Page 74 of Beyond the Stroke

Cal quirks an eyebrow, giving me a look that meansI told you so.

I groan but let Winnie lead me away.

An hour later, with my hair blown out and a soft, natural makeup palette applied, I’m Winnie’s vision of a blushing bride.

After finding me on the dock, Winnie brought me to Whimsy, a boutique clothing store, owned by her friend Cora. While Cora picked out a white lace mini dress with a sweetheart neckline and flared skirt, Winnie converted one of the fitting rooms into a hair and makeup station where she worked her magic on my appearance.

With Whimsy being only a block away from city hall, Winnie and I walk over after my transformation.

The crisp morning has softened into a balmy spring day while a breeze teases at the hem of my dress, making me hyperaware of how I look.

“Rory’s not going to know what hit him,” Winnie says with a wink.

Inside city hall, Winnie leads me down the tiled corridor to where the small courtroom is located.

“I’m going to use the restroom,” I tell Winnie.

“Okay. I’ll see you inside.”

I nod, trying to keep the nerves at bay.

Outside the double wooden doors, several couples linger. By the way they’re dressed, it’s clear they’re getting married today, too.

I watch a woman straighten her fiancé’s tie, then beam up at him with the sweetest smile.

Two men, both dressed in light gray suits, hold each other close, one leans in for a sweet kiss as they pose in the picturesque hallway for a photographer.

These couples aren’t just going through the motions, they’re in love. Every gesture, every glance confirms what I’m pretending. Their marriages will be real. Ours will be…something else.

My pulse kicks up a notch causing my heart to pound in my chest.

I spin around, and crash straight into Rory’s chest.

“Hey, Wildflower.” His warm hands wrap around my upper arms. “You trying to bail on me?” His brows lift in question, but I can see the amusement in his eyes.

It’s what I need right now. To make light of a situation that is starting to feel too heavy.

Rory looks handsome in a deep blue suit. His crisp white dress shirt contrasts with his golden skin and when his lips stretch across his face, I’m the one who is about to melt.

I swallow hard. A flash of annoyance at how damn handsome he looks swirls through my blood. That’s not a normal thought to have on your wedding day. But this isn’t a normal marriage. With every charming smile and sweet gesture from Rory, I’m starting to wonder if I’m misjudging my ability to hold him at a distance.

“No, I’m not running. We made a deal and I’m here to fulfill it.”

With his hands still holding me up, Rory’s eyes scan the length of me.

“Wow, Summer. You’re stunning.”

If I hadn’t felt pretty before, I do now, and that only adds to my confusion.

I hate the effect Rory’s words have on me. The way his eyes lighting in approval makes my stomach flutter with excitement. How it used to be that way with Tripp until I realized he only wanted me by his side to show me off. He didn’t actually care about me.

“Yeah, well, Winnie wouldn’t let me wear a t-shirt and biker shorts.”

Rory chuckles, turning me toward the courtroom door and opening it for me to enter.

“You could’ve shown up in a trash bag, and I still would’ve said ‘I do’ without blinking.”

“You’re only admitting your desperation,” I tease as he takes my hand. He pulls me along toward the front of the room where the judge is seated behind the plain wooden bench talking with another couple.

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