Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
“Give me your hand.”
I love how fast he’s trying to get it on my finger. It’s almost as if he can’t wait another second to claim me as his.
“It’s too pretty. It should be in a museum.”
“No, it should be on your finger. It was always meant to be yours. One day you will pass it on to one of our children when they find the love of their lives.” My throat fills with emotion as I hold my hand, and he slips the ring onto my finger. “I know I told you that we have all the time in the world, but if it was up to me, I’d marry you tomorrow.”
“You’re so sweet.”
“Paislee.” The way he says my name has me looking up from the ring to meet his eyes. “I know this is crazy. If you told me a few weeks ago I’d be rushing to get married I would have called bullshit. I would have said you were crazy. That was before I saw you. I knew the moment my eyes landed on you that you were meant to be mine. In a blink of an eye my whole world opened up. You made me want things I’d never given much thought to. And I knew in that moment I’d never given thought to things like marriage and babies because I hadn't met you. I’d been waiting.”
“Gant.” I throw myself at him, kissing him all over his face. “Yes, I’ll marry you whenever you want.” He didn't say he loved me, but that was pretty freaking close. This feels so right. Being in his arms, wearing his ring, and promising to be his forever. My mom always said that when I found my true love I'd know. That I’d feel as though I were home, and that’s exactly how Gant makes me feel.
“Thank fuck,” he says before he takes my mouth in a claiming kiss. I start to pull at his clothes, but he stops me. “We’re not giving the cameras a show.”
“Cameras?” I squeak.
“I’m sure the whole outside here is lined with them.” I lick my lips, knowing he’s right. “I’ll pick you up in the morning. Daybreak.” I let out a giggle, but I don’t think he’s joking.
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I agree.
He presses one more hard, possessive kiss on my lips before he walks me to the door. I barely get it closed and I find myself wanting to run back outside. Yeah, I think this wedding is going to have to come soon. I want to spend my nights in bed with Gant. I’ll never be alone again.
I stare down at the beautiful ring on my finger. “I take it you fell for their plan.” I jerk my head up to see my father standing there. He’s in slacks and a buttoned-up shirt. His tie is gone, and his shirt is untucked and wrinkled. From the glassy look in his eyes, I’m assuming he’s drunk.
“Goodnight,” I say, going to move past him. His hand reaches out and snags me around my arm.
“Have you asked yourself why my mother is trying to marry you off so quickly? They need you to be married to take over as the head of the Abbott family. Why else do you think I married that woman? Now it was for nothing.” He spits, making me flinch.
His hold on my arms tightens. “God, you look so much like her.” I suck in a breath. This is the first time he’s even made mention of my mom. “They are all using you. Even Gant the golden boy.” I jerk my arm from his hold. My eyes fill with tears. “You don’t belong here. This world will eat a girl like you alive.”
All the love I felt moments ago slips away. I want to tell my father to fuck off, but I can’t get the words past my lips. It’s not in me to say such cruel words, and I don’t want someone to bait me into being cruel either.
He’s right. This world will eat me alive if I let it.
Chapter Eighteen
Gant
“You might need to stab Daddy Abbott in the balls again,” Caro advises over breakfast the next morning.
“Why do you say that? By the way, this stuffed apple French toast is the bomb, Gertie.” Mom’s cook beams with pride. The one thing that I miss living on my own is Gertie’s food, which is why I’m over at Mom’s eating at least twice a day.
“I thought you’d like it, Mr. Gant.”
“It’s perfect.” I make a circle with my thumb and forefinger and wink.
“Because he’s bound to say something idiotic to Paislee. Her existence is an embarrassment he tried to hide her whole life, and now his mother has brought her into their home and is introducing her to everyone he socializes with. You know he’s mad.”