny helped put her hair up in a twist, but Bethany wouldn’t let Bunny touch her makeup. She took a few deep breaths. This wasn’t exactly how she imagined her wedding day, but the next one could be normal. Because there would be a next one.
“Beth, you ready?” Jamie called up the stairs. Bunny jumped.
“She’ll be there in a second,” Bunny called. “Wait thirty seconds before you come down.” Bunny ran out of the room in her ridiculous yellow heels. She was going to break her leg going down those stairs. Bethany looked down at Hexa, who was giving her doe eyes.
“What are we going to do with her? Huh?”
Bethany found a pair of pearl earrings that belonged to her mother and the matching necklace.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” she whispered before heading down the stairs.
Jamie stood at the bottom, looking dashing as usual. He had on a tailored black suit, and held a bouquet of flowers. Bunny had his eyes covered with her hands. Bethany wondered for a second why he picked her.
When she reached the bottom, she realized her heels hadn’t helped her at all. She was still staring right at his chest. She looked up, and Bunny took her hands off his eyes.
He took in a sharp breath and then smiled at her. “You look amazing.” She felt the butterflies in her stomach go bananas.
She let out a breath. “Thank you. So do you.”
Bunny clapped her hands together. “Ooh, I’m so happy for you two. I’m going to leave you alone. Danny and I will meet you at the courthouse.” She kissed them both on the cheeks and then pranced from the house. She had eagerly agreed to witness for them.
Jamie shook his head and then met Bethany’s eyes again. “Are you nervous?” he asked, handing her the flowers.
She took them. “A little. But it’s just business, right?” She smoothed the front of her dress.
“Right. We are going to stop at Annabelle’s first and sign the pre-nup. She has her assistants putting it together as we speak.” He leaned down and kissed her on her cheek. She flushed, and her heart raced.
“Thank you,” he whispered in her ear. She had to resist the urge to move her head and kiss him on the lips. She wanted to, and that made her nervous. What would she end up doing for this man before this was all over?
Annabelle was icy to her in the office, but she expected that. Bethany read over the document, and it said almost exactly what they talked about. Three million in the event of divorce no matter what the cause, and she got to keep her house and its furnishings. Jamie would get everything else. Bethany tried to argue that he said only two, but he reminded her that she wanted a dance studio as well.
She wondered how long they’d have to keep up the charade. Six months? A year? Either way, as soon as it was over, she’d quit her job and either buy or open a dance studio. She was already thinking about some of the classes she’d offer.
They arrived at the courthouse about a half hour before the wedding. Bunny and Danny stood next to Danny’s car in the parking lot. Bunny wore a bright pink dress with a huge southern hat. Danny looked like he wanted to be as far from her as possible. But he was dashing in his suit.
Bethany took a deep breath and approached them. “Thanks for coming.”
Danny shrugged. “You think Bunny would let us miss this? No way. I have to admit I’m a little surprised. This was fast.”
Jamie moved around behind her and pulled her close. “You can’t deny true love. We couldn’t have Mrs. Calhoun kicking me out, so we thought we’d move things up.”
Danny winked at him. “Sure. I’m wondering now if you didn’t pay her off so you’d get Bethany to marry you.”
Bunny swatted him. “Don’t be silly. But I want to be there when you tell Mrs. Calhoun. She’s going to go ballistic.”
Jamie looked at his watch. “We should go inside.”
He guided Bethany toward the courthouse, and butterflies floated in her stomach. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to go through with this. She had to though. She agreed. And her dance studio was only a few months away. She wondered if she could convince the owner to wait until she was ready to buy.
Jamie held the door open, and she stepped in. They found the right room and waited. People milled about, and lawyers conferenced together. This was just a normal day for everyone else. But for Bethany this was her wedding day. This date would never be the same for her again.
In ten years would she look at it as a happy day or a sad one? Probably both. Jamie bounced on the balls of his feet, and she went and stood by Bunny.
“You nervous?” Bunny asked.
“Of course. Weren’t you?”
“Not really. I was pretty stinking happy on my wedding day. You don’t seem so happy.” She dropped her voice. “But I would never tell Danny that. He seems awfully suspicious.”
“It’s okay. I’m happy. I’m just really nervous. Stupid, right?” She let out a forced laugh.
Bunny pulled her in for a tight hug. “No. Not stupid at all.
”
A clerk opened the door. “Green-Davis marriage.”
Jamie met her eye and gave her a smile. She tried to give one back, but she was afraid it came across as a grimace.
The judge was already in the room reading through a few papers. He was an older gentleman with a trimmed beard. He didn’t even look up when they walked in. He turned to his clerk. “Check their IDs.”
Jamie and Bethany handed the clerk their drivers’ licenses. The judge beckoned them forward.
He pointed to Jamie but kept his gaze locked on Bethany. “You sure you want to marry this guy?”
Bethany nodded.
He scoffed. “Speak, girl. It’s not official unless you say yes.”
“Oh. Sorry. Yes.” She was doing this all wrong.
The judge paused and stroked his beard. He stared right at Jamie for long enough that Bethany started to squirm. Finally he spoke in barely a whisper. “Are you certain you’re worthy of this woman?”
Jamie didn’t say anything. Bethany thought for a minute that he was going to bail, but found him staring right at her. The look in his eyes frightened her. As if he was really considering the words of the judge.
Finally, he spoke. “Yes, Your Honor, I do.”
“Very well. Both of you need to sign here.” He pointed to two lines on the bottom of a document. After they signed, the judge called, “Witness couple.”
Bunny came rushing forward and had the thing signed before Danny even got to the bench.
Bethany let out a sigh. So far the marriage was pretty anticlimactic. But as soon as Danny finished signing, the judge said, “Congratulations, you may kiss the bride.”
Jamie looked down at Bethany, and she smiled up at him. She wished they’d practiced this. Jamie leaned down, and she stood on her tiptoes. His lips met hers, and she pressed into the kiss, her insides buzzing with fire. She threw her arms around his neck, and he pulled her closer. His lips were soft and moved easily against hers. She didn’t want it to end. Their lips moved furiously against each other, and the judge behind them cleared his throat. Jamie pulled away, his eyes sparkling.
He set her down and took her hand.
“Thank you, Your Honor. We’ll be going now.”
Folly and Forever (Omega Mu Alpha Brothers Book 3) Page 9
