by Rena Manse
“Are you okay?” His low voice, meant only for her, soothed her tumultuous mind.
My mother is sitting five feet away witnessing me kiss a man who arranged a fake marriage that will take place in three days. The quirk of her mouth must have said it all. She closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. And my biggest problem is you. Aaron squeezed her fingers before letting go and turning to the others.
“Aaron, this is Ashley’s mother, Sandra McKenny,” Val introduced.
“We’ve met.” Aaron smiled as though the entire witch-hunt of the woman had been a figment of her imagination.
They’d met, true. They’d seen each other for hours on end, but now he stood as her soon to be son-in-law. And, Mom knew one thing too: business was just that. Ashley viewed him through her mother’s eyes. Smart, good looking, intelligent, confident without compromise. She was sure her mother admired those same traits in her father.
Aaron bowed his tall frame and bussed her mother’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again.”
“Thank you, Aaron.” Sandra McKenny was taken.
Ashley shook her head and rolled her eyes at the wall—her new best friend—yet again, until Aaron grinned at her over his shoulder.
“My mother-in-law.”
She smiled, stress draining. The roles were reversed. He turned into a meek suitor in the presence of the woman whose daughter he’d take in marriage—not take, she scolded herself. He’d humbled himself to someone for whom he was actually doing a favor. Why couldn’t he be an insensitive fool and make it easy for her to regain her heart?
When he came to sit beside her, he clasped her hand, his other along the back of the couch, and she prayed her mother couldn’t read her nervousness. Cluing into the continuing conversation, she wanted to disintegrate. Who said anything about making beautiful grandbabies!
Horrified, she glanced at Aaron. The two of them opposing victims buried in an impossible situation they’d created. His twisted lips caught her off guard, and they each cracked a smile.
Thank you, Ashley mouthed. A lone finger tickled her nape in response. She loved his untroubled face, but she walloped into a brick wall thinking of the cause of it. She’d heard him storm out of the house following their fight the other night. His phone conversation would forever be seared in her memory. “Can you meet me? I need to see you.” He’d paused in the middle of the foyer. “Anywhere. I don’t want Ashley finding out.”
Was it the same woman who’d left the sting of her perfume all over him the night of the party? It didn’t take much to put two and two together. He had someone on the side giving what she wouldn’t. Ashley struggled to forgive a man who wasn’t truly being unfaithful. Part of her didn’t believe he’d stepped outside their agreement. But what else kept a man like him out for a couple hours at a time, only to have him come back looking relaxed and happy?
Aaron’s eyes swept her face. His stare slowly moved from her to Valerie and her mother. Her mind faded back in to hear what she didn’t want to know. Mom and Val had solidified a friendship. She’d be forever tied to Aaron.
A finger double-tapped her neck and she turned to him. Why didn’t he look terrified? Surely he must have sensed it. Did he realize he may have to keep her?
He only stared as if trying to gauge her reaction to the situation, leaving his own face blank. She stared straight ahead, allowing his playful finger to trace and tug her ear. The man beside her, the sworn bachelor, didn’t look worried because he must have a sure-fire exit strategy.
That’s what she wanted. Wasn’t it? Him to virtually leave? Because she didn’t have the strength, or the disrespect of God, to walk away from a marriage.
She spent the rest of the day trying to convince herself that, yes, this what she wanted. Especially since Aaron all but ignored her after dinner, claiming he wanted to go upstairs to the gym and talk to his speed bag. What on earth was a speed bag?
Lying on the bed in the guest suite her parents would be using, Ashley stared at the ceiling as her head hung over the edge. An upside down Mom moved breathless around the room.
“And then I finalized everyone’s travel arrangements with his assistant.” Her mother hung up the last of her clothes and turned to Ashley with a smile. “It all seems surreal. Talk about a whirlwind romance.”
Ashley was hesitant to smile before she received her mother’s approval. “Do you really like him?”
She looked curious. “Of course. I’ve always admired Aaron. As I worked my way up I’ve seen him grow in the company. I’m out of sorts at the moment. It’s all happening so fast for me, and I feel like I’m missing out on some things that we should be doing together. But I see how you look at each other.” She smiled thoughtfully. “Don’t be nervous on my account. Your father will get used to the idea you can make your own decisions. Including about marriage.”
Ashley flipped over to her stomach. “Thanks.”
“Oh, time for my good news.” Her mother reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope. “I’m keeping my job.” She shoved a notice into Ashley’s hands. “I got this about a month ago. I’m sure that’s before Mr. Gilyard proposed. Anyway, I know he’s not the type to keep me on simply because he fell in love with my daughter. That man is all business.”
Yes, unfortunately, he was. She nodded, agreeing with raised eyebrows as she glanced at the letter.
“It’s a miracle you came to work for Val. I know this is a God set-up.”
Ashley heard her mom, but continued reading about an extenuating factor which nullified the need to terminate her as CFO of Revealing, Canada.
Mom twirled and collapsed into a chair. “They came up with an alternative tactic. Isn’t it amazing? Think I could get a raise out of this marriage?” She grinned and leaned back with a sigh.
Knowing the truth, the alternative tactic stared her mother in the face before smiling and lowering her gaze back to the paper. She skimmed over the rest of the copy to the signature. Signed by Kavin Reigns and Bruce Marshall. “This is terrific.”
“When we get back home your father and I will arrange to rent out your apartment.”
“Wh—? Why?”
“You’ll live here, or in their Markham residence, I assume. What would you want with a small apartment? If you visit, we have the whole rest of the house for you to use. We can rent your place to a college student or single mother. Turn it into something useful.”
With the job in order, now they decided to take her up on her idea? “I have to give two weeks’ notice to resign from work. I’ll just—just—don’t do anything until I get back. Okay? At least let me say good-bye to it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, it’s right downstairs.”
“Mom,” she whined, and stood up to stare and sulk. That apartment had been the reason they bought the spacious property. The space had been her home for the past six years. Now she had to leave no matter the outcome. She started for the door. “Aaron said he’d pay off the mortgage, or wherever you want. Don’t do anything just yet.” What a mess.
“Are you all right?”
She turned at the door but didn’t look up. “Yeah. Val and Richard will pick up my dress tomorrow. Why don’t you go with them and get some shopping done.”
“Aaron said he’s going to his office. Is that true? He can’t even rest days before his wedding?”
Ashley smiled at the thought of her fiancé. “As you said, he’s all business.”
“When we get back, hon, I’ll help you with last minute details.”
She just wanted time alone. “All the last minute details are taken care of.”
When she looked up, her mother’s face conveyed a mixture of concern and pride. Her heart fluttered, sank, and rejoiced at the same time. Mom didn’t want to discuss wedding details. Ashley would get the talk about marriage, being a wife, sexual obligations, children. Duty, love, responsibility, commitment.
She scratched at tiny itches crawling up her arms. Oh, Mom. “But I’ll be happy to go over deta
ils. I look forward to it.” She twisted the door handle digging into her spine, and backed out.
With a smile about to be ruined by tears, her mother came over and they enjoyed another long hug in the hallway.
“We’ll leave at two-thirty to pick up Dad, okay? Love ya, Mom.”
“Good night, hon. I love you, too.”
Ashley palmed her burning cheeks as she headed to her bedroom. Her mother would make her fight for Aaron and her marriage when it came down to it. She would insist that they spend time together. A husband constantly out of town with his wife in her parents’ house didn’t make a good marriage. There is no marriage, Mom!
Losing her home was the beginning of the end, and the last thing she needed tonight. Except for seeing Aaron exit his suite and pause outside her door when he noticed her approaching. She ran her gaze down his white dress shirt and dark slacks.
“Hi.” He eyed her curiously. “I’m glad I caught you. I have an appointment, but I wanted to know how you’re holding up. How’s your mom?”
“Fine. She’s fine.” A fresh-shower scent reached her, and she glanced at her bedroom door behind him, hoping he’d allow her to escape.
“Everything’s okay between you two?”
She nodded. Her eyes fleeted over his calm face, his clear, though intense, eyes. What appointment had him going out at nine o’clock at night? He didn’t have to show her how fine he looked for another rendezvous. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m tired.”
He stayed put. “You’re doing the right thing. You know that.”
“I don’t have any qualms about marrying you.” She chuckled disjointedly, realizing she really had no reservations about the marriage. But her gaze took another long tour down the strong body she already missed. “Only please don’t make a production of visiting your women with my family in the house.”
A small smile looked like it wanted to start, but his face muscles twitched dead. Aaron moved forward, but she didn’t want his second-hand affections. He must have read it, for he stopped.
“I’m not seeing anyone. I meet with Pastor Connor.”
“For what?”
He smiled. “Can’t I spend a little quality time in male bonding? He’s a good man. Has interesting things to say.”
She studied his peaceful features, and he chuckled like he wanted to avoid scrutiny.
Aaron shuffled around her to move down the hall. “Well. I don’t want to be late.”
“For bonding or…for some type of counseling?”
She’d jumped on her suspicion, and watched him turn to walk backward toward the staircase. He couldn’t have meant what she thought. His undisturbed demeanor, his calmed control for the past few days. Why hadn’t he said anything?
“I’m happy for you. I hoped this would happen.” Thank God at least something turned out right from their twisted mess.
Aaron stopped in his tracks. His steps reversed and he moved toward her with such momentum that her back hit the wall by the time he reached her. “Why?” His forearms anchored against the wall, framing her head, and he leaned in. “Is that the only way you’ll open up to me?”
Perhaps she’d been wrong. She didn’t know if she was being threatened. “Aaron. I… Have you renewed your commitment to Christ?”
His eyes, inches away, stared back.
Hope slipping, she closed her eyelids when he failed to move or speak. “I can’t open up to someone who doesn’t share my foundation,” she whispered. “I don’t trust our situation.”
“Right. Can’t make love without love, and all. I believe those were the words you used.”
She glared at him for his flippant remark. “You got it.” She couldn’t give him her love if he didn’t have the love of God. It would be the core of their marriage to help them grow. She wouldn’t apologize for that. Even if he did have it now, they had a timetable for a breakup to adhere to.
A humorless crease curved the corner of his lips. “One of these days you’ll forgive me for whatever it is I’ve done to you. But I forgive you, Ashley.”
Her chest felt empty with guilt. If only he knew she’d forgiven him long ago, but needed to build her brick wall to keep from totally ruining her Christian walk.
She shouldn’t be snide and punish him for her own lack of self control. But, if he remained upset with her, maybe he’d continue to keep his distance—stop rubbing his natural endearing ways against her sore, vulnerable heart. Give me an excuse not to keep falling in love with you.
He pulled back, his strong fingers combing through her hair. “Am I just a business deal to you?”
She loved the rough sensation against her scalp. “We’re…friends,” she explained, falling into the trap she was attempting to explain. “That’s all you can be.”
“You sound unsure.” The scalp massage slowed. He chuckled dryly. “And I have no idea which way you want to go with it. I don’t want a reaction, Ashley. I need a deliberate act on your part.”
Not possible, or he’d need the Jaws of Life to pry her off his all-encompassing caring self. “My actions are deliberate. Our seeing each other is temporary, Aaron. I can’t cross a line under those circumstances. Neither should you.”
His lips parted slightly, and a bare minimum smile gave a look of awareness. “Is that all?”
“Is that all?”
“Yeah. You’re afraid of making a mistake.”
“Aren’t you?” He obviously didn’t understand what that meant in the confines of marriage.
Aaron closed the space between them. Her insides melted when his smooth chin brushed the underside of hers and his fingers tightened. Hot breath hit her ear. “Ashley, are you afraid of making a mistake? With me?”
“Y…” Words wouldn’t form.
If she did cross the line, it wouldn’t be because it was a mistake. She clamored for ammunition against his even breaths, his slow massage, and his warm presence. Only weeks ago he’d made his intent for her plain. Have a little play time until she returned home. Then she’d signed a contract, in triplicate, declaring she’d have no marital claims or rights past their designated date.
If Aaron was saved or not, he’d grown used to a certain lifestyle. She refused to let him get his jollies just because they were married, only to then have him send her away at their appointed time. Business was just that. The more space between them the better if they were to end a paper marriage.
“No consummation, no consequence. You said it, Aaron. Annulment. Remember? We need space.”
He leaned back. Seconds passed with them studying, breathing, thinking. His hands slowed on her scalp. Aaron no longer had a smile when he breathed out, his fingers interlaced in her hair to embrace her head.
“Let me know when that changes. I want the consequences. Now that I know the truth, if that is all, I need you to make a decision, Ashley. On what you’re willing to do. Because in three days when we’re joined, I guarantee I won’t be playing with you.”
The heat and chill of sweat prickled her face. Not joined. They’d be married. His eyes didn’t expound on his words either way. Light fingers trickled down her face as he stepped back. He headed down the hall without another word.
Annulment. Joined.
...for better or for worse... Joined. Ashley hurried to her room, unable to kick the word out of her head. She flung herself onto the bed, her proverbial sword. Make a decision on whether she wanted to give herself to Aaron? He wasn’t making this any easier. But he hadn’t mentioned loving her and making this for keeps.
As soon as they were married to satisfy the requisite of his grandfather’s will, she had to get out of there and never look back. ...for better or…forget it, things couldn’t possibly get worse.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Aaron never before experienced this level of anxiety. They’d gathered in the lush green north/west garden of the grounds. He linked hands with Ashley, worrying about sweaty palms, listening to their pastor, wondering if the whole marriage thing would make him fa
ll flat on his face.
He’d treated himself to a new black tuxedo with a royal blue kerchief, cummerbund, and bowtie with gold flecks to match her theme. She’d given them a second glance, smiling down at her gold and blue flowers. He gave her leeway and she didn’t think he’d pay enough attention to what she wanted? Every detail.
The only thing he’d changed his mind about was knowing what she would wear. Aaron had been floored when she appeared in the garden in an off-the-shoulder silk and lace wedding gown that accented every curve of her figure. He had expected beautiful. No one warned him Ashley could look so amazing.
She’d glowed. Eyes sparkling. Upswept hair whispering a few tendrils from her veil. Ashley had walked down the aisle on the arm of her father—to marry him. Aaron smiled broadly, and he knew he smiled. And cameras clicked, and videographers caught every second of his smile, and every delicate step of her walk.
He saw a little of her mother’s smile as the two exchanged a look of love when she passed. Sandra McKenny was a wonderful businesswoman, scary as a mother-in-law. She’d dragged him aside the other day and took a piece of his ear for the way he’d handled his ‘courtship’ and for the secrecy. He took a lesson from that encounter and set aside private time with Ashley’s father on Thursday.
Shortness of breath and anxiety punctuated every sentence, making him wonder if John McKenny believed a word he’d said. The conversation leaned toward love and commitment, and he’d been thankful to say with a straight face that he hadn’t violated the man’s innocent daughter.
Not used to all this pouring out of the heart, Aaron hoped he also conveyed he had no intention of breaking the man’s only daughter’s heart.
The crushing handshake and fingers clamped over his collarbone spoke volumes.
Keeping level with an older version of Ashley’s eyes, he took the man’s curt words of discipline and forgiveness, and that it would be awhile before Aaron would be allowed to call him Dad. Not expecting the sentiment in the first place, he was sure Mr. McKenny had no idea what those words meant.