Page 24 of Wild Ever After
I drop her hand, and she reaches for the door handle.
“Eric,” I say before we get out, “my middle name is Eric.”
A relieved smile lights up her face. “Nice to meet you, Declan Eric Sato.”
9
IF YOU TRIP, I’LL CATCH YOU
JADE
Later that night,Declan and I show up at the rehearsal prepared to face Melody. As I predicted, she’s tickled to find out my new groom is a Wildcat hockey player.
“Do you have some sort of legal agreement on this?” She taps away on her phone like she’s taking notes. “A prenup, for example?”
“Oh.” I glance at Declan.
“My lawyer sent one over. I was going to talk to you about it later.”
“Of course.” My face flushes with embarrassment. “I’ll sign whatever you want. I don’t want your money. Six months of your life is more than enough payment.”
Melody lowers her phone. “Six months?”
Before either of us can respond, she shakes her head. “No. That isn’t long enough. One year minimum. I’m not throwing a wedding that doesn’t make it to year one. I’ll be laughed out of a job.”
Declan doesn’t speak, but a muscle in his jaw ticks.
“It’ll be great for both of you,” Melody insists. “Jade can continue writing, focusing now on the first year of marriage. People will be begging for behind-the-scenes content about what it’s like to be married to an NHL player. And, Declan, this is the kind of press that will skyrocket you from a quiet, pro athlete to someone getting national endorsements and attention.”
He doesn’t look completely on board, but doesn’t say no.
“We’ll talk about it tonight,” I say. “Can I let you know?”
She sighs loudly and shoves her phone into her Prada bag. “Tonight. Before midnight. But, Jade, this kind of opportunity won’t fall into your lap again.”
I hate that she’s right. Hate even more that it puts Declan in this position.
“I’ll see you two in the morning,” she says, then casts one more smile at Declan before she leaves.
I blow out a long breath and resist asking him if he’s really,reallysure he wants to do this.
“That went well,” he says.
“Yeah.” A little laugh with no joy behind it slips from my lips.
“They’re waiting for us.” He nods his head toward the barn, where the ceremony and reception are both happening tomorrow.
“Go ahead. I’ll be right there.”
I go in after him, but only to find the bathroom, so I can splash water on my face. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” I whisper to my reflection.
The door creaks open and Scarlett and Piper step inside.
“Hey,” they say in unison.
“Hi.” The word comes out on a near-sob. I have got to get it together.
“Oh, honey. You don’t need to do this,” Scarlett says, rushing to my side. “Whatever happens, we will figure it out together. You can live with me and Leo. I asked him, he said it was fine. And I bet Mike would hire you at the bar until you could find something else.”
