Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
The scrape of Micah’s chair being pushed back catches my attention. And then he’s down on one knee, looking up at me with the ring between his fingers and hope in his eyes. “Sienna Bardot, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
My first instinct should be to say no, to tell him I need to think about this, ask more questions, consider if there are any other options, but my heart takes over before my head can respond, and I blurt out, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
As Micah slides the ring onto my finger, I think about how I always pictured this moment. Although I’m not in love with Micah, I can’t deny how much I’ve come to care about him in such a short amount of time. Nor do I doubt the love I feel radiating off of him. Despite this marriage being forced upon me, I know that Micah is a good man, and he’ll make a good husband. He’s made it a point to put me first from the beginning, and every day he shows me how much he cares. I might not be doing things the way I imagined, but he’s right, I’m not following in my mom’s footsteps. If anything, I’m stepping out of her shadow and moving toward a better future, leaving her destructive path far behind us for good.
Once the ring is on my finger, he pulls me onto my feet and into his arms. “I know this isn’t how you envisioned your engagement,” he says, knowing exactly what I’m thinking, yet again. “But if you give us a real chance, I think you could be happy.”
“It’s not that,” I say with a choked sob. “I was happy getting to know you. Going on dates with you. I just…” Fresh tears fill my eyes as I try to explain what I’m feeling. “I just wanted to do things the right way. For once, I wanted some control over my life. To not suffer from the bad choices thrust upon me by our mom. Even now, she has managed to tarnish and sully everything, and I just wanted one thing to feel pure and clean and right.”
Micah nods in understanding. “I know, and I’m sorry, but I’ll do everything I can to make sure you never regret this.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
SIENNA
“You look stunning,” Donna coos. “Like a queen. I’m so honored to have you as my daughter-in-law.” She pulls me into her arms carefully, mindful not to ruin my hair and makeup, and murmurs, “I’ve always wanted a daughter,” and my emotions get the better of me.
Today is my wedding day. It’s been three days since Micah proposed. When we returned home from dinner, we were greeted by his family and my sister. They congratulated us on our engagement, and I felt bad, thinking that everyone is under the impression this is real, until Micah told me they’re all aware of what’s going on. I was shocked that they were welcoming me with open arms, knowing what they know, but it also warmed my heart because it’s clear that Micah’s family is close, and I’m thankful to have them in my corner.
The next few days were spent with Micah working, Ellie taking her finals—she’s officially done with her ninth-grade year—and Donna helping me with the wedding arrangements. Since I couldn’t leave the hotel, everything and everyone came to me. And in only a few short days, all of the wedding plans were set.
“And you,” she says to Ellie, who’s donning a beautiful maid-of-honor dress. “This will make you family as well.” She hugs Ellie. “If you need anything, I’m always here.”
Since the wedding needs to be kept private to ensure that the asshole who’s after me doesn’t find out, only Micah’s family and Ellie are attending the wedding. I told Micah we didn’t need to dress up or have a formal ceremony. All we needed was a marriage certificate to show that guy Eleazar as proof of our nuptials. Then, hopefully, he’ll stop coming after me as a favor to Micah.
But Micah insisted on having as much of a traditional wedding as possible, complete with the black tux and white dress.
“Thank you,” I say to Donna. Having people in our corner isn’t something Ellie and I are used to. Micah’s mom didn’t have to embrace us, but she has, so it really means a lot to me.
Donna scoffs. “No need to thank me. I swore my son would die a bachelor until he met you. Seeing him in love makes me so happy. That’s all a parent wants, for their children to fall in love and be happy.”
Ellie and I glance at each other, and I know she’s thinking what I’m thinking: our mother couldn’t care less if we ever find love or happiness.
When I step into the space where the ceremony is being held, Micah is talking to his brother who’s standing beside him as his best man. But the moment he sees me, it’s as if everyone else disappears. Micah’s full attention goes to me, and as I walk toward him, I see only him. He’s beyond handsome in his tux, with his hair freshly cut, and his face cleanly shaven.