Page 31 of Marry Me, Right Now

I told him all about my story of the romantic proposal, how much they loved the condo, the way he treated me, and that they would definitely be spreading excellent gossip in all of my circles.

“And the best part,” I said triumphantly, “Is that I realized how I can do the wedding planning and feel okay about spending that much money. “

“Mia, that’s fabulous,” he said, genuinely excited. “What is it?”

“If we are supporting smaller, local, and independent businesses, people who could really use the money and the prestige of working at such a large event, I have no problem paying any amount they like.”

“Huh,” he said, thinking for a moment. “So giving mone

y to a tiny company is more acceptable than giving money to a large company?”

I probably scrunched up my face, trying to explain. “Yes, sort of. It’s like helping the little guy, and starting someone out on a great path. You know? Also, since it’s such a rush and I really have no preconceived ideas of what it is I want, they can do whatever they are best at.”

“Clever,” he grinned. His stormy eyes were sparkling, and he looked genuinely proud of me for working it out. I had to tear my gaze away from his gorgeously sculpted face, trying to remind myself that he was probably only proud of his business partner for doing good work. He was probably just being incredibly friendly with me because of our insane deadline. There was no way a gorgeous, clever, wealthy man could possibly truly be looking at me the way he had been.

JACOB

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MOTHER

As Mia shook my mother’s hand carefully, she looked like a nervous little bird, and it was hard not to throw my arms around her.

“Mia, how lovely to meet you, dear,” mother said, her high voice slightly piercing. “Jacob has told me so much about you.”

I noticed the little glance to me, since I had only called her a few days ago to tell her that Mia existed, and we were suddenly getting married.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Stoneburrowes,” Mia said softly.

“Please, dear, call me Rosalind.”

She nodded politely. “Your home is absolutely lovely.”

Mother smiled warmly. “Thank you. It’s not one of those glass and metal towers in the sky like Jacob’s, but it’s home. Let’s go into the salon.”

I had warned Mia that my mother was pretentious, but calling the front living room ‘the salon’ was almost giggle-worthy.

As we sat down, I was careful to sit close enough to look casual, but giving Mia a little space. A small woman in a black dress with a white apron brought a tray of champagne glasses and hors d’oeuvres.

“Thank you, Caitlyn,” mother murmured. “So, Mia, tell me about yourself. What do you do? What is your family like? What are your goals?”

She always did get right to the point.

“Um, I have no family left,” Mia said softly. I hoped that mother could tell from my pointed look that we wouldn’t be speaking about that further. “I have a diploma in Arts, Media & Communications,” Mia continued quickly, “So I’ll be looking for a position in the arts community eventually.” Looking up at me, she smiled. “This month is likely going to be a bit busy, so I’m going to leave that in the brainstorming phase until we’re settled.”

Mother looked quite surprised. “You’re going to look for work after you’re married?” She shot me a look I didn’t understand.

“Yes,” Mia nodded enthusiastically. “Once we get everything sorted, and our home is in order. We might need to take a little break after the wedding.”

“Yes,” mother said, picking up a champagne glass and gesturing for us to join her. “To the happy couple. Wishing you a lovely wedding, and a wonderful marriage.” Her voice had a slightly gritty tone that I’ve learned meant there was a lot she wasn’t saying.

“Thank you,” I said after we all sipped.

“So,” she said, her smile looking tight. “You do realize that everyone is going to ask me why the wedding is happening so fast.”

“I’m not pregnant,” Mia blurted, and I forced a chuckle.

Mother fanned herself dramatically, her shiny pink nails flashing in the light. “Thank you, dear. I didn’t want to have to ask. That is a great relief.”

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