by E. L. Todd
“Congratulations, dear.”
I tried to force a smile to my face. I knew she thought this was a mistake. “Thank you.”
“Let me see the ring.” She grabbed my hand and looked at the diamonds in the band. “It’s beautiful.”
I turned the ring over. “And it’s engraved.”
She gasped at the sight. “How romantic.” She pulled me in for a hug. I returned her embrace without as much as heart as I did for her husband. When she pulled away, she was smiling at me. “We have a lot of planning to do.”
The idea made me nauseous. “Uh—yeah.”
Mike approached me and I felt my muscles tense. Sean stared at him with a look of hatred but he kept his distance. It would be idiotic for Mike to start something right now. He leaned closer to me. “Are you sure you want to do this? You can still get out.”
“I want him for my whole life.”
He shook his head. “I can make your legs shake,” he whispered. “Believe me, I’m twice the man my brother is.”
I hated hearing him discuss Sean like this. I couldn’t stand it. I pulled his ear to my lips. “Then why did your girlfriend—the love of your life—want to fuck him? Obviously, you couldn’t satisfy her.” I stepped away and ignored his look of anger. I slid into Sean’s arms and immediately felt safe. I was still angry with him from our fight from the evening before, but I still loved him completely.
He pressed his lips against my ear. “Are you sure you want to marry me?” I knew he was referring to his dysfunctional family.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure? I come with a lot of baggage.”
“You’re good in bed.”
He laughed. “That’s the only reason why you’re with me?”
I shrugged. “It’s a factor.”
“I’m only that good when I’m with you.”
“Well, yeah,” I said with a shrug. “I’m amazing, too.”
He laughed again. “Now look who’s conceded.”
“And I give great head.”
“No arguments there,” he said. “In fact, I could use one after all the bullshit this weekend.”
“We’ll see.”
He stared at me. “You’re such a tease.”
I smiled at him. Now I just wanted to be alone with him, not with the rest of his frustrating family. I just wanted to cuddle with him under the sheets and not speak. Just being with him always made me feel better.
Diane stepped toward me. “We have to start planning!”
I raised an eyebrow. “Right now?”
“Well, of course. When were you planning to marry?”
“Uh.” We hadn’t thought about it at all. Honestly, I just wanted to go down to city hall with my family and tie the knot. I had no interest in having a fancy wedding with a bunch of people I didn’t even know. “We haven’t discussed it yet.”
“Don’t worry,” Diane said. “I’ll take of everything.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me from Sean’s arms. I wanted to scream. The only person that I wanted to be with right now was him. “I have my wedding binder prepared. I knew one of my sons would marry soon and I had to be ready.”
Andrew looked at his two sons. “I don’t think we’re needed here. Let’s watch the game.”
Sean looked relieved. “Let’s do it.”
I stared at Sean, silently begging him to help me. I couldn’t believe he was leaving me alone with his mom to plan a wedding I didn’t even want.
He caught my look and smiled. Then he turned away and walked into the living room with his father and brother. I silently cursed Sean. He wouldn’t be getting any from me tonight. Not after he abandoned me to his mother’s cruelty.
His mother and I moved into the grand table in the other room. The hard wood furniture looked like it had never been used. Their house was so big I was certain that some bedrooms weren’t visited for years.
She placed a thick binder and a few magazines on the table. I took the seat next to her, knowing this meeting was going to take a while. Looking at the wedding organizer made me feel faint. I never wanted to have a wedding. Sean should have known that. Well, I never told him exactly, but he should have figured it out by now. But how could I tell his mom that? Clearly, she was excited about the event. She was definitely more excited than I was.
“So, I think we should have a Venetian style wedding,” she said as she opened the binder. “We can do a mermaid style dress because it will accentuate your features perfectly. Then, we could have a Tuscan feast that will be supplied by this wonderful restaurant in Manhattan—”
At a certain point, I stopped listening. She pointed at diagrams of the outside terrace and pointed at the seating arrangement. She intended to invite five hundred people. Then, she rambled on about the center pieces and said we should get theseridiculously huge purple flowers inside a pink vase. I know I’m not a designer, but that sounded appalling. The wedding was practically already planned out. I only got in a nod or two. I wanted to scream. This wasn’t happening. Out of the five hundred guests, only four of them would be from my side of the family. I didn’t have a father to walk me down the aisle, and I didn’t have a mother to help plan this. The thought of my mother made me panic. What if she showed up anyway, drunk and high off her cigarettes? It would be the biggest embarrassment of my life. And this engagement would be announced in multiple papers, including in my hometown since I was marrying the son of a millionaire. I really, really didn’t want to do this. When we left tomorrow morning, I would just tell Sean we weren’t doing the wedding and he could break the news to his mother. After her lack of support of our engagement, I didn’t owe her anything.
“What do you think?”
I flinched. I wasn’t paying attention at all. “Yes.”
She nodded. “Penelope liked it too.”
Are you fucking kidding me? Did they talk about wedding plans before she and Sean broke up? And if they did, why would she bring that up to me? It was like this woman was purposely trying to make me leave Sean.
She turned toward me. “I apologize, dear, but I have to ask. What happened with Penelope? Sean won’t speak of it, and Penelope is always vague, saying it just didn’t work out. Please tell me.”
She stared at me with the same blue eyes Sean had. It made me uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Diane. I don’t know why Sean wants to keep it a secret, but it’s his personal life. I can’t divulge that information to you.”
I saw the irritation in her eyes, but she held back the angry retort that was on her tongue. “Okay.”
“I’m sorry.”
She sighed. “Please don’t think I dislike you, Scarlet. I just have to make sure my son is making the right decision. You know we love you.”
I nodded.
“Sean told me how much he loved Penelope and that he was going to marry her. A few months later, he shows up with you and says you’re engaged. I don’t know what happened, but I don’t want him to rush into anything.” She stared at me, waiting for me to reply. “I just want the best for my son.”
“I understand.”
“Please tell me, Scar. I won’t tell him you told me.”
I sighed. “I can’t, Diane. I would never break his trust.”
She stared at me, irritated that I wouldn’t be honest with her.
“But I will tell you one thing.”
Her eyes widened.
“Their breakup was the best thing that ever happened to Sean. He is much better off without her and he deserves something better. Your son is in good hands.”
“But isn’t that statement biased?”
I wanted to grab the binder and hit her upside the head. I breathed through the anger. “Just take my word for it.”
She was quiet for a long moment then returned to the wedding book. She circled all of our—her—decisions in red then closed the book. “I’ll get started on this soon.”
This wedding was never going to happen. Even though I received my inheritance money, I wouldn’t spend it
on one ridiculous, frivolous wedding. How did she expect me and Sean to pay for this? We aren’t millionaires, too.
“Thank you for your help.” I didn’t mean a word I said, but I had to get it out.
She nodded. “You’re welcome.”
I rose from the table then walked up the stairs. “I’m not feeling well. I think I’m going to lie down for a little while.”
“Okay, dear. I hope you feel better.”
“Thanks.”
As soon as I walked into our bedroom, I collapsed on the bed and stared out the window. I was frustrated with the way everything turned out. I just wanted to go home. I was also irritated with Sean that he didn’t just tell his mother the truth about Penelope. I didn’t understand why he was so secretive about it. Was he embarrassed that she cheated on him? Was he trying to protect Penelope? I had no idea.
After a few moments, I reached for my purse and pulled out my phone. I called Ryan and waited for him to answer. I knew it was early in the morning in Seattle, but I didn’t care if I woke up my brother. He was usually awake pretty early anyway.
His voice was raspy when he answered. “Hello?”
I sighed. “Hey.”
Ryan was quiet for a moment. I heard Janice in the background. “Who is it?” she asked.
“Scarlet,” he whispered.
Janice yawned. “Tell her I said hello.”
Ryan directed his voice into the phone. “What’s up, Scar? You don’t sound happy.”
“That’s because I’m not.”
He sighed. “What’s up?”
“I don’t even know where to begin.”
“Well, you should get on with it because I’m about to fall asleep again.”
“You don’t sound too concerned with my well-being.”
“Are you hurt? Stranded? Scared for your safety?”
“No.”
“Then sorry I don’t sound too concerned.”
“Don’t be an ass.”
“Then don’t be a brat.”
We were quiet for a long time.
“Please tell me, Scar. You know I care.”
“A long time ago, Sean slept with his brother’s girlfriend and his brother has wanted to get him back ever since. Sean asked me to avoid being alone with him, but I somehow ended up in the situation. Sean was furious with me and we fought over it. I was pissed at him because he didn’t tell me the truth to begin with, and then he accused me of acting like Penelope. I would never cheat on him and I’m offended that he thinks I ever would.”
“Talk to him about it.”
“I did.”
“And?”
“I’m still mad about the whole thing.”
“And you can’t sleep together because you’re at his parents’ house? That just made it worse?”
“Well, we did it anyway but that’s beside the point.”
Ryan sighed. “Is that all?”
“No. His mom doesn’t think we should get married. She thinks I’m just a rebound for her son and that he’s settling for me. She cares more about Penelope and why they broke up. Now she’s planning this ridiculous wedding that I don’t even want.”
“Tell her the truth.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“She already dislikes me. I’ll have Sean tell her after we leave.”
“It will get better after you come home, Scar. It’s only one more day.”
“I know. But I’m just upset about the whole thing. Why do they like Penelope so much? I feel like I’m not good enough for Sean.”
“I’m guessing they don’t know what that bitch did?”
“No,” I said. “He hasn’t told them.”
“Why?”
“I have no idea.”
“And Scar?”
“Hmm?”
“He’s the one who isn’t good enough for you. Don’t ever forget that.”
I smiled. “I don’t know about that.”
“Sean had a perfect life. You started with nothing, you were emotionally and physically abused, and look how you turned out? You did it all on your own. Don’t ever let them make you think you aren’t good enough.”
“Thanks,” I whispered. “But I wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for you.”
“I know,” he said. “I feel the same way.”
We were quiet for a moment.
“Scar, I think his parents are being assholes—”
“It’s just his mom.”
“Anyway, don’t hold it against Sean. As long as he’s supportive of you, you can’t be mad at him for that. It’s out of his control. Has he defended you?”
“Yes.”
“Then cut him some slack. I’m sure he wants to leave as much as you do, especially to get away from his maniacal brother. I always liked the guy. I had no idea he was psycho.”
“I don’t know how they became that way either. They practically fought to the death this morning.”
“Why?”
“Mike said he was going to sleep with me and Sean flipped out.”
“Well, Sean is defending you. That’s all that matters. I think I can speak for Sean when I say you’re his family now.”
“I know.”
“And if he doesn’t like his brother, I can always take his place.”
I smiled. That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard Ryan say. “Really? Even after what he did to me?”
“We all make mistakes, Scar. Sean is no different. And I know how important he is to you. Cortland and I can be the brothers he never had. He pretty much already is.”
“That means so much to me.”
“I know it does.”
“I want to have a wedding with just the six of us. I don’t want anyone else to be there.”
“I’m sure Sean will agree.”
“He would do anything for me.”
“And I doubt he wants to have a stupid girly wedding and all that bullshit anyway.”
I laughed. “Yes, that’s true.”
“I wouldn’t.”
“Have you been thinking about weddings lately?”
He was quiet for a moment. “Maybe.”
I couldn’t hide the smile in my voice. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Yeah.”
Since Janice was lying next to him, I knew I couldn’t say everything on my mind. I was always worried that Ryan wouldn’t find someone to spend the rest of his life with. Knowing that the person he chose was my best friend made it even better. “I should let you go.”
“I don’t suspect that I’ll be able to fall back asleep now.”
I heard Janice over the phone. “We don’t have to sleep.”
I laughed. “Uh, I’ll let you go.”
I heard the sound of Ryan moaning before the phone hung up. I started laughing as I dropped the phone on the bed. It was a little awkward knowing that my brother was having sex with my best friend, but we’ve always been open about our personal relationships. I would never give out the details of my intimate moments with Sean, but I wouldn’t hide the fact that I was having sex with him either. I pulled a pillow to my chest and stared out the window. Talking to my brother had calmed my nerves substantially. Between Ryan and Sean, I had everything I ever needed in a family.
The bedroom door opened and Sean walked into the room. “Hey. Are you okay?” He shut the door behind him then lied next to me on the bed. “What’s wrong?”
“I just need a break. I’m fine now.”
He kissed my neck. “Are you sure?”
I nodded. “How’s the game?”
“Giants are winning.”
“How’s your brother?”
He shrugged. “We haven’t looked at each other once.”
“I’m sorry, Sean.”
“I’m not. I would kill that bastard if I could.”
“Please don’t say that.”
“You’re taking his side?”
“No, of course not. I just think you should work it out.”
> He sighed. “I tried.”
I turned on my side then looked at him. He pressed his nose against mine and looked into my eyes.
“How did the wedding planning go?” he asked.
I sighed. “A nightmare.”
He laughed. “I heard weddings were stressful.”
I rolled my eyes. “You have no idea.”
“Did everything go okay with my mom?”
I stared at him for a moment. “Why don’t you just tell her about Penelope?”
His eyes narrowed. “Did she ask about her? Are you fucking kidding me?”
I didn’t want to start more drama in the house. I regretted my words. “I’m just saying you should tell them the truth. Why are you hiding it?”
“Scarlet, I asked you a question.”
I sighed. Instead of answering his question, I grabbed his face and kissed him. But my clever idea didn’t work. He pushed me back.
“Scar.”
“Yes,” I said reluctantly. “She asked me.”
Sean averted his gaze and looked out the window. He clenched his fists at his side. “I can’t believe she would talk about her when we’re planning our wedding. It’s bullshit.”
“Don’t get angry.”
“Too late. What did she say?”
“She asked me to tell her why you broke up.”
“And what did you say?” I could see the anger in his eyes.
“I kept your secret,” I said. “Just tell her, Sean. Then they won’t even care about Penelope anymore. They’ll realize how good I am for you.”
“I shouldn’t have to. They should realize you are perfect for me anyway.”
“Babe, tell me.”
He shook his head.
“Why won’t you tell me?”
He sighed. “You’ll get mad.”
“I’m always mad.”
He laughed. “You have a point.”
“Now tell me.”
He looked at me for a moment. “I don’t want them to hate Penelope. My parents are very influential and well known. They’ll bad mouth her all over town. She’ll never find another job or another spouse.”
My eyes softened. “I can’t believe you.”
“I knew you would be mad.”
“I’m not.”