Page 67 of Exposed

I told my family we’re getting married, but I didn’t tell them it’s a ruse to seal the custody deal with Simon. They’re family, but they also live on Aveline where nothing is a secret.

What if someone involved in the case ends up being from Aveline, and they know we only married for the custody battle? Lying to my family isn’t ideal. I’ve never lied to them before, but I can’t risk Simon’s future. They know nothing about Pepper’s situation either. I think they assume she lost her job and we were already dating, which is fine. I want the courts to believe this is real, so we’re not telling anyone the real reason we’re marrying.

My request for a wedding was simple: a short, simpleceremony at my house with only them and a minister. I made up the excuse that I see big weddings every weekend and want something intimate for Pepper, Simon and myself.

I ruffle my hair to get the confetti out as I look at my family’s beaming faces.

“We’re so excited for you two,” Mamie claps. “We’re so lucky the minister who married us in our living room fifty years ago was available.”

Imagine that. A seventy year old man on a small island not busy with another wedding.

“That’s great, Mamie. Thank you,” I nod my head respectfully.

Papi claps me on the back. “I’m proud of you, son. After two weeks with Yvette, I knew she was the one for me.” He smiles at my grandma, and she makes a kissy face at him.

Fifty years and three kids later, they fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but their love for each other is fierce.

“Come with us, Pepper,” my mom beckons.

“What’s up?” I take a step forward, but Mamie puts a hand on my chest to stop me.

“No, no,chéri. No seeing the bride until she comes down the aisle,” Mamie chides.

Mamie and my mom whisk Pepper toward the guest bedroom.

“Got a bow tie for Simon,” Papi hands me a black Velcro tie for Simon that matches his.

“Wow. Okay,” I’m surprised they went all out, but I shouldn’t be. I’m my parents’ only child.

“Your mom wants you to wear something nice. Then,set up your tripod for photos,” my dad instructs and opens his arms to take Simon.

“Yes, sir.”

Time to get married.

26

ALWAYS KISS

PEPPER

Mamie and Madilyn are super sweet to make this wedding memorable for us. When Madilyn opens the bedroom door, my eyes immediately find a white dress laying on the bed. It’s beautiful, but it’s not a typical formal bridal gown.

On instinct, I walk forward and touch the gauzy fabric. The bodice is fitted, and the skirt is long and flowy. It’s got a summer vibe and a sexy slit up one side.

“Shoot, you two know how to pick out a dress,” I say in awe.

“Picture yourself wearing it out with Matthieu,” Madilyn gushes.

Mamie hands me a pair of white lace up sandals and smiles. She’s short and whimsically cute with her pink hat.Don’t get me started on Papi’s mustache. They could be senior citizen models.

“Whether you’re going out to dinner or for a stroll along the beach, I want you to be able to get lots of use out of it,” Madilyn adds about the dress.

I blink back hot tears. Besides Matt recently, no one has ever been so thoughtful to shop and pick out something they thought I’d like.

“It’s perfect. I love it,” I say as my voice breaks, and Madilyn wraps her arms around me.

“Of course, sweetie. We’re thrilled you’re a part of our family. Put on the dress. Then, I brought mascara and blush, if you want it. You’re radiant already, but a touch extra on your wedding day never hurts.”

---