Page 20 of Offside Bride

I can see Owen surreptitiously checking the time on his phone, and Bruce, tilting his wrist to glance at his smart watch. Hannah and Emily are trying to act like they’re busy fluffing the tulle or the flowers for the thousandth time. Hendrix is outright sleeping.

I sweep my gaze over to Griffin. He’s the only one with worry written all over his face. His eyebrows twitch as he catches me looking at him, then he gets up and paces.

We’re gathered at Hannah’s house—just me, the judge, and the few people who know this is all a sham. I was fine going down to the courthouse for this, but Hannah said it would be easier to set up the green screens and camera equipment at her house. Apparently, she’s a wiz at Photoshop and can create the illusion of a blissful wedding, followed by a honeymoon in Niagara.

I brought four changes of clothing for the photoshoot. The suit I’m wearing, some jeans and T-shirts, and a casual button down I was told would probably get wet.

There’s a huge fan off to the side, which Hannah says will make it look like we’re caught in the wind.

The judge taps his fingers impatiently on the hardback cover of his officiant’s book. The wedding was supposed to start over a half-hour ago.

I feel like an idiot.

Everyone’s on edge, but when I take a look at Emily, I notice something a little off with her. Like she knows something.

I run a hand over all the product keeping my ponytail in place, trying to keep my cool. This is fine. Everything’s fine. I'm only about to be left at the altar of my fake wedding.

The judge shifts his weight, looking incredibly uncomfortable. I can’t blame him. Who wants to officiate a wedding where the bride’s a no-show?

The universe is laughing at me, I'm sure of it.

“Well,” the judge says, clearing his throat. “I’m afraid I can’t wait any longer.”

“Look,” I say, plastering on my most convincing smile. “How about we sweeten the deal? I’ll throw in some tickets to our next game. Best seats in the house.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Son, I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got a tee time in an hour.”

Just as I’m about to offer him my firstborn (not that I have one), I catch Emily’s eye. She’s fidgeting with the hem of her dress then quickly averts my gaze.

“All right, spill it,” I say, making my way over to her. “What’s got you looking like you just kicked a puppy?”

“I would never kick a puppy!”

“I got this,” Owen says, blocking me from his wife. “Emily? You know something, don’t you?”

Emily’s face flushes. “Who, me?”

“Doesn’t Maggie live with you?” Hannah asks. “Why didn’t she carpool with you guys?”

“She wasn’t ready when I left. And I had to pick up the deli spread.”

“Which I appreciate,” Griffin says.

“Why do we need a deli spread?” snaps Bruce.

“What’s a wedding reception without a deli spread?” Emily replies innocently.

“It’s a FAKE wedding!” I cry. Then, remembering the Judge’s presence, I take a mental note to slip him a few extra bills for his confidentiality.

“Emily, love.” Owen says gently, “What do you know that you’re not telling us?”

He brushes his fingers over her jawline, and she just about melts under his touch. If only that were all it took for Maggie to comply with me.

“I…might have talked to Maggie last night,” Emily confesses. “I sort of told her she didn’t have to go through with it if she didn’t want to!”

She totally caved. A chorus of groans fills the room. Even Hendrix wakes up to join in the groaning.

“Emily!” Hannah exclaims, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

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