Page 22 of Wild Ever After
Is he serious? Of course, I’d rather marry Declan, a cute and nice hockey player, than resorting to Tim or any of the other options Melody might have found. But can I really let him do this?
I feel my gaze narrow and some unfamiliar emotion swirls in my stomach. “Why?”
He’s dressed in black jeans and a white T-shirt. So casual and chill as he offers himself up like it’s no big deal to marry a girl you barely know.
“I understand your situation. I’ve been there. Talking to you the other night reminded me what it was like.”
“But this is huge. I can’t let you do this.”
“Sure, you can. Everyone should have people that will show up for them. Let me be one of those people for you.”
“I still don’t understand.”
“Call it me paying it forward if you want.” His fingers brush against mine, and a little jolt shoots up my arm. “I see you. You work hard, you have big dreams, and you just need a little help right now.”
I finally place the emotion still swirling through me. It’s relief at finally having a solution that doesn’t totally suck.
“Thank you.” My heart is racing as I start to let the idea really sink in.
“We’re doing this?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
“Thank you. Really. It doesn’t seem like nearly enough words to express my gratitude.”
“It’s more than I need.” He smiles. “What now?”
8
YOU JUST UPPED THE ANTE
DECLAN
We’re interruptedbefore Jade can respond to my question. Scarlett steps in from outside, glancing between us. She holds out a phone to Jade. “Sorry to interrupt. Your mom has called twice.”
She takes the phone and stares at it with a look of shock or disbelief on her beautiful features. “My mom. Crap. I forgot she’s going to the resort today. She wants to help decorate even though I told her that was already being handled. I need to go make sure she doesn’t cause a scene.”
“Do you want me to go?” Scarlett asks. “I can manage Momma Davis.”
“No, I’ve got her.” Jade’s mouth pulls into a tight line, while she continues to stare at her phone, then she looks up at me through thick, dark lashes. “Can you come with me?”
As soon as she’s asked, she seems more nervous and unsure. She adds, “It’ll give us time to talk.”
“Yeah.” Suddenly my nerves amp up too.
“Jade, wait,” Scarlett calls as we start for the door.
The two women share a look that I can’t decipher, then Jade goes to Scarlett and hugs her hard. I glance away to give them a moment of privacy, and then a few seconds later, Jade is back by my side.
“Ready?”
* * *
As she drives to the resort, Jade lays out the plan. “If we’re going to do this, we need to get our story straight and establish some rules. A few people have met Sam, but most haven’t, and I’ve never mentioned him in the articles, so you should be easy enough to explain. Your middle name doesn’t happen to be Sam, does it?” She briefly removes her stare from the road to look at me.
“No.” I shake my head.
