Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
“It happened for you and Petra.”
“Yes, and I knew how I felt. That was different….Petra was different. Fuck, Marilyn, I wasn’t a mind reader. All I knew was that you were drinking and the guy was after you, only to find out he was your new boss. It scared me because what if you used me as an example of love? I was Petra’s boss, and I loved her. Maybe you felt this guy was the same way.”
“So if he was only playing me, you’d feel as if you’re the one to blame for setting the expectation.”
“Yes.”
“What changed?”
“Well, you didn’t talk to me, but then I saw the video online and you two had no idea who the other person was. You met by chance, and the love between you looked real. Then he told me about his plan and how he wanted for us to fix our relationship because he knew it was upsetting you.”
“I didn’t tell him it was.”
“That’s the thing—you didn’t have to, sis. He loves you, so he knows.”
“I know he loves me.”
“Good, because I’m hoping to give you away tomorrow, if that’s okay.”
“I’d love that.” We hug and rush back out to the dinner party. I sit next to Julien, who can’t wait to touch me. Dinner is great, and my friends are ready to help me prepare for tomorrow.
Julien has now been relegated to another suite, and all the women have gathered in our suite.
“Ladies, thank you. I can’t believe we’re doing this.”
“Your man is insistent, and so is your brother. Between the two of them, we made it happen overnight.”
“So voila. Please choose whichever one you like best.” They show me an array of five dresses.
Slapping my hands to my cheeks, I shake my head and fight back the tears of joy. “I can’t believe it.”
“We got them from your brother’s contacts, and all in your size to within a quarter inch,” Petra says.
“I can’t believe he’s doing all this for me.”
“Julien loves you.”
“I mean Jack.”
“Your brother loves you too. Besides, this is one simple phone call and delivery. This took an hour or two, and then we return the other ones. Besides, I do remember someone running around on my behalf because he requested it.”
“That was nothing.”
“Still, we’re family. Anyway, pick one. We have a bet going on which one you’ll take.”
“Oh, goodness.” I try on my top three choices and then one stands out to me the best, and I pick it.
“This is it.” Every single one of them laughs. “What? Who won?”
“We all did. We said you’d pick this one because it’s just so you.” I laugh because it’s true. The gown is completely an Ancient Grecian design that flows straight to my feet with a bust fitted around my bosom and thick cinched straps with a silk cape embroidered with lace daisies.
“It fits you so perfectly. Julien is going to lose it.”
“I hope so.”
“I can’t believe it. We’ve only just met, and we’re getting married in Paris. Wait, can we?”
“Yes, they pulled strings and made it a legal American destination wedding.” I sigh with relief.
“Now let’s have some virgin drinks and bullshit some more before bed. We have a big day and not a lot of prep time.”
Chapter Twelve
Julien
I take a deep breath as I wait for Marilyn to come down to me. It’s been one thing after another this morning. I kept my distance all night because I had shit to do and prepare for, honestly, and so did she. Besides, she had a gaggle of women in our suite so it wasn’t like I could sneak in there and risk seeing any of them in any state of undress.
A shit storm happened while we were away here, but I don’t want it to ruin our wedding day so I have no intention of telling Marilyn. I’ll wait until the day is over, but it doesn’t help my mood. My brother knows and is doing his best to handle matters as I sit here trying to figure out how to sort out the rage I feel on one end and the joy I feel on the other end.
Her little friend with a crush is going to pay big time, but if I tell her what he’s done, she might back out of the wedding. I won’t let that shit happen. He’s already been arrested this morning and because I’m out of the country, I told the authorities that I will contact them in a few hours after I’ve already said my vows to my wife.
Still, every minute that passes and the service doesn’t happen, the more nervous I get that she’ll find out and put a halt to the wedding.
The large bells begin to toll, and then the wedding music begins and my heart settles. The doors open and Marilyn marches my way. Steadily with each step, I see her and I can’t fight the smile. Her brother holds her firmly on his arm and I start moving in her direction, but my brother grabs my shoulder.