Page 24 of Glass & Groundwork
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” Though, I couldn’t imagine needing to get rid of him. I collected people, as he said.
“And the kids? What are you going to tell them? I don’t want to lie to them but the fewer people that know about this not being real, the better.”
“I haven’t decided yet. But I can promise you, they will stick to whatever story we want them to. With all the things they’ve been through, discretion and trust are huge. We have each other’s backs. I don’t want to tell them your business, because that’s not mine to tell, but I wouldn’t feel right trying to pretend in front of them, either.”
Jasper sucked his teeth in thought. “No. You’re right. We shouldn’t have to put on a show, especially at home.”
Home.I liked the way that sounded coming from him. It made my heart do a weird little jump at the thought of him thinking of the farm ashome.
“What kind of timeline are we looking at? How soon should I plan to talk to them?” I asked, trying to think about the direction the conversation might go.
With a slight grimace, Jasper said, “Probably as soon as possible. I looked it up and they have appointments available on Thursday at the courthouse. We just need to file for a marriage certificate. But I think if we wait too long, my parents might catch wind of it and throw a wrench in the whole thing. If we’re married, and it’s official, they won’t be able to stop us.”
Thursday. Five days. Five days and we’ll be married. Fucking hell, that was fast. My lack of immediate response had Jasper leaning forward and grabbing my hand. “We don’t have to go through with this. Or even if we get there and you stand me up at the altar, I’ll understand.”
I turned his hand over in mine, and held it, stroking my thumb gently over his. “It’s faster than I thought, I’ll admit, but I’m not going to stand you up.”
Jasper stared at me. “Why? I still don’t get it.”
I let go of his hand and sat straight, trying to figure it out still. “Because it will help you. I may not have the financial means to support your dreams, but this is something I can do.”
“Just because youcandoesn’t mean you should.”
“Well, I don’t really date, so marriage isn’t on the table for me. It’s not going to take away from any prospects I might have, because there are none. And you’re my friend. I care about you, and want to see you get everything you desire.”
Jasper arched his brow. “Are you sure you don’t want anything out of this? It feels all very one-sided, and that doesn’t sit right with me.”
In truth,Ifelt like the selfish one. Saying yes meant more to me than I wanted to let on, but if we were going to do this, we needed honesty between us. I might not reveal how deeply my thoughts went, but I didn’t want him thinking this was one-sided. “If you mean, money? No, I don’t want anything. I like your company, though, it’s been nice having you around. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to that continuing.”
“Yeah?” Jasper’s eyes lit up with a hopeful expression.
I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Yes.”
“Alright. So…Thursday? Should I book it.”
I laughed awkwardly. As much as I was on board, it still suddenly felt a lot more real. “Okay. Book the appointment.”
“Holy shit!” Jasper lunged forward and I had to catch him when the folding chair tilted. His arms wrapped around me and I took the moment to breathe him in. His scent mixed with the aroma of my shampoo sent a thrill through me as I returned the hug. I could get used to this, too.
When he pulled away from me, his eyes were wide. “There’s so much to do! I’ve got to pack. Not that I don’t love wearing your clothes, but I need a little more variety and color. Shit, my apartment. I guess I can keep it for now, or maybe sublet it. Is that still something people do? I have a few months left on my lease and while I’ll be able to afford breaking the lease once I get my trust, that’s not good business.”
I patted his leg. “Keep your apartment. You might want it if you get sick of farm life. Plus, it might help to feel like you still have something of yours. This is a big change for you, too.”
“Right. You’re right. Oh, fuck! We’re going to need witnesses. I don’t have anyone I could ask to be there.” Jasper stood up abruptly and paced around the booth.
“What about Marley?” I suggested.
He flashed a grateful look at me. “Yes! Marley! Oh my God, I gotta go talk to him.”
Without another word, he was gone, hurrying to theBearclaw Blossomsbooth further down onGrower’s Row. My honey booth sat at the corner between Grower’s Row and Food Alley, which was apt since it was sort of both. I let a smile stretch wideas I watched him embrace Marley at his booth. There goes my future husband. I let out a laugh, startling a woman who was walking by. I offered her an apologetic smile, before pulling out my phone and hitting a group chat that had all my kids in it.
Me: Family meeting tonight. I have something to discuss with you all. It’s not bad, but it is important.
Normally, it was casual, anyone who showed up was welcome. With this kind of news, I wanted to do it with everyone at one time, and not have any of them find out later. It was going to be awkward enough as it was.
Nicky: Does this have anything to do with a certain guy coming out of your room, wearing YOUR pants?
Eduardo: What?! And I missed it!
