Page 55 of Wed to You

Chapter Nine

How the hell did I get here?Chelsea stood at the end of the aisle, looking to where Jagger stood devilishly handsome in his white suit. She wore a white tea-length dress that even off the rack from a boutique in Richmond cost more than her monthly salary as a teacher.

The wedding was small, intimate, and filled with flowers. It was exactly what she’d always thought she’d have, with a few exceptions, the most notable of which was the fact she and her husband weren’t in love. Sure, there was attraction and a boatload of lust. The way she’d thrown herself at him in her kitchen just a few nights before was proof of that. She still couldn’t believe she’d done that and was even more surprised she’d put the kibosh on it because kissing Jagger was delicious. His hands on her were divine. The feel of him between her thighs was spectacular. But it wasn’t smart. The trouble was, her impulsive leap into his arms proved that sticking to her rules was going to be harder than she thought.

When Jagger first confronted her about the way she distanced herself from him when he touched her in public, she initially thought he was operating from ego that her aloofness had bruised. As he continued to talk, and she looked into his eyes, she realized he was hurt. Added to what he’d told her about his parents, who hadn’t wanted him, and later the revelation from Alexis that Jagger had never felt loved or been in love, Chelsea realized he’d taken her rejection personally. As if she thought something was wrong with him as a person. The need to let him know he was wrong overpowered her, resulting in an unwise, yet very enjoyable make-out session in her kitchen.

Thank goodness the pizza boy showed up because she was pretty sure she wouldn’t have stopped him if he’d taken the interlude to the next level. The interruption pulled her from Jagger’s magnetism, so she was able to gather her wits and put an end to the idea that sex would be included in this marriage deal. Thankfully, he agreed to heed her wishes.

That didn’t stop her libido from wanting to tackle the man and make him touch her in all the ways she’d imagined. She had a good imagination.

She scanned the setting. A beautiful, warm, clear May day. Perfect for an outdoor wedding. Her closest friends occupied both sides of the aisle, since only Jagger’s staff and his lawyer, Alexis Fairchild, attended on his side. Apparently, he had no other local friends except Mitch, if you could call their relationship a friendship. The only thing that kept her from feeling sorry for Jagger was the fact this was a fake wedding. It was possible he didn’t want his friends or family attending.

“Come on, Miss Chelsea.” Kaden stood next to Jagger, making a “come” motion with his arm, the pillow holding their rings nearly tipping out of his other hand.

Chelsea mustered a smile and reminded herself she was helping Jagger retain custody of Kaden and saving her house. She stepped forward, moving down the aisle toward Jagger, who smiled in encouragement.

The week leading up to the big event was a whirlwind of activity, which had to be the reason she found herself walking up the aisle even as her brain was telling her to run. She’d been distracted by the shopping and planning. Jagger had let her plan the intimate affair, while he footed the bill and made things happen when vendors told her “no.” Turned out money not only bought gourmet food, but also seemingly impossible wedding services. He’d paid for and flown in a string quartet from New York. And the flowers too. Miss Z took charge of the food but, true to his word, Jagger hired help, also flown in from New York, to cook and serve. The wedding was thrown together in days, and yet, it looked like a real wedding. It was breathtaking in the lush green of Jagger’s backyard.

Chelsea made it to Jagger, who reached out and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. She smiled, but she imagined she looked a little pale. Or green. She had committed herself to this plan, but she still couldn’t believe she was following through. It was amazing what determination and a pile of money could do.

The minister smiled, his round cheeks rosy with the heat of the day and possibly wine.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of God and this company, to witness and celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the union of Chelsea Deanna Beemer and Jagger William Talbot.”

Chelsea’s heart thundered as reality slammed into her like a freight train. She was getting married. To a man she didn’t love. Yes, he was a nice man. Yes, he was handsome as all get out. But married?

He squeezed her hand again, and she looked into Jagger’s inquiring blue eyes.

“Oh, uh…I do.” Were they at that part already?

Jagger cocked his head to the side, and she knew she probably didn’t look like a blushing bride. She mustered a smile.

Jagger slid a platinum band next to the family engagement ring he’d given her only a week before. She took the band from the pillow held by Kaden and slid it on his finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Jagger leaned forward and, with her head back in the game, Chelsea met him halfway. His soft, delicious lips slid across hers, and despite her brain’s concerns over this wedding, her hormones danced.

His lips drifted along her jaw and toward her ear. “Thank you, Chelsea.”

She lifted a hand, pressing it to the side of his face to hold him to her cheek. He took her hand, kissed her palm, and then turned them both to face the small gathering.

“May I present, Mr. and Mrs. Talbot.”

Their guests clapped. All smiled, except Mitch, who made an attempt to look happy, but whose smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Chelsea satat the vanity table in the large bedroom. Nerves skittered through her body. She’d made it through the wedding and reception. Now it was bedtime. She’d agreed to stay with him in his room to maintain the ruse, but now that the night was here, she was nervous. He’d promised he wouldn’t touch her, and she believed him. The difficulty was that her insides always went warm and gooey around him. She wasn’t sure she could resist touching him.

“I have something for you.”

She looked at Jagger through the reflection in the mirror. He waved a manila envelope.

She turned in the chair and he handed her the package. She glanced at him in curiosity before opening it. Several sheets of paper slid out. Shuffling through them, most had big red stamps saying “Paid in Full” across the top. Her mortgage was paid. Her student debt was paid. In fact, there were more bills paid than she’d given him.

“You paid it all?”

He nodded. “I said I would. You met your part of the deal. That was mine.”

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