by Jamie Knight
I’m so touched that she thought to let me use this today. Robert’s parents never learned the truth about our arrangement. After my dad found out, Robert and I decided to go to Bernard and void the contract. We actually ended up burning any and all copies. There was no need for them anymore.
I feel the tears starting to form a little bit – I thought I’d be able to last until I was walking down the aisle without crying, but I guess I’m not so lucky.
“I can’t believe it. I thought I had more time before I started crying,” I joke. Everyone laughs. “I, um, I lost my mother when I was very young and I’m just so happy that I’ll be gaining another one. You guys really have been the sweetest throughout this whole thing, and I couldn’t be any more grateful.”
Patty comes up and gives me a hug.
“Well, you guys did nothing wrong and who am I to get mad over two kids in love? I’m just so darn happy you’re joining our little family over here.”
We break apart and Patty holds up the box. I take the pendant out, but notice there’s no chain. I’m not sure how I am supposed to wear it.
I’m about to ask, but the confused look on my face must be a tell-all. My dad takes out another jewelry box and, before saying anything, opens it. Inside is a simple gold chain.
“Your mother wore this the day of our wedding. It was something I bought her totally unexpectedly and, at the time, she thought she’d never have a place to wear it. I’m sure she would have loved it if you wore it today.”
I nod, feeling even more choked up, and then my dad takes the opal from me. He puts it on the chain and motions for me to turn around. He puts the necklace on and then the tears really start to flow.
Ugh, I’m going to be a real mess today. I just feel so accepted by both families. Robert’s side took me, no questions asked. They’d treated me like the family from the get-go.
My dad and I have been working on our own relationship and he’s finally realized how much I want to be a doctor. He’s apologized for all those years he made me suffer through Landon, but I also let him know that he has been a pretty good dad. I’m just beyond happy with everything and everyone in my life right now.
They all leave, and I finish getting ready. My bridesmaids arrive – I only have a handful – and, once they’re all done with what they need to do, we leave for the venue.
The ceremony is small; we didn’t invite a whole lot of people. Robert and I agreed that’s how we would like it. My dad might have gotten us this grandiose place in which to get married, but we like to keep everything as simple as possible.
I’m waiting to walk down the aisle, standing with my dad, who’s going to walk me down. My nerves have only gotten worse, but there’s also a whole lot of excitement.
It feels like our first wedding in that regard. I’d looked up at Robert then and wondered if I could ever marry him for real and the answer turned out to very much be yes.
My dad must notice how anxious I am, because he puts a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“You already know he loves you and you already know what it’s like to be married to him. I’m sure today will perfect. Even if every last thing goes wrong, you’ll be with someone you love and that’s enough.”
I smile because I know he’s right. The song starts, signaling us to walk. My dad takes my arm and the two of us make our way down the aisle.
Robert and I say the same vows we did last time, but today there is no uncertainty, no one year deadline – we’re in this together in every way.
We get to have our wedding kiss, and, like the first time, I melt into him. I’d keep going if there weren’t so many people here watching us. Anyway, we have tonight and the rest of our lives to do whatever we want with each other.
After our beautiful ceremony, we have a small reception that everyone is invited to. Robert and I are sitting at our own little wedding table. Usually, there’s more of the wedding party seated with the bride and groom, but we wanted something to ourselves, where we could talk.
Also, there are other chairs if people want to sit with us, which is what Nicole does when she approaches our table. Actually, she kind of just stands there, but I motion for her to sit and she does.
“Hey, guys. It was a beautiful ceremony,” she compliments.
“Thanks,” I say.
After her confession to us, our relationship got a little strained. I wasn’t totally mad at her; I knew Landon was to blame for everything, but I think Nicole felt really guilty and she needed some time to come to terms with it herself.
I’m really happy that she accepted out wedding invitation, though. I would have been sad if she hadn’t made it.
“I wanted to tell you guys that Brent and I went to the Dean. We gave her the evidence that you guys didn’t cheat and inside here,” she holds up a large manila envelope, “are two letters reinstating your status at school. They even gave you back your scholarship, Robert.”
She looks nervous telling us all of this, but I am beyond overjoyed. I had known we would have gone to the dean ourselves at some point after the wedding, but I had been willing to wait a little bit.
Honestly, this is the best thing Nicole could have gotten us. I get out of my seat and go around to hug her.
“Thank you so much. You really are a good friend,” I try and reassure her.
I rub her back a little before breaking the hug. She hands me the envelope and I pass it over to Robert. He opens it and quickly skims the letters. He looks pleased with what they say.
“I say we celebrate,” I tell everyone.
Nicole nods and Robert gets out of his seat and takes my hand. He helps me back into a standing position and we go on to the dance floor and dance.
While we’re taking a small break, Seth, one of Landon’s friends, comes up to us. He’s brought his wife Tina with him as well. I haven’t gotten to spend too much time with her, but the times we have hung out, she’s been really fun and nice. I’d like to get to know her better.
“Hey, guys. Congrats.”
They each give Robert and me a hug.
“Thanks for coming,” Robert tells his friend.
“I actually wanted to tell you guys something. I’m sure you know about the ongoing investigation into Landon.”
Robert and I nod.
The kidnapping case had been going on for a little bit. Landon hadn’t taken any kind of plea deal yet; he was dragging it on for some reason. There is more than enough evidence to put him away, so I’m not sure what he expects to happen, but, even so, I am ready to take the witness stand if needed.
“Well, the FBI just raided his office and they’ve seized all of his businesses and assets. They’re going to be prosecuting him for a whole slew of crimes.”
It’s just what he deserves. Maybe, now, he’ll finally just confess. There’s no way he can avoid jail time at this point.
“Thanks for letting us know,” I tell Seth.
Then I remember that he was working for Landon. Obviously, he’s out a job now. There’s no way anything Landon was in charge of is still open.
“What are you doing now?” I ask.
“I lost my job at the old office. I mean, everyone lost their job at the old office, but your father hired me on as his personal assistant, so it all kind of worked out for me in the end. Plus, I’d rather work for your dad and it’s not just because of the better pay,” Seth jokes.
We all have a light laugh and talk some more before Seth and Tina head in another direction at the reception.
Robert and I make sure to say hi to everyone who came, thanking them for being here on our wedding day. I’ve never been the biggest fan of hosing; I was not the greatest debutante, but I do have manners and I know that before we can leave, especially since we had such a small group of people, we should at least try to talk to everyone.
We make the rounds and, once we’re done, say goodbye. Well, we tell our families we’re leaving and give them the task of letting the rest of the party know. We have the
reception venue for the whole night, so if people want to keep partying, we’re not about to stop them.
Our limo is waiting for us outside, to take us to the airport, so we can fly to our honeymoon destination. Robert pulls me into the limo and then makes sure the divider is all the way up.
It looks like he wants privacy. The car moves forward and we’re on our way.
“What was that for?” I ask, referring to the putting up of the divider.
“I thought we could consummate our marriage,” he tells me.
I laugh, because I’m sure we’ve already done that, over and over and over again.
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, I’m sure you’re thinking about our first marriage – which has been consummated quite nicely – but we can’t leave this second one hanging.”
“Leave it hanging?” I say, with a tilt of my head.
I know I’m being nitpicky, but I do like teasing Robert. He’s a lot of fun when he’s playful.
“You know what I mean,” he tells me.
I do, so, instead of answering, I slide myself on to his lap, straddling him. I put my hands on either side of him and look right into his eyes.
I can feel his erection growing as it presses into me slightly. Slowly, I bring my face down on his and kiss him. As we’re embracing, I grind my pelvis into his and elicit a moan from him.
I want more of that, so I go down to the floor and unbuckle his pants. I pull them down, along with his underwear, and his cock springs out, the veins popping from his arousal.
I let my fingers skim down his shaft before my mouth closes around the head.
“Jesus Christ,” Robert groans, as I use both my hand my mouth to stimulate him.
I keep going, egged on by all the sounds Robert is making, the scent of his body – just everything about him is a turn on for me. His hand goes into my hair, and he undoes the bun it’s in. The tendrils fall on to my face and he sweeps them away, wrapping them around his hand in a fist.
He pulls on my hair as I continue to suck him off. I let my tongue circle around the head of his penis and taste some of the cum starting to come out. I feel his hand tighten in my hair before his cum squirts into my mouth.
“Fuck!” he shouts.
His cum is spilling into my mouth and I’m doing my best to swallow it all, but a little bit of it gets on to the corners of my mouth. The stream finally stops, and Robert relaxes.
I take his cock out of my mouth and I suck his cum off my finger. I kiss Robert before taking a seat next to him. He pulls his pants back on and I lay my head on his chest. Robert softly strokes my hair.
“I don’t know if we can count that as being consummated,” he says quietly.
“Why?”
“Because I didn’t get an orgasm out of you, yet,” he says, matter-of-factually.
I move my head, so I can look up at him.
“Well, we’ll just have to take care of that later.”
“Mmm,” he responds. “I can’t wait. I love you, my wife.”
“I love you, my husband.”
I return to my previous position. Robert continues to run his fingers in my hair, as I think about how happy I am.
Everything is back on track in terms of my dream to become a doctor. My dad has finally accepted that that is what I want. I’ve added on to my family. It’s gone from just my dad and me to all of Robert’s family.
And, the icing on top of this amazing cake is that I’ve found the love of my life. He’ll be able to complete med school, too, and he’s happy with how it all turned out. I don’t see how it could get any better than this.
THE END
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Other Books in the Series
If you would like to read more books in the standalone but connected Hate You series, listed below are the book in the series!
I Hate You, Move In: An Enemies to Lovers Accidental Roommate Romance
I Hate You, Remember Me: An Enemies to Lovers Amnesia Romance
I Hate You, Propose: An Enemies to Lovers Fake Engagement Romance
I Hate You, Marry Me: An Enemies to Lovers Fake Marriage Romance
Sneak Peek of I Hate You, Move In
The first book in the Hate You series is I Hate You, Move In: An Enemies to Lovers Accidental Roommate Romance. Enjoy this exclusive sneak peek!
Chapter One
Tina
“You should be living at home,” argued my dad, even as he carried a mini-fridge into my brand-new dorm room. “Why can’t you commute?”
“Daddy, we’ve been over this,” I pleaded. “I want to meet people. Plus, Kensington State College recommends that I live on campus for the first year. They said it helps freshmen transition to university life way better than if they tried it living off-campus. Or not at all,” I added, with a note of sarcasm.
I knew I should appreciate the fact that my parents were helping me move into my dorm for my freshman year of college. But I didn’t ask for their help and honestly, I didn’t want them there.
My parents were very old fashioned and that often equaled embarrassment. It was always a huge battle with them, to get them to let me do anything on my own.
I couldn’t understand it. I was eighteen, not eight. Didn’t they want me to grow up and be independent? Didn’t they want me to learn how to be an adult?
Quite frankly, I couldn’t wait to be free from their iron grip for a while. I mean, actually having a room to myself where they wouldn’t be constantly looking over my shoulder and judging me just sounded like heaven.
Not that I hated my parents or anything crazy, but you know how they can get, at least if you have the over-protective, smothering kind of parents like I do. They crawl all up in your business until you can’t breathe and can’t even think.
I wanted to live on campus just so I could meet people alone, in my own space. Without my mother running my life and without having to see my father’s judgmental looks right before he locks me up, Rapunzel-style.
“So, you’ll move back home sophomore year?” Daddy asked hopefully.
He set the minifridge down next to the old wooden desk that came with the room. Someone had scratched party on into the dented surface.
“Daddy, I love you, but I need to start living on my own,” I explained for the twentieth time, as I walked over and opened the dorm’s only window. “How am I going to learn how if I don’t?”
“I could teach you,” he offered, totally serious.
“You did teach me. For eighteen years,” I corrected, putting a hand on his shoulder. “And now I’m going to put what you taught me into practice. That’s how it’s supposed to work. You’ll see. It’ll be great.”
Mom came in with an armful of my clothes. She found the dresser and started arranging my belongings, just like she did at home.
“I don’t see why you even need to go to college,” she muttered, her long, conservative dress rustling softly.
“Oh my gosh, Mom,” I said, embarrassed, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.
“You just need to find a good and Godly husband,” she insisted. “And you could learn to cook.”
“I know how to cook,” I corrected her, walking over to watch her organize my clothes. “You taught me, remember?”
“It’s just that, well, you’re not that good, dear,” she said, patting my cheek.
I sat down heavily on the twin bed. I didn’t feel as insulted as I probably should have by that comment. I hated cooking, anyway.
“Mom, please,” I begged. “Can we not do this? I’m already here. Do you really want to drag me away from the only chance I’ve ever had to see what life holds outside our apartment? Away from t
he only thing I’ve ever worked towards and pinned my hopes on? Would you seriously trade all my dreams for my return back home today?”
“Yes,” she said determinedly, not looking up from the drawer she was organizing. “Yes, I would. I’m prepared to make that sacrifice.”
“I’m going to move more boxes,” I said, getting up and giving up on the conversation.
I marched outside to the parking lot to get some fresh air before I did something stupid, like snapped and screamed at her. My parents always set me on edge, especially my very religious mother, but today they were reaching new heights.
I calmed myself by thinking, They’re going home in a few hours. Just get through this and they’ll be out of your hair soon.
After saying that about 20 times, I reached my parent’s sedan. I picked up a lamp and a box of stuff for my desk. I tried to think about my class schedule and finding time to go to the book store.
I was already going to have to adjust my schedule. Half the things the college automatically signed me up for made no sense. History? Theatre? I was a business major; why would I need those classes?
Apparently, though, this was the norm. We were to learn first what the world was made of, before we ran a business in it. I guess that’s ultimately what I was here for.
When I’d visited the campus as a future applicant, we were told that it was usually chaos when the freshman arrived. And now I was seeing it for myself. The parking lot was full of other families and students and their mismatched dorm furnishings.
I had never seen so many tie-dye tapestries, except in movies. I took a little comfort in overhearing some of the other students’ eye-roll-worthy conversations with their folks.
That was, until I realized how all the other parents were actually happy that their kids were going to be in college. If anything, what was annoying to these students was that their parents smothered them with too much love and support.