Page 26 of Marry Me, Right Now

She looked into my eyes kindly. “You’re tired from running around all morning, aren’t you? Here…” She gestured for me to sit down. “Take a break. You deserve it.”

There was that word again. Since when was running errands and unpacking for an hour a full day’s work, worthy of reward?

Jacob joined me at the table, and Carol poured us each a glass of white wine. “This is a Chianti,” she said proudly. “I found it in Jacob’s infinite wine stash, and it’s said to go perfectly with cheese and tomato.”

Jacob held his glass to mine. “Welcome to our new home, sweetheart.”

The twinkle in his eye was obvious amusement at our little show, but for half a second I wished that it were real. I needed to control my stupid feminine urges better.

“Thanks. It’s lovely to finally be here. And to have found you.”

He gave me a little wink, as we sipped the strangely dry, rich wine.

Carol served our lunch, and I nearly laughed out loud. Perfectly toasted fresh herbed bread with two kinds of amazing cheese, and lightly spicy rich tomato soup, worthy of a five-star restaurant.

“You have got to be kidding,” I exclaimed. Carol looked worried until I added, “This looks incredible. Thank you so much!” She beamed, then disappeared down the hall.

“You seem surprised,” Jacob said. “Isn’t this what you wanted?”

I laughed a little too loudly. “I’m used to canned soup, and plain white bread with one of those plastic tasting cheese slices. This is heaven.”

He grinned, those magical eyes sparkling at my amusement.

JACOB

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MOVING IN

I knew that all of these changes were a lot for Mia to take all at once, and that the stress of moving was more intense for women. Men rarely seemed as connected to their homes, whereas women seemed to have a deep connection to wherever they were sleeping, and where their possessions were.

But Mia seemed quite casual about her possessions. It was truly strange how much money and extravagant displays of wealth upset her. I felt a bit ashamed and awkward that I really didn’t relate to some of her concerns, and vowed to be more sensitive to this. I didn’t want to upset her at every turn.

Making her feel at home and relaxed was a top priority for me. On some level, I was aware that her energy and performance for our weird arrangement would be better if she felt more grounded. But really, I just wanted her to have a nice home. I wanted her to feel cared for, and I wanted to be the one to do it.

Somehow unusual instincts were stirring that I’d never acknowledged before. I felt protective of her. I wanted to know where she was and what she was doing. I wanted to help her, to make her daily life easier. For her comfort to be constant and easy.

These feelings had never occurred when I was dating other girls. Maybe it was because they were wealthy, and still living with their families. Their fathers were the men in their lives, and in charge of their care. But Mia didn’t have anyone.

My subconscious screamed that I was now the man in her life, but I had to squash that thought. This was a temporary arrangement. Yet for the next year, I could care for her. Perhaps I could build her up so that she knew what a divine treasure she is.

Watching her grin at her soup bowl filled me with a vortex of feelings that were brand new for me. Pride that I was able to give her everything she needed, at least regarding material goods and basic needs. Satisfaction that I’d managed to convince her to go through with this marriage. Hope that her life could be elevated with the things she’d learn and the money she’d earn this year. Lust. I couldn’t allow myself to think about the lust.

She licked a stray drop of soup from her perfect bottom lip, and I quickly looked out the window. “I’m glad your things arrived before it rains,” I said casually.

“Thank you so much for taking care of that,” she smiled. “I really appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcome.” I sipped my wine, trying not to look at her mouth again. “I know that you’ll be busy with your friends tonight. Can we do another round of planning tomorrow?”

“Sure,” she said. “I’m completely yours now.” She cocked her head and shot me a grin. “You know what I mean.”

I chuckled. “Now that you have your own cozy bed, we don’t have to crash on the couch like college drunks.” The words were out before I could stop them.

The blush touched her cheeks, pink and fresh. “Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. I’ll try to be more careful of the time, and when you start looking sleepy.”

She nodded, taking another bite of her sandwich. I couldn’t help wondering how much of that night she remembered. Holding her so close, spending hours snuggled togethe

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