Page 48 of Grumpy Boss in Love

“I’ve always dreamed about helping my daughter or daughter-in-law plan her wedding right here.” She glanced around the massive property. “When I met Elliot, I suppose the hope of fulfilling that dream came back to life. You two didn’t want any fuss, but I wanted to make the day a bit more special for you.”

Eleanor’s wrinkled cheeks flushed rose pink. “And since your family can’t be here, I thought the decorations might brighten your mood. I had them stashed away and thought I could put them to good use. I hope you and Elliot don’t mind…”

Goodness, I’d been gaping at her for so long that she probably thought I didn’t appreciate her effort. “We don’t. Everything is so beautiful.” A single tear seeped out and rolled down my cheek. “I love it and the white carpet is so… It’s totally me.” Another tear escaped.

“Oh, no, don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup.”

Sniffling, I said, “I’m just so appreciative.” Well, that and guilt pierced my very soul. Eleanor had been so thoughtful and had gone all out when my marriage to Elliot was a sham.

“Ladies, let’s get this show on the road,” Alfred announced.

That helped me pull myself together. I’d accepted the bouquet gifted to me by Eleanor and got into place.

As I walked down the white carpet toward Elliot, I felt nauseous. I’d avoided relationships my whole adult life and told myself I’d never get married because it all seemed too stressful. Yet, here I was about to tie the knot in the epitome of a complicated relationship. My nerves were already frayed, so when Elliot and I made eye contact, they were obliterated.

As he stared at me advancing toward him, a slight frown marred the skin between his eyebrows. He tilted his head a bit and blinked as if he was seeing me for the first time. I was a tad confused because we’d been in each other’s company all morning, and he’d already seen me in the white dress.

Although the dress was a simple knee-length number that I’d had stashed in the back of my closet, I had wondered if wearing white was too much. Maybe Elliot’s expression meant he was confused about me wearing white too. Of course, he would have no idea how fitting it was. I was indeed a virginal bride.

Kicking my sudden bout of self-consciousness, I squared my shoulders and continued my slow trek to get this shit show over with. I reached Elliot and forced out a smile so Eleanor or Alfred wouldn’t see my panic just beneath the surface. It was just the four of us—thank God—with Alfred officiating and Eleanor as our sole witness.

Eleanor was already tearing up, and Alfred beamed proudly at us. When I placed my hands in Elliot’s, my breath escaped in a quiet whoosh. What was that spark I felt? The big guy upstairs giving us a sign about how disappointed he was in our sham marriage, maybe? Or was it something else? Because as I gazed into Elliot’s eyes, he seemed to be in awe as well. Or perhaps I’d imagined his reaction.

I swallowed hard as Alfred began. “I’ve officiated quite a few weddings on this property, but I have to say, this one feels extra special.”

I glanced at the old man and smiled, but it was a sad one. It shouldn’t feel special because it was on paper only. A relationship with no substance. The ceremony went on and then Alfred mentioned vows.

Elliot and I gazed at each other with wide eyes. It was one of thoseoh, fuckmoments. We forgot about our vows.

18

RUBY

Elliot had prepped me with the lies about how we’d met and all of that, but he hadn’t considered that Alfred would bring up vows. I hadn’t either. Our marriage wasn’t exactly conventional.

Seeing our expressions, Alfred chuckled. “It’s okay if you haven’t written any, just relax and speak from the heart. Let your love for each other speak for itself.”

I almost rolled my eyes.Love? If only Alfred knew that Elliot and I could barely tolerate each other just a few weeks ago. We’d come a long way in our relationship. We were almost friends…

Elliot inhaled, his hands tightening around mine. Since I hated that he’d gotten me into this situation, I reveled in his discomfort. Hehadto say nice things about me, and I would enjoy the hell out of it. He caught my little smirk because his gaze narrowed on me. I had to purse my lips to hold back my snicker.

He cleared his throat. “Ruby Bennet, you are by far the most stubborn and exasperating woman I’ve ever met.”

My eyes widened. Seriously? He couldn’t findonenice thing to say about me for our fake vows? Outrage sizzled through my veins as I geared up to get revenge with my vows. The Wilsons would figure out that we were bullshiting them for sure. But then Elliot continued, and my heart started to melt.

“But that’s your appeal. That’s what makes you perfect for me because I’m a hardass who finds it difficult to smile and who has stayed locked away in my shell for the longest time. You steamrolled into my sphere and forced me out of that shell, and I remember what it feels like to…laugh, to enjoy moments in my life.”

Eleanor made a squeaking sound like she was holding back tears. I probably looked ridiculous staring at Elliot with my mouth hanging open.

“You’re funny, charismatic, and compassionate,” he continued. “You’re my opposite, so in a way… you complete me.”

Be still my rapidly beating heart. Elliot’s fake vows were about to make me swoon. Really. My knees were weak. Had his sentiments been real, I imagine I would have melted into a puddle at his gorgeous feet.

“I thought you were too young for me at first. My thought was: what could I possibly have in common with someone in their early twenties?” His eyebrows puckered as he stared into my eyes. “But I got to know you and realized that you’re not too young. You’re my equal in every way…”

His words hung between us like a heavy cloud of uncertainty. How did he manage to sound so sincere when I knew he was making things up? However, Elliot seemed just as stunned by his words as I was. His eyes widened and his throat bobbed with the way he gulped. It was almost as if he had come to a frightening realization.

“I promise to always take care of you,” he finished.

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