Page 12 of Bride Unwanted

“We’re here,” the driver announces as he parks right in front of the main entrance.

“I’ll text when we are ready to be picked up,” Talon tells him before opening the door.

I take his hand and let him guide me out of the car and into the small private hospital, specializing in cancer treatments. As we walk in, the familiar scent of antiseptic and harsh cleaners tickles my nose. I always hated those smells, but now even more so. It’s an ongoing reminder of my mom being unwell and needing constant care.

“The elevator is that way,” I let Talon know as he tries to lead me into the hallway.

“Your mom was moved to a better room,” Talon announces nonchalantly.

“What? How?”

“I arranged it. They moved her yesterday.”

I’m stunned. I probably shouldn’t be as surprised as I am, but I’m still left speechless at the way Talon takes care of me and everything around me. Walking in silence, I don’t find my words again until we walk into my mom’s room, and I see her sitting up on the bed, smiling.

“Mom!” I speed walk over to her and give her a gentle hug, trying not to tug on her IV as I do. “How are you today?”

“I’m wonderful! They upgraded me to a better room. Can you believe how large and nice it is? And will you believe, I have my own terrace now. My own terrace, Callie.” The excitement in her voice is infectious, and I can’t help but grin from ear to ear.

“That’s amazing, Mom. I’m so happy for you.”

We smile at each other for a moment before my mom realizes I didn’t come alone. She tilts her head to the side and looks at Talon with her eyebrows raised. “Now, will you tell me who this handsome young man is, or do I have to start guessing?”

I straighten my spine and suck in a quick breath. “Well, if you guessed, the chances of you getting it right are very low,” I try to make a joke, but my mom’s face only settles in confusion.

“Okaaaay,” she says cautiously.

“I don’t really know where to start, but I did something crazy, and I really want you to stay calm and don’t freak out.”

“Okay, but now I’m freaking out.”

Maybe this is just like ripping off a Band-Aid. I need to get it over with. “Mom, meet Talon, my husband.” I step aside and let Talon come closer.

“It’s nice to meet you, Carol,” he addresses her by her first name, which I realize I never told him. Which makes me wonder how he even knew how to find her. I don’t have time to think about that right now because my mom’s mouth pops open and her eyes go wide.

“Your what?”

“My husband,” I repeat. “I know it’s sudden?—”

“Sudden? I didn’t even know you were dating.” My mom’s voice turns from shock to outrage.

“Because I wasn’t. We got married without knowing each other. We had an agency arrange everything.”

That shuts my mom up. Now she is the one speechless. Her eyes bounce back and forth between Talon and me as she lets this new information sink in. We both give her some time to digest.

After a moment, she finally asks, “But why?”

I take a deep breath, ready to tell my mom the truth, when Talon takes another step toward me to drape an arm around my body. “I know this all seems a bit crazy, but I have been looking for a wife for a while now, and I could not find anyone on my own. My work is my life, and I had no time to court a woman. That’s why I went with the agency,” he explains.

My mom listens to him intently before turning her full attention back to me. She doesn’t say the words, but I know she wants my side now.

“Mom, I don’t want to lie to you, so I’m giving it to you straight. I received money through the agency to go through with it and yes, at first, I only did this for the money, but as it turns out, Talon and I actually like each other very much. I’m happy, and I want to be married to him.”

For another few seconds, silence settles over us. My mom blinks a few times before letting out a huff. “Wow, that’s all I can say…”

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” I mumble.

“And you are really happy?” my mom whispers, as if Talon can’t hear her.

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