Page 37 of Married to Murder
“Yeah.” I smiled, my legs shaking a little.
Judy smiled patiently. “Today these two men begin a union based on love, laughter, and friendship that lays the foundation for their future life together as a couple.”
My gut clenched and I dropped my gaze to Tanner’s tie. The moment felt so somber. I wondered what it would be like to actually be marrying someone I loved. Would I still be this nervous? Would it be a more joyous occasion?
Tanner surprised me when he reached out and took my hands in his. That small gesture made my heart speed up with something other than fear. I knew instinctively he was trying to connect to me, and I lifted my gaze and met his. He smiled warmly, and my gut fluttered as undefined emotions swam through me. His smile and affectionate gaze sank into me, confusing and exciting me. I didn’t want to think too much about how he made me feel. Those emotions scared me.
Judy’s voice continued. “A marriage is not just a ceremony; it’s a serious commitment to each other based on respect and trust.”
Guilt stabbed me as the word “trust” burned into my brain. Tanner trusted me and respected me because he knew nothing about me really. I could just imagine his horror if he suddenly found out about my past. I swallowed hard and forced myself to stay calm. It was too late now, and this was what he’d wanted. I was helping him. I needed to remember that. He’d asked for my help, and I’d given it. I hadn’t offered. He’d asked.
But he’d never have asked if he’d known the truth about me.
I pushed those negative thoughts away with great effort. Tanner repeated the vows the clerk gave him, and I did the same when my turn came. The ceremony only lasted about fifteen minutes at most, and at the end she pronounced us married. Tanner leaned in for a kiss, and I met him in the middle. The kiss was warm and affectionate, and I gripped his arm, ending the smooch with a nervous laugh.
Martha came up to us, her eyes shining with unshed tears, and she hugged us both. “Congratulations, boys.” She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with the back of her hand. “That was a touching ceremony. I didn’t think it would be, but I was wrong.”
“Yeah, I agree.” Tanner nodded, looking somber.
I glanced at the gold band on my finger. “We’re actually married.”
Tanner smiled, his expression gentle. “Weird, huh?”
Gordon appeared at my elbow, and we hugged. “Congrats, son.” He hugged Tanner too. “May you two have everything you want from this union.”
“Thanks, Gordon.” Tanner smiled. “I know it meant so much to Seth for you to be here.”
“Hey, it meant a lot to me to be invited.”
Judy called us over, and we went to sign some official paperwork. Then we posed for some more photos at the insistence of Martha. We’d only been married five minutes, and I already felt different. Every time my gaze met Tanner’s, we’d both smile. In fact, my face hurt from smiling so much. But there was a weird excitement in my gut whenever I glanced over and studied Tanner’s handsome profile. He was legally my husband now. Fake or not, I’d taken a vow to honor, love, and protect him.
Maybe I was simply caught up in the romance of the moment, but the way I felt right at that minute, none of those three things seemed like it would be asking too much of me.
Chapter Twelve
Tanner
I was glad my mom had insisted on having a special dinner after the ceremony. It would have been very anticlimactic to simply each go our own way. When Seth and I arrived at the restaurant, my parents, grandma, and Gordon were already there. My mom had asked the restaurant to put a big flower arrangement on our table, trying to make the moment more festive.
My dad looked grumpy, and he barely said two words to anyone. I noticed my mom giving him impatient scowls now and then, but he was in his own world and probably didn’t notice. The waitress came over and congratulated us on our marriage. It was so weird to think I was married to Seth. I’d been shocked to feel emotional during the vows. I hadn’t thought the moment would get to me, but I’d been wrong. The idea of protecting and cherishing Seth actually appealed to me. It hadn’t felt fake at all when I’d repeated the vows that Judy had given me. Seth had seemed moved too, and that pleased me.
My grandma seemed in a cheerful mood, and she even gave Seth a peck on the cheek. Little did he know that was a huge display of emotion for my grandma. I knew she liked him. I could tell in the way her face softened whenever he spoke. I wasn’t surprised really; I couldn’t imagine anyone not liking Seth.
My mom tapped her knife on the side of her champagne glass. “I’d like to propose a toast to Tanner and Seth.”
Gordon picked up his glass, raising it toward us. “Hear, hear.”
“Seth and Tanner, maybe this union has been brought about by unusual circumstances, but I think the two of you are actually a beautiful fit. It’s nice to see my son happy. I haven’t seen him smile so much in years.” She gave a gruff laugh. “And Seth, what I’ve seen of you so far makes me so happy. I know that your warmth and kind spirit will be a blessing to our family.”
Seth’s face was pink, and he swallowed hard. “Thank you.”
“I mean it.” She smiled. “So congratulations and cheers.” She sipped her champagne, and everyone else did the same.
Seth sipped his bubbly drink, and then he gave me a warm smile. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the facilities.” He put his napkin on the table and rose.
I watched him walk away, my gut tumbling with attraction. I couldn’t wait to get him home after this little meal. We’d decided on a house near the beach to rent together, and he’d agreed to spend the night together after the wedding. My stomach tumbled with excitement at the idea of waking up with him in our own place. I wasn’t sure what was going on with me, but I felt downright twitterpated about Seth.
My husband, Seth.
