Page 37 of Mr. Big Mistake
My lower lip quivered as Brenden walked down the aisle to me.
“Kelly, can you hear me?”
I felt tears flooding my neck as I stared off into nothingness.
“I think I’ve found a solution, Kelly.”
“I’m married,” I whispered.
He sat down next to me. “Not for long. We can go to the courthouse on Monday and get this all taken care of. We can file for an annulment. The chapel owner has even given me a note signed by him stating the mix-up.”
I felt the world spinning around me. “I didn’t even have a decent dress.”
He rubbed my back. “We’re going to fix this. I’m going to fix this for you. And once we annul the marriage, it’ll be like it never happened. You won’t have to report it if you file for another marriage license. You won’t ever have to tell anyone what--.”
I sniffled. “It won’t be the same.”
“Sure it will.”
I slowly looked over at him. “No. It won’t. And I don’t expect you to get that.”
He sighed. “I’m so sorry, Kelly. I should’ve been more attentive to what we were signing.”
“I knew something was wrong, with the way that woman was talking. How sincere she seemed in her congratulations. I should’ve had enough of a backbone to stand up for myself.”
“Kelly, you couldn't have--.”
I shot up. “If I had any sort of a backbone, I wouldn’t be struggling with a third of the things I struggle with on a daily basis.”
“Don’t talk about yourself like that. I can’t stand that kind of talk.”
I spun around on him. “Yeah, well, get used to it. Because until further notice, we’re married. Which means your life, as well as mine, isn’t going to ever be the same. Even if we do get this annulled, or whatever.”
“I’m trying the best I can.”
“Well, it’s not good enough. This was a stupid idea. I never should have agreed to it just to sleep with you. I should’ve just told you how I felt, asked you to take my virginity, and fucking left it at--.”
I felt something tug against my wrist before I almost stumbled off my feet. And when I tripped, I fell into the most comforting embrace I’d ever experienced. My tears fell quickly. I sobbed against his warm chest while his heart beat ticked against my nose. I clung to his shirt, shivering as his arms blanketed me. Trying to protect me from the harsh reality of our existence.
“I know it hurts now, but I’ll do my best to get us both laughing about this before Monday. You have my word,” he murmured.
“My God, I’m married to you.”
He chuckled. “Could be worse.”
I peeked up at him. “How?”
He shrugged. “You could be married to Clint.”
And as a breathless giggle fell from my lips, he crooked his finger beneath my chin.
“I’m going to fix this. Okay?”
I sniffled softly. “Okay.”
“Do you trust me?”
“I think so.”
