“You’re tripling down on a losing bet. You know that, right?”
“It’s fine. And perfectly logical, given the circumstances.” It is, or at least it makes sense to me. Anything for the deal—that’s how I live my life.
“We’re doing this now or not at all,” Samantha says, coming out of the bedroom. She continues speaking, but I don’t hear a word of it because Luna is peeking out from behind Samantha.
I gasp as she comes fully into view. “You’re beautiful, Luna,” I whisper.
My comment is one hundred percent heartfelt. She’s beautiful. Her dress is white and flowy, glancing over her curves to puddle on the floor, the bodice highlights her full cleavage, and there are delicate strappy things that drape over her upper arms, giving the whole look a vintage feel. Her hair is pulled back to the nape of her neck, and behind her glasses, her eyes are made up with liner and lashes that give her a doe-eyed look.
“You like it?” She’s blushing, the pink flush a tantalizing addition to the white dress that Luna is swishing back and forth anxiously. “I wasn’t sure, but I didn’t exactly have a lot of time.”
“It’s perfect. You’re perfect.” I take her hands in mine, needing to touch her.
“Save it for the vows,” Judge Warren suggests with a glint of happiness in his eyes. For all his years and experience with weddings, I think he’s still a romantic at heart. Plus, he doesn’t know this is fake.
“Good idea,” I say agreeably. “Right over here,” I say, leading Luna to the fireplace.
In front of the flowers, she smiles as she inhales deeply. “Pretty, and they smell good too. Dare I say, you’ve got a sentimental bone in your body? Roses for a wedding,” Luna teases.
“Keep it up and you’ll have a sentimental bone in your body.”
“No.” Zack’s doing great with all this, truthfully, but there are some things you don’t want to know about your sister.
I’d be the same way with Kayla. And beyond the ‘don’t hurt her’ routine, the only way he agreed to not continue with his plan to beat the shit out of me was that he doesn’t want to hear one single peep about sex. Considering my nose and the remaining slight swelling, it’d seemed an acceptable deal to me.
We get arranged in front of the fireplace with Judge Warren, and I smile down at Luna, taking her hands in mine again. “Ready.” I’m talking to the JP, but Luna nods.
“Wait! One last time . . . Luna, are you sure?” Samantha asks. “Option Escape is still on the table if you need it.” She assumes a posture that’s more linebacker than maid of honor, acting as though she’d fight off anyone who got in her way if Luna wants to bail.
Luna smiles and releases my hands, and for a moment, panic bubbles up inside my gut. But Luna hugs her friend and assures her, “I’m sure.”
“Okay, then,” the JP starts.
“Wait, me too,” Zack says. “Luna, I’m sorry I got you mixed up with this. Please don’t do anything you don’t want to, including marrying this fucker.”
“You’re supposed to be my best man,” I growl.
“Yeah, but I’m Luna’s brother.” He has a valid point, so I let it go.
“Zack, it’s fine,” she tells him. “I want this.”
The JP looks to Kayla expectantly, and she leans between Luna and me. “Blink twice will always work with me. Always.”
I don’t know what she’s talking about, but Luna opens her eyes wide and stares back at Kayla for an uncomfortably long time.
I clear my throat. “Should I be offended that no one’s asking me if I’m sure?”
Zack, Kayla, and Samantha all chuckle. “You’re totally getting the better deal here,” Zack explains.
Even the JP nods at that. “That’s usually the case, son.” He clears his throat. “Experience says, at least.”
“Can we get started?” I’m a little grumpy about it, but when I look at Luna, whose full lips are tilted up in quiet laughter at the group’s assessment of us, I know they’re right. To the outside world, I might be the catch—wealthy, good-looking, and with a well-connected family. But the truth is, Luna is the better person. With her art obsession, shy nervousness, and unpredictable fire . . . she’s the one who is truly deserving of a beautiful wedding and a happy marriage.
I might not have the luxury of being Luna’s husband in her heart, or for long, but I will do my best to make sure she has all the things she deserves.
“We are gathered here today to honor Mr. Carter Harrington and Miss Luna Starr by witnessing them joining together in wedded bliss . . .”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
LUNA
This is happening. Or, it’s actually already happened. I’m holding the pen, signing the marriage license with Judge Warren and Carter, and completely in shock. My hand’s barely able to make my signature on the paper, and any minute, I swear Ashton Kutcher is going to jump out again and yell ‘gotcha’。
That’d probably make this the longest running prank ever, but this is so not my life.
Except it is.
“Okay, all looks to be in order. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington.” Judge Warren shakes Carter’s hand and then leans in to give me a weak, grandfatherly hug with a promise to file the paperwork promptly.
It’s official. I’m married. I’m Mrs. Carter Harrington.
“Oh, my God,” I mutter, my knees giving out beneath me. Carter catches me easily, supporting me well above the ground.
Whoo, he moves faster than a frat guy going for a free watered-down light beer. Maybe he’s a vampire that’s cast a spell on me? Wait, vampires don’t cast spells. Witches do. Warlocks? Magicians? Too fast, too fast, too fast . . .
“Luna? You okay?” Carter sounds concerned, and when his face comes into view before my wavering vision, he looks freaked out. Distantly, I hear the judge say not to worry, that these things happen in early pregnancy.
I’m not pregnant! I want to yell out, but I can’t find the strength. I’m not pregnant, I’m just ass over heels in shock.
Because I’m married . . . to Carter freaking Harrington.
For real.
I’ve played this out a hundred different ways and was sure I could handle it, but I can’t seem to get enough air and there’s a tornado’s worth of wind roaring in my ears.
“Breathe, Luna.” Carter’s voice is strong and commanding and coming from right in front of me. I open eyes I didn’t realize I’d closed and see that we’re nearly nose to nose. “Slow it down. In. Out. In. Out.”
I am breathing, but it’s too shallow and erratic, and the expansive room feels so small, claustrophobic. But Carter’s support helps, and slowly, I’m able to find his rhythm and breathe in sync with him.
“I knew this was a bad idea,” I hear Zack hiss, and my breath wavers.
“Don’t listen to him,” Carter snaps, pulling me to him again. “Focus on my voice. In. Out.” A few more rounds and I’m back. “There you are. Good girl.”
I try to smile, but I’m not sure if it works because my lips are tingling. “Thanks,” I huff out, finally breathing more normally, “Dr. Carter.”