Page 23 of Wildest Forever

His eyes swept over me and never did I think that three months after meeting him at his brother’s wedding, would I be walking down the aisle to marry him.

Difference was, there were no feelings attached to this marriage.

It was a business deal.

There was no time limit though, this was it.

I mean, sure we could get divorced once my pops passes over but at the same time, Pacey would still be on the deeds.

I needed him. I needed him to help me keep this land, to keep this ranch.

Blood sweat and tears went into this, and I would never forgive myself if I let someone take it from me.

From us.

We planned to bury my pops down the bottom of the meadow, tucking him under the large apple tree that he planted with my grandmother Marjorie when they first moved here. I don't remember her though. She died when I was four so when I say it's been just us two, it really has.

Just the two of us.

Now I had to not only learn what it was like to live without him, but in fact have him replaced by someone new.

He would never fill the gaping wound my pops would leave, but he could help try and pull me back together again, even if for a short while.

We begin to walk, and I let my eyes focus on Pacey.

His dark blond hair looks like it has slightly golden tips in the light, it's pushed away from his face and his whiskey eyes are locked with mine.

High cheek bones, strong jaw, full cupid bow lips.

Hot.

He was.

I felt attracted to him the first time I met him at Riggs and Aspen's wedding, then again when I saw him a couple of weeks back at Randy's.

There was something about that man that made me gravitate towards him, but I had to remember why we were doing this.

I have no idea on his type, no idea if he even finds me attractive, but still, we were diving into the depths of the ocean headfirst with no life ring.

Just me and him.

Floating and trying to make our way back to shore.

My pops lifts my hand to his mouth as he kisses it delicately before his lips are on my cheek and I ignore the silent tear that rolls down where his lips just were.

“I love you, Morgan,” he whispers then places my hand into Pacey's but he doesn't let go straight away.“You promise me, Rivera...” my pops pauses, “you promise you're going to look after her,” and I watch as Pacey nods, his face not wavering, there wasn't a moment of hesitation that left that man.

“Don't let me down,” my pops chokes as he finally lets me go and I move to stand in front of my husband-to-be.

“You look beautiful,” he whispers, and I give him a coy smile.

I know he is just saying it because he feels like he has to say it, but it still felt nice hearing those words.

I have never been called beautiful before.

Never even been kissed.

My throat bobs.

---