Page 35 of For the Promise

And Rhett took over as parent of the family since Mom was working two jobs to make ends meet. He made sure I had quiet to study. Not an easy task when your younger brothers are Miles, Zane, and Kai.

Their words are a good reminder. I don’t have a dad. But I have my brothers – who have always been there for me.

Chapter 12

“Welp. That wasn’t awkward at all.” ~ Blossom

Blossom

As I carry my suitcase toward my car, Jaxon drives up in his vintage Mustang and parks next to me. I open my trunk and place my suitcase in it.

He steps out of his car. “What are you doing?”

I frown at him. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m putting my suitcase in my trunk.”

“You’re not driving.”

I rear back. “Excuse me?”

“We’re driving together.”

“I can drive myself.”

“Won’t it seem odd to Alan if we show up separately since we’re supposed to be married?”

Flying seals. He’s right. I bend to pick up my suitcase but he nudges me out of the way. “I’ve got it.”

“Are you going to be a gentleman all weekend?”

“Of course. You’re my wife. A man should be a gentleman to his wife.”

I wish other men thought the way he does.

“I’m only pretending to be your wife,” I say, since I need the reminder that this isn’t real. This is fake. Jaxon doesn’t care about me. He’s helping me out because he’s a good guy. As evidenced by him putting my suitcase in his trunk.

“Why is your suitcase this heavy?”

Probably because I put every nice outfit I own in it. I need to make sure I have an outfit for every occasion. I will not get caught out in ratty jeans. Not this girl.

“It’s a mystery,” I claim as I reach for the car handle.

Jaxon bats my hand out of the way. “I open the door for you.”

I hold up my hands. “Don’t expect to hear me complain. You want to spoil me? Spoil away.”

“I enjoy spoiling you,” he says before shutting the door.

Weird. He didn’t sound as if he was playing a role. He’s good at this acting thing. I didn’t expect the nerdy whiskey distiller to be a good actor.

“Were you in drama club in high school?” I ask as we drive away from my apartment building.

“Drama club? I did not have time for drama club.”

He must be a natural born actor. Good to know.

I peruse the invitation as we drive. “An entire wedding weekend is over the top, don’t you think?”

“You don’t want a wedding weekend?”

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