Page 6 of Marrying the Accidental Groom
JULIANA
She couldn’t believe she’d climbed into the back of a produce truck with a stranger. The wooden slats had dug into her back, and her clothes still smelled faintly like pineapple. But the breeze had felt good. Freeing, even. And Gideon—infuriatingly casual, maddeningly unbothered—was growing on her.
Like mildew.
This wasn’t like her. She didn’t do impulsive. She planned, executed, controlled. But for a few stolen minutes, rattling down a coastal road with no seat belts and no schedule, she’d almost felt like someone else. Someone carefree.
Someone possibly concussed.
Perhaps she’d been body snatched. Juliana Emerson would never grab an impromptu ride from a produce farmer from the airport. Yet, here she was, climbing down from the truck bed with a hand from a ridiculously handsome stranger. One who was apparently staying at the same resort she was.
As the open-air lobby came into view, she squared her shoulders and lengthened her stride, clutching her leather folderlike a shield. She felt Gideon following, his stride slower and casual.
The resort staff met them with cool towels and fruit juice in hollowed coconuts. Gideon accepted his with a grateful grin and a dramatic “Mauruuru,” after he consulted a pocket dictionary. His efforts earned him a few chuckles from the staff as they corrected his pronunciation of the Tahitian word for thank you.
Juliana managed a polite smile as he charmed the staff, but she was already scanning for the front desk.
She stepped up, folder in hand, and gave her confirmation email to the woman behind the counter.
The receptionist tapped the keyboard, her smile unwavering. “Ah yes, Mr. Leo Anderson and Mrs. Juliana Emerson. Welcome to Tealua Shores.” Her eyes flicked to the screen. “I see you’ve booked the Deluxe Honeymoon Retreat package. You’re in one of our private bungalows, right on the beach.”
Juliana’s stomach twisted. She nodded once. “Correct.”
The receptionist didn’t falter. “You’re all set. We have your Sacred Union Experience still scheduled for tomorrow at four p.m. The officiant will meet you at the ceremonial grove and escort you to the altar. Leis, ceremonial blessing, certificate...It’s all confirmed.”
Juliana’s throat felt dry. She could feel Gideon’s gaze slide toward her, curious, maybe amused. She hated how warm her cheeks suddenly grew.
“I—yes. That’s fine,” she said quickly, sliding the folder back into her bag. “I didn’t cancel it.” It would be rude to cancel it now.
A beat of awkward silence stretched between them. Behind her, Gideon cleared his throat—whether to fill the pause or to stifle a laugh, she couldn’t tell.
The receptionist brightened. “Wonderful! Most couples say it’s the highlight of their trip.”
Juliana forced a smile, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.Most couples.Of course.
Gideon stepped up next to her. “Checking in for Gideon Reynolds.”
“Welcome to Tealua Haven,” the receptionist said, typing rapidly, and hiding her surprise that Gideon was not, in fact, Leo Anderson.
Juliana glanced sideways at him, half surprised that a man like him had evenmadea reservation. He didn’t exactly screamplanner.
The woman’s fingers paused over the keyboard, and she looked up, brow furrowed. “Hmm. I’m very sorry, Mr. Reynolds, but it says here your reservation is at our resort on Tealua Nui, the sister island. There is no bungalow reserved for you here.”
Juliana’s eyes widened.
Gideon chuckled softly. “Well, that’s what I get for skimming the website.”
Juliana bit her lip to keep from smiling. Watching him take the news so lightly—so confidently—made her heart beat a little faster. This kind of mix-up would have sent her into a panic.
“Unfortunately, we’re fully booked tonight. No extra rooms available. You might find a charter boat to take you to Tealua Nui tomorrow morning, but they have all left for the day.”
Gideon raised an eyebrow but didn’t seem fazed. “Looks like I’ll be making friends with the beach chairs.”
Juliana’s heart squeezed. She glanced at him, debating. On impulse, she cleared her throat. “You can stay with me.”
Gideon blinked. “Are you sure? I don’t mind roughing it.”
She shrugged, trying to sound casual. The bungalow had a full private bedroom and two bathrooms. “It’s big enough. And, well...it’s better than wandering around trying to find another place at the last minute.”
