Page 53 of Marry Me, Right Now

et upset that the wine is too delicious, or one of the flowers is ragged on one edge. I could throw my phone at something.”

He laughed, looking relaxed for the first time today. “Get out of here you little scamp. Wait.” He stared at my face. “Don’t forget to do a little powder and freshen your lipstick. Did you eat?”

“Yes, thank you. I had my juice and kindergarten snack a few minutes ago.”

“You keep nibbling and drinking non-alcoholic things all night long or I swear I’ll spank you. And not in the fun way. Get going.”

“Yes, sir,” I laughed, going back to my place at the table and managing to swallow the last of the cheese and crackers before the plate was cleared.

Lauren had been taking care of my clutch all day, and I found it on her chair. Walking quickly behind a crowd of Jacob’s family, I heard Rosalind’s voice, shrill and obviously tipsy, demanding everyone’s full attention.

“Jacob has always been a good boy, because he worked at being a good boy. He took care of his toys, read his books over and over. He never allowed himself to be bored. That’s the thing with kids these days, they must be immediately entertained at all times.”

I managed to turn the corner before she cackled, “You’d never see George with a book. If he gets bored for ten seconds he’ll start smashing something.”

I almost felt sorry for him, until Rosalind added, “It’s likely because he’s not as tall. They say the taller you are, the more successful you’ll be. So perhaps greedy, spoiled little Georgie didn’t even bother trying.”

Hurrying to the washroom, I needed to put that out of my mind and focus on the rest of the evening. I checked my face carefully before the next round of photos, adding a fresh layer of lipstick. Not having worn very much makeup over the past few years, I’d have to remember how darker lipstick truly made my eyes pop. This stuff was magical.

As I went through the hallway back to the main room, George was there as if waiting for me. This was the first time I’d run into him alone, and I took a good look at him.

Jacob was positively gorgeous, classically handsome, tall, proud shouldered, fit, and ridiculously clever. He was the obvious choice for head of the family company.

His brother looked like someone had taken a photo of Jacob, then shrunk it about seven percent, squashed it a bit vertically, and darkened everything. He was medium height, slightly out of shape, and had those dark, mean eyes that seem to come from feeling inferior and afraid. I could easily guess that he had been second fiddle his entire life.

“Hey there, new little sister,” he drawled strangely. I wasn’t sure how he was able to scowl through a cheesy fake grin. “You’ve pulled it off, apparently.” There was something odd about him, then I noticed the flask that he was tucking back into his suit pocket, and that he smelled strongly of scotch.

“Yeah,” I said casually. “I think everyone’s been having a nice time.”

“You certainly have. From coffee shop girl to fancy corporate wife in just a few weeks. You must have whiplash from the sudden social climbing.”

I had no idea what to say to that. Outwardly, I’m sure that’s what it looked like to a lot of people. “You can’t stop love,” I said lamely.

He laughed harshly. “The higher you climb, the harder you fall. Especially if you’re not used to the heights, little girl.”

“Luckily I have a wonderful man who loves me, and only wants to show me the view,” I snapped, flouncing by him. I don’t think I’d ever flounced in my life, but realized that I could blame the impossibly fancy dress for such a dramatic flourish.

Quickly walking back to my place at the table, Jacob instantly read the tension on my face. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

“We’ll talk about your mother oversharing and your tipsy brother being catty some other time,” I said, plastering a huge fake grin on my face.

He nodded cautiously, watching my eyes. “Whatever you like.”

I sat down close beside him and winked. “Just keep saying that through our whole marriage, and we’ll get along just fine.”

The dinner service, the cutting of the cake, the silly table games to determine who won the centerpiece – everything was running like a perfectly wound expensive Swiss watch.

I finally allowed myself to have a glass of wine, and nibble at a piece of cake. Zachary himself slipped another small plate of fruit and cheese in front of me, along with a huge glass of water. “Keep snacking,” he whispered. “All of this socializing in one day isn’t natural. You need energy.”

“Thanks. Nice to know I’m still being babysat.”

“Honey, I haven’t lost a bride yet, so don’t you dare be my first. Water and blood sugar. Do as you’re told. And your flats are in a little bag under your chair. Change your shoes before your feet give out completely.”

I’d never been so pampered, and adored the way Jacob pointedly laughed at me about my special treatment. I still couldn’t believe that I enjoyed the way he laughed at me. It was nice, but strange.

Then Lauren and Rayanne came over, looking worried. “Hey,” Lauren said. “Not sure if we should point it out, but George is officially becoming the drunk guy at the wedding.”

I followed her finger. “Dammit.”

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