A Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  She turned off the water. What would he do if she showed up at his house, like he used to at hers? Would he hang out with her? Seemed to her that he was okay being friends. Maybe just being friends was better than this pain of not being around him anymore. The realization of this rocked her, and she decided to drive over to Blake’s house after she got dressed. She grabbed her Scrabble game on the way out the door.

  Blake pulled the door open and his eyebrows rose when he saw her. “Hi.”

  She ignored the ‘what are you doing here’ look on his face. “I came for a rematch,” she said, throwing his own words back at him and holding up the board game.

  His lips twitched, but he didn’t smile. “I’d love to, but I’m kind of in the middle of something.”

  She tried not to let her disappointment show. “What are you doing?”

  “Packing.”

  Her heart pounded in her chest. “Going on a trip?”

  “No, I uh…” He rubbed his forehead. “I’m moving.”

  Time slowed. Her throat constricted and she couldn’t speak. Blake was leaving. Again. “Where?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “To Minnesota. I got a job offer…and well, with Mom gone, I just felt like it was time to move on.”

  Because there’s nothing left for you here. She swallowed. “I see.”

  He stepped back. “Do you want to come in for a minute? I have some Coke in the fridge. That’s about all I have.”

  Too stunned to think clearly, she nodded and stepped inside. The moment he shut the door, she wondered what she was doing there. He clearly didn’t think of her as anything important in his life. And just to prove it, he was leaving. For good this time.

  She didn’t know what to say or do. She simply followed him into the kitchen and side stepped the boxes as he grabbed a can of Coke. He held it out to her. “Sorry, I packed the glasses already.”

  “When are you leaving?” she blurted out.

  “In the morning.”

  She opened the can and took a sip. Being used to drinking diet, she didn’t expect the drink to be so sugary. She set the can down on the counter. “Do you need any help?” Gah, why ask him that? She should leave. Now. Because any second now the tears would come and she didn’t want Blake to be standing right there when they started to fall.

  He seemed surprised she offered, but he smiled. “Sure.” He led her to his bedroom closet, where he was packing the last of his clothes. A few boxes lay scattered around on the floor.

  She noticed an open box full of papers near the wall. She didn’t mean to snoop, but she couldn’t help seeing what lay on top. She reached in and pulled out an old school photo of hers. She’d written on the back, ‘To Blake. Love, Sidney.’

  “Oh, this is nice. Me, at that awkward stage.” She mimicked the awful cringe of a smile of hers at the age of thirteen.

  He reached out and snatched the photo from her, smiling. “I like that picture.”

  “What else do you have in here, anyway?” she asked, crouching and peeking in the box.

  “Just personal stuff.” He laughed and tried to close the flaps.

  Even more curious now that he was trying to hide it, she grabbed the box away from him. “Let’s see,” she said, looking inside. “What is this?” She pulled out an old school paper.

  He reached for it, but she pulled it away. She read in childhood handwriting, “When I grow up, I’m going to invent a machine that will make ice cream sandwiches. It will make so many I will give them to all the kids so no one will be sad.”

  She giggled. “Aw, that’s cute.”

  He blushed and took the paper from her.

  She looked in the box again. “You saved all your old school stuff?” She grinned up at him. “Are you a closet pack rat?”

  “It’s just one box.”

  She reached in and pulled out another photo of her. This time it was her senior picture. She stared at it. Blake had been away at college. She hadn’t given him her senior photo. This had been taken during the time when he wasn’t talking to her. “Where did you get this?” Her voice was so low, it almost came out as a whisper.

  He shrugged. “I think Grayson sent it to me.” He took the box from her and stuck his hand out for the photo.

  She handed it to him, silent.

  He slipped the photo into the box and folded the flaps. “If you want to finish taking the clothes from the hangers, you can fold them and put them in that garment box.” He pointed.

  She nodded, too stunned to say anything.

  Blake taped the box and put it on a stack in the living room. What was Sidney doing? Why had she shown up now, of all times? He’d pretty much accepted that she was never going to trust him. Never give him what he truly wanted. Herself.

  Maybe she’d been too burned by Asher. Maybe she’d grown too jaded. He wasn’t sure, but she’d been running from him ever since he stepped into her business and hired her. She had made her intentions clear. They were friends, and that was it.

  Being in Bishop Falls was too hard on him, with Sidney so close and yet unavailable to him, so he’d sent out his resume. It hadn’t taken long before he had a job offer. He’d accepted the first one.

  And now Sidney was here, making him re-think his decision to leave. Every time she was around, all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms. The smell of her hair made him replay their kiss in his head. Being near her was both torture and sweet happiness, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to give up that small piece of heaven.

  What was he thinking? He couldn’t stay. He needed to leave and forget about the way she made him feel…like he was falling from the plane again.

  No.

  Falling in love.

  Yes, he knew it now. He was in love with Sidney. And that was why he had to leave. Because being in love with someone who didn’t love you back was like…like his marriage to Melody. Full of pain.

  He sighed and went back into his bedroom. Sidney was folding his shirts and placing them neatly in his garment box. His suitcase sat on the floor by his bed. She glanced up at him. “The closet is almost done.”

  “Thanks.”

  “What do you want to do next?”

  “The only thing left to pack is under the bathroom sink.” He went to find a good sized box for that.

  When they were done packing the bathroom, he stood and stretched. “Do you want to go to lunch?”

  She bit her lip like she wasn’t sure she wanted to, but then nodded. “Okay.”

  They went outside. He opened the passenger door for her and she climbed in his truck. After he started the engine, she flipped on the radio, then looked at him with one eyebrow raised. “You’ve been listening to the pop station?”

  Oh. Busted. He tried to play it cool and shrugged. “It’s been growing on me.”

  She laughed and he realized he wouldn’t get to hear that sound again after today. He clenched his jaw. He needed to get a grip.

  After lunch, he went and picked up the moving truck. Sidney helped him haul all his boxes onto the truck. When only the heavy stuff was left, he turned to her. “I’ve got some guys coming over in the morning to help with the rest.”

  She nodded. “Okay, then.” She ran her hand through her hair and looked toward her car. She was about to leave.

  His heart climbed into his throat. The urge to pull her close and kiss her almost overwhelmed him, but he took a step back. It wouldn’t be right. He’d never be able to tell her how he felt.

  She swallowed and blinked up at him. “I guess I’ll go.”

  He couldn’t hold back any longer, and he pulled her into a hug. He held onto her for what seemed to be like a longer than acceptable time, but she didn’t squirm to get away. She simply let him hug her.

  When he pulled back, she had tears in her eyes. Surprised, he wiped one with his thumb. “Why are you crying?”

  She laughed a little and stepped back from him. “Stupid, right? I mean, I’m sure we’ll see each other. It’s not
like…you’re never coming back.”

  He wasn’t sure what to say. He certainly didn’t plan on coming back to Bishop Falls. His plan was to move away and bury the pain…until maybe someday he’d be able to skydive again without remembering the way she felt in his arms. Or get up in the morning without wondering what she was doing at that moment. He nodded, a numb feeling overtaking him. “Right.”

  She backed up. “This isn’t goodbye then. It’s see you later.”

  “See you, Sidney.”

  She turned and walked toward her car. She paused, like she wanted to turn and say something, but she must have changed her mind because she started walking again. She got in her car, and he watched her drive out of his life. For good.

  Chapter 25

  Sidney tossed and turned all night, unable to shake the feeling that she’d made the biggest mistake of her life. Blake was leaving, and she hadn’t told him the truth. Not really. He’d found out about her lie, but not the reason behind it.

  She loved him. And he was leaving. She rolled over and punched her pillow. Would it make a difference if she told him? There were times when she wondered. When he held her and she thought maybe he could feel it too. And then other times she wasn’t sure.

  Time slowed and she lay there, thinking about Blake. He’d kept her school photo all these years. Did that mean something? He’d also kept that paper he’d written, so it might mean nothing. She wished she knew how he felt about her.

  When sleep didn’t return, she finally got out of bed at five o’clock and took a shower. The warm water felt good on her back and she stood there, wondering if she was crazy.

  What if she did tell him? If he left anyway, all she’d have would be one more embarrassing incident. She’d handled those before. One more wouldn’t kill her. But what if she told him and he decided to stay in Bishop Falls? What if her love for him was enough?

  She turned off the faucet and wrapped herself in a towel. If she didn’t tell him, he’d leave for certain. So, her only choice was to go over there and spill her guts, right? If she had any chance with him, she had to know. It was now or never.

  Making the decision gave her both relief, and major butterflies. She dressed and tried to eat something, but her stomach wouldn’t let her. She looked at the clock. Six-fifteen. She couldn’t go over there this early. She plopped down on her couch and picked up her romance novel. She’d never finished it. Might as well.

  Sidney wasn’t aware that she’d fallen asleep until the noise of a truck outside brought her back to consciousness. A sick feeling filled her chest and she sprang up from the couch. What time was it? She ran to the clock. Ten!

  She raced to the bathroom and ran a brush through her hair. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep! Blake could be gone by now.

  She ran to her car and hopped in. Her fingers shook as she turned the ignition. He was gone, she was certain. She had to stop for a red light and her heart pounded. She wasn’t going to make it, was she?

  He just had his bed and a few other things to load up. Surely he was done with that by now. She pressed the gas as soon as the light turned green. When she turned onto his street, she craned her neck to see if the big moving truck was still in front of his house.

  She didn’t see it.

  No, no, no. The word echoed in her head as she drew closer. He was already gone.

  She stopped the car in front of his house, her heart torn in two. No moving truck. No Blake. The house stood empty, mocking her.

  She rested her forehead on the steering wheel, the hole in her chest threatening to open up and swallow her. She should have told him yesterday. Or better yet, she should never have lied to him in the first place.

  Maybe she could do some Googling. Find out where in Minnesota he was. Maybe she could drive there…

  A knock on her window startled her and she jumped. She looked up. Blake? Her heart pounded in her chest. He wasn’t gone? She got out of her car, feeling a bit foolish.

  “Sidney?” The question in his eyes said more than his words.

  “I, uh, needed to tell you something.” She leaned against her car and fiddled with her fingers, her heart in her throat.

  “What?”

  She didn’t look him in the eye. “I…” She swallowed. “My computer came up with another match for you.”

  His eyebrows drew together. “Excuse me?”

  “I know, it’s weird, because I put your account on hold, but another match came up and I thought I’d better tell you about her. You see, I think she’s perfect for you.”

  He blinked, then his lips twitched. “You do?”

  She rushed ahead, sure that if she stopped, she wouldn’t get the words out. “Yes. She’s an outdoor girl, loves hiking, canoeing, and swimming. And get this…she loves to skydive.”

  He folded his arms across his chest, his eyes holding amusement. “Really?”

  “And…not to brag or anything, but my matchmaking skills are top notch. I think you should meet this girl. Give her a chance.”

  “Maybe I will.”

  Her pulse raced and she twisted her hands. “I know this comes at a bad time…you moving and all…”

  He placed his hands on her car, on either side of her, trapping her. “I canceled the move last night.”

  His voice was so low, she barely heard him. “You did?”

  “Yes. The guys helped me move everything back inside this morning. So, maybe it’s fate.” His gaze traveled over her face. “When can I meet this match?”

  “That’s the best part. You already know her.”

  He was so close now she could smell the slight mint on his breath. “I do? Who is this girl?”

  “Me,” she whispered, her heart pounding so loud she was sure he heard it.

  His lips touched hers, and she closed her eyes, her nerve endings exploding. He cradled her face as he kissed her, and she allowed herself to get lost in him. Her heart soared and when he finally broke away, she nearly cried with joy.

  He stared at her, his face serious. “Why didn’t you match me with this wonderful girl before?”

  Her breath caught, and she forced the words out. “I’m so sorry I lied. I was frightened.”

  He blinked in surprise. “Of me?”

  “No.” She looked down. “Not really. I mean…I was afraid of you rejecting me again.” Her humiliation came back, threatening to choke her, and a tear slid down her cheek.

  “What are you talking about?” He didn’t say it accusingly. He spoke gently, his words almost caressing her.

  “When I was sixteen. And I kissed you.”

  Realization formed on his face, and he rubbed the backs of his fingers down her cheek. “Sidney, I didn’t reject you. I didn’t even realize I had feelings for you. Not until you kissed me.” He looked into her eyes. “You awoke things in me I’d never felt for anyone. It scared me, because you were so young.” He pressed his forehead against her own. “I shouldn’t have kissed you like that.”

  Another tear escaped. “But you left, and didn’t come back.”

  “I’m sorry. I was wrong to stay away from you.”

  She blinked away more tears. “At first I didn’t want to see you. I was embarrassed about the kiss. But then, I started hoping we could just forget about it. Maybe go back to the way things were before. I waited for Christmas holiday, thinking surely you’d come see me then. But you didn’t. And you stayed away for the next holiday, and the next.”

  “Oh, Sidney.” He pulled her into his arms. “I was afraid to see you. Afraid of what you would think of me.”

  “I thought you were the most wonderful person in the world,” she said, quietly.

  He looked into her eyes. “And now? What do you think of me?”

  The blue depths sucked her in, and she smiled. “I’m not sure. I might need another kiss to figure it out.”

  He smiled, let out a chuckle, and then obliged.

  Epilogue

  Sidney looked in the mirror as Mia tugged on her hair. “Ouch
,” Sidney said, frowning. “Are you almost done?”

  “I still have to fasten the veil. Hold your horses.”

  “My horses have been holding for an hour now.” She shot Mia a cheesy smile.

  “Funny.” Mia fussed with her hair a little more, then placed the veil on. After a few pins and some disgruntled looks, Mia pronounced her done.

  Sidney stood, her heart pounding. She smoothed out the long white skirt and turned to the side. “Do I look okay?”

  “Girl, you look more than okay. Blake is going to trip over himself when he sees you.”

  Natalie walked into the makeshift dressing room and gasped. “Oh honey, you look amazing.” She pulled Sidney into an embrace. “You’re such a lovely bride.”

  Sidney blinked back the moisture. “How’s Mom doing?”

  “Madder than a hornet’s nest under water, but she’ll get over it. It’s your wedding. If you want to jump out of a plane, no one should stop you.”

  Sidney smiled and hugged her sister again. “You’re the best.”

  Together, they walked through the small airport to the waiting area where her father stood. He smiled when he saw her. “My little girl.”

  She refrained from rolling her eyes. “All grown up, Daddy.”

  “You’ll always be my little girl.” He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. “Are you ready to do this?”

  “I’ve been ready practically my whole life.”

  He smiled. “I know. I’m just glad you two figured everything out.”

  They stood and waited until their cue, then her father opened the door. They walked outside and down the white fabric leading to the small airplane. The cameraman clicked as they walked, and she tried not to trip on her long dress. Her father helped her climb in the plane, where her family sat, buckled in. Ted was seated beside Natalie, and Mia and her husband were in the back. White flowers and organza bows decorated the small space. She joined Blake, who stood before Reverend Joseph.

  Nerves shot through her as Reverend Joseph began the ceremony. She looked up into Blake’s eyes, and she calmed. His gaze was so full of love, she could barely breathe. How could she be so lucky?