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Liam offers me a shrug. I paste on a smile that says,buddy, I’ll get you back for this.
Fine, I get how he wants publicity. The Thunderhawks’ cool factor will soar through the roof after this. As fans lap up the footage and send it viral, their manager will be in press coverage heaven. A brilliant idea, really. It’s just, as fake as this wedding is, it’s mine. I planned it, and who knows if I’ll ever experience being a real bride. This might be my one shot. And Liam and his team have turned it into their show—Wedding Crashers, The Athlete’s Special.
I need to practice my emotional regulation techniques and get my head back into the game. Eyes on the prize. I’m gonna crush Liam’s soul. Insert witchy cackle.
Okay, that was a little dark. I’m not mean. I’ll find something else to crush while he sleeps. Oh, boy. Do I have to share a bed with him tonight? I hope the hotel knows to supply a foldout bed for Liam.
I shake off that scary thought. The point is, I won’t let myself like the guy, nor admire how much he loves his teammates. His signature smile won’t catch my eye, where the right side of his lips turns half an inch upward, and how it makes his eyes crinkle at the corners. Not the way his broad shoulders and muscled chest fill out a tux.
No way. I will not appreciate one thing about Liam Ashley.
I must focus on what I need. If his team makes money and gains sponsorship from this marriage sham, I should too. My time in the limelight can help advance my journalism career. For too long I’ve been stuck at the same newspaper, getting the story dregs. Nope. It changes here. But I need to keep my cool in front of the cameras. Remain in control. I can’t show my surprise when Liam pulls these stunts on me. I should pull a few myself.
The upbeat music fades and live piano takes over. The bridesmaids shuffle back into line, and Pam stands in front as my Matron of Honor. The back of her copper silk dress cascades to her ankles, revealing silver heels. Curls and loops of hair flow to her shoulders. No expense has been spared to make this wedding exceptional and memorable. All should go well from here.
Pam nudges little Rex in front of her to take the flower girl’s arm.
“No!” he shouts. “Girl cooties.”
My stomach drops to the floor. Not now.Rex. No tantrums. Not here.
Pam bends at the knees and whispers into Rex’s ear. What is she saying?I’ll give you a hundred bucks, if you’ll do what mommy asks.
I’ll pay the kid a hundred—five hundred.Rex, move it, buddy.
Whatever Pam said, it works. Rex loops his arm through the flower girl’s. She grabs a fistful of petals from her basket and showers them over the aisle as they walk.
My heart returns to normal speed and my shoulders relax. It’s okay. There’s usually one thing that goes wrong at weddings. People understand that kids do these things.Just laugh about it, Trina.Everyone else seems amused. Especially Liam. His eyes lock with mine and he’s grinning. Good grief. I’ve got to kiss the guy in a minute. How will that go? Will we bump noses? No doubt he’s an expert at kissing as all players are. But I’m not letting my mouth linger on Liam’s. No matter how soft his lips appear. I’ll lean in, give a quick peck, and pull back. I can do it.
Pam glides to the music, gracefully leading for the bridesmaids. My dad sits on a chair near my position at the doors. He injured his knee last week while dancing during the commercial breaks forDancing with the Stars. He wobbles to his feet and moves into position next to me, taking my arm. “Ready, sweetheart?”
“Yep.” I squeeze his forearm. “Thanks for flying in. How’s your knee?”
“It’s fine.” He pats my hand. “Of course, I’d be here. It’s your wedding.”
“Yeah.” I bite back the temptation to specify that this is a fake marriage. Dad doesn’t need my drama. I’ll let him enjoy the day and bask in the fairy tale dream. Someone should.
Melanie is halfway down the aisle, and it’s my turn next. I take steady breaths, holding and releasing them in even counts to calm my nerves. I still don’t like all this attention.
Before I know it, Dad is tugging my arm and leading my steps. One step. Pause. Next foot, pause. I’m doing it. I’m getting married.
I swallow hard as I approach Liam. He’s the perfect groom. Handsome, tall like a beaming lighthouse no one can miss, and staring at me like I’m the only woman in the room. He’s doing that lip thing, where one corner lifts. Oh, it’s frustrating how sexy the guy is. If only I could turn off my attraction to the man.
Dad places my hand in Liam’s, leaving the two of us alone.Daddy, help. Don’t leave me here.
Melanie nods, her eyes saying,it’ll be okay. You can do this.
Pam’s biting her bottom lip. She’s the epitome ofYou’re a fool if you go through with this.
Looking up at Liam chases all negative thoughts from my mind. He brushes the back of my hand, and his gaze seems to convey,I’m with you all the way. I’ve got you.
I manage a smile, relaxing a fraction. I don’t know why, but my gaze fixates on Liam’s like a lifeline. I hate to admit it, but I need him in this moment. He’s like a tower of strength I can draw from. Positive and sure.
I don’t hear much of the sermon. Something about the ring being an endless circle of love. Goes on forever, or some other pretty baloney. We signed a prenuptial agreement yesterday that proves from the outset we aren’t planning on forever. I don’t know why the lawyers bothered to put in the bit about the prenup dissolving after nine years of marriage. We won’t last a day after three months.
A long-winded burp snaps my head toward the front row. Oh, Gran. Why did you drink soda before my wedding?
Sniggers trickle through the audience.
