Page 35 of Lock 'em Down

Mom glances between us. “Married.” She fixes me with her gaze. “A divorce would be a travesty. A blemish to the reputation you worked so hard to restore.”

“We’re not getting divorced,” Leif says seriously, pulling my mother’s attention away from me. “I want to get to know Cami. I want to give our marriage a chance.”

I let out a slow exhale.

“I want to make this work,” Leif continues. His tone is sincere and if I’m not mistaken, his mother is looking at him with pride instead of disappointment.

Mom blinks slowly. The flush on her cheeks lessens and she relaxes in her chair. “You—you do?” She nods. “Good, that’s good.”

Oh, no. She doesn’t think this is a terrible mistake. Instead, Mom believes I’ve finally chosen—albeit by accident—correctly. A good boy from a good family. She’s going to back Leif and his crazy idea!

I look longingly at the bar, wishing I could dive behind it and polish off the entire selection of spirits.

Our server returns with fresh beverages.

“Thanks,” I say, taking my Coke.

“From the bartender,” she adds, placing down a shot of tequila.

I stifle a chuckle. Good man.

Mom grumbles her disappointment, but I grin and lift it in the bartender’s direction in gratitude. I could use the liquid courage.

The bartender winks in response.

Leif looks less pleased, but he doesn’t say anything. He’s too busy glaring at the bartender who ignores his pointed stare.

Stella holds up a glass and gives me a soft, understanding smile. “Well, I guess congratulations are in order.”

My nerves scatter, ricocheting around my body as I gulp for oxygen.

Mom laughs—the sounds surprised. Relieved.

Leif holds up his glass and Mom does the same.

“I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Of love and joy. I wish you a big love, like the one I’ve shared with Lars,” Stella says truthfully.

Leif looks thoughtful as he stares at his mom. My mom blinks rapidly, as if holding back tears. “And I wish you the same. This may not be a traditional love story, but marriage is a beautiful bond, a lifetime commitment.”

In Vegas, I felt like my marriage to Leif was the start of an adventure. But right now, with Mom beaming at me, her expression stamped with acceptance, it feels restrictive.

A prison sentence. The words pop into my head, and my heart rate ticks up.

When we clink glasses, Leif eyes me with the same serious, solemn expression. It causes my stomach to twist because…we don’t know each other. Until a few minutes ago, I didn’t even know what he did for a living!

We don’t know the first thing about marriage.

Hell, I’m a terrible example of what half of a romantic relationship should look like. I’ve never been in a healthy, committed, long-term relationship.

And I don’t want my first experience to be as a married woman!

“You’re really married?” Mom asks, as if she can’t believe the turn of events. “You’re really settling down with Leif?”

He flashes Mom his Rainbow Looms ring. I sigh heavily and dig the purple crown ring out my purse. I hold it up for her to see before I slide it onto my finger.

“Oh my goodness,” she laughs, covering her mouth. But she looks content. Joyful. Her expression softens. “It will be good for you to settle down properly, Cami,” she whispers.

“And we can upgrade your ring,” Leif promises.

---