The Best of June

by Tierney O’Malley

  What a beauty.

  But this Goddess or mermaid held a secret she shared with her friends—one that he would find out before their contract was over. Earlier, he’d had a chance to talk to James. It was brief and it wasn’t a happy congratulatory kind of conversation either, but a conspiratorial one. They both knew the deal. Six months and this marriage would be over.

  “I’ll have her back in no time,” James had told him. “She’s not yours to keep.”

  He did not intend to keep June, he wanted to say. But the words were stuck in his throat. So he just replied with a nod. That was it. James left him alone. June lied to her parents about how they’d met. Why? So fucking annoying.

  Now, here they were. Henry looked at his bride. So, she was a loaner, a beautiful one at that.

  Henry noticed how June clung to James’ hand, as if she didn’t want to let go.

  “I love you, Junie.”

  “I love you too, Dad.”

  James kissed June on the forehead. Love for his daughter was obvious and so was June’s love for her father. This man would do everything to protect June, including saving her reputation—a reputation that June had carelessly thrown aside to have a baby then hid the truth from her parents until she started showing.

  Honey, what are you hiding?

  Henry met James’ eyes. Right then, he realized James intention. It was clear. Greenwald may have had a beef with his dad, but the man had obviously created the contract with June in mind. He just loved his Junie. For some damn reason, he wanted to tell James he’d take care of June, but they both knew this marriage had ended even before it started.

  Sighing, Henry looked at June. She was wincing. He took June’s hand. “You okay?”

  June shook her head then surprised him when she hung on to his arm for support. Then she did something unusual in a wedding ceremony. She took her shoes off.

  “Now I’m okay. They pinch my feet,” she whispered.

  The deafening sound of camera shutters joined the guests’ loud whispers. June just gave everyone something to spice up the news about their wedding. He almost laughed aloud when he glanced back at his parents and saw their reactions. His dad looked like he’d eaten a bad fish and his mother was ready to pass out. Damn. Their expressions were so funny.

  “You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Not at all.” He knew exactly how June felt at the moment. He wanted to loosen his tie, take off his coat and just walk out of there in his shirt. He hated looking like a shark in a suit.

  They both faced the minister, who wore a black suit and held a bible.

  Fifteen minutes later, they were wed in the eyes of God and the rich.

  Chapter Ten

  She’d never dreamed her wedding would be like this, with hundreds of people—most of whom she hadn’t even known were in attendance. A vine-covered gazebo with thin, gauzy fabric hung around the entrance, Flowers, ribbons, chamber orchestra, a bridesmaid, groomsman and a breathtaking groom who despised her, completed the whole scene. She’d even spotted reporters. It felt like she had been transported into a dreamland.

  But this wasn’t the wedding she’d dreamed about for herself. A simple wedding in front of their fireplace would have been fine as long as she could say ‘I do’ with a man who loved her.

  Well, she loved him. And somehow, that thought made this wedding special.

  June let out a sigh. All day, she had been fine until she’d actually stood by the arched door. She’d really thought about running away, but when she’d turned around to flee, her dad hung on to her arm with a vise grip then whispered, “You’ll be okay.”

  June looked at her bouquet then giggled. There were only a few flowers left on it.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “This.”

  Henry grinned when she showed him the bouquet.

  “Here, June. I’ll take whatever’s left of your bouquet,” Vivienne whispered, her eyes big. She looked like she was about to burst out laughing.

  June handed her the bouquet. “Thank you.”

  Without anything to hold, she didn’t know what to do with her hands. She had been okay until she felt everyone’s stares boring on her back. She began to feel uncomfortable. Hundreds of people were most likely staring at her butt, judging her hair, commenting on her complexion. She hated being the center of attention.

  Her gown didn’t have pockets so she started picking her fingers. Henry, however, must have sensed her discomfort. He took her hand and laced their fingers together.

  “Nothing to be nervous about.”

  “God, am I that obvious?”

  Henry squeezed her hand. “Imagine it’s just us here and no one’s watching.”

  “How?” she whispered.

  “Think of the nights we made love.”

  Surprised, she looked up at his face and found him smiling at her. She didn’t know what to make of it. Since she was already looking at him, she took inventory of her groom’s appearance. He could pass for a model. His tailored suit showed his perfectly sculpted shoulders. The tips of his newly cut hair were already curling on the ends. She was kind of glad that he didn’t have them cut shorter. He looked marvelous in longish hair.

  “You’re not wearing your ring.”

  “The one that you lent me? I use it as a necklace so my parents wouldn’t see. I have it in my purse. You want it back?”

  “No. Do you want to give it back?”

  June shook her head. “There are so many people here.”

  “I know. Don’t mind them. They’re just here for the food, gossip and to be seen. Just do what I said and you’ll forget they’re behind us.”

  “What if I started moaning here? That would be embarrassing.”

  Henry laughed.

  Smiling, she took strength from his tight hold.

  The whole ceremony lasted only a few minutes and she found herself wed to the most handsome man in the room.

  She knew Henry wished it were Stacey beside him. His kiss, however, had made her want to think differently. But then it could just be an act.

  From here on out, she didn’t expect a happy marriage. But she would show Henry that marriage with her wasn’t all that bad. She would try to work everything out. She would keep a warm home, she’d be a good wife. No matter how long or short, she’d try to give this marriage a shot, even if she died trying.

  Henry’s hold on her waist was tight, kneading her flesh. When he placed a hand on his belly, everyone clapped.

  Including Stacey.

  Vivienne was right. For a woman who had just lost her man, she looked unaffected at all. Stacey smiled and looked genuinely happy for them. Maybe Henry had told her that the wedding meant nothing, just a pretense to save their families’ faces.

  June took a deep breath. She shouldn’t entertain negative thoughts right now. Enjoy today and deal with the problems tomorrow.

  She looked at her parents. Love and pride, like a rainbow, arced above them. She smiled and waved at them before letting her groom lead her back inside the house where they were supposed to have time together as husband and wife for the first time.

  Once inside the house, Henry let go of her hand then let out a long sigh. “Finally. That wasn’t painful, was it?”

  Painful? Why would he say something like that? What about, ‘you’re beautiful’ or ‘your gown is pretty’. Not painful. Feeling like a brick had hit her chest, June willed herself to just breathe.

  It’s my wedding day. I should be happy.

  She forced a smile on her face. “Not as painful as my shoes.”

  “You made a scene.” Henry unbuttoned his long-sleeved shirt.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “My mom almost passed out.”

  “Really?”

  Henry nodded, his eyes twinkling with merriment. “Dad’s eyes popped out of their sockets.”

  “I suppose we got even with him for giving you that scar.”

  Henry gave her a lopsided grin. “Yes, we did. You okay
?”

  “Yeah. Just a bit tired. Been up early.”

  “Me too. Do you need anything? Are you changing or keeping this gown on? You need help?”

  “I’m keeping this on, but I have to pee.”

  Henry took a step back while staring at her belly. He looked unsure of what to do.

  For the first time today, June found a reason to laugh. “Henry, I didn’t say I’m having a baby. I said I have to pee, and I don’t need help. As long as I can still see my toes, I’m good on my own.”

  “Okay. I’ll wait here. We have ten minutes, right?”

  “Half an hour, actually. I guess the wedding planner figured that would be enough time for us to get accustomed to the idea of being married.” She turned to leave but stopped. “Thanks for the earrings, Henry. They are lovely.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Before her good sense knocked her brains out, June placed her hands on Henry’s arms, tiptoed then kissed him on the lips. She lingered for a bit, waiting for Henry to kiss her back. He didn’t. Embarrassed, she turned around quickly. “I’ll be right back,” she said then left in a hurry lest Henry saw her face reddening.

  Henry was still on his spot holding his wine when she came back. He was looking down, staring at the marble floor. He seemed lost. June felt a painful stab in her chest. Today was their special day. They should be laughing, celebrating, kissing. But no. Henry looked depleted, all because of her.

  “Our marriage is not the end of your dreams, Henry.”

  Henry looked up. “What? I didn’t say that.”

  “You don’t have to. I can see how dejected you are.”

  “June, I’m just thinking—”

  “Thinking about how your life turned upside down? You’re still free to do what you wish, which I am sure you’ve already told yourself. All I’m saying is, don’t look so sad. Despite what you believe, I didn’t really destroy your life.” She’d apologized to him many times already. Another one wouldn’t make any difference. Henry despised her. And that was that.

  “June, this marriage…”

  “It’s okay, Henry. I understand. You’ve made everything clear from the very beginning. I won’t expect anything.” She let out a sigh. “You’re probably imagining Stacey’s the one standing here with you right now. I’m not Stacey and never will be. She’s educated, beautiful and—”

  “Don’t compare yourself to Stacey.”

  June took a deep breath. Her nose stung. Tears blurred her vision. God, how much more of this could she take? “I’m sorry. I know I can’t compare—”

  “No. Just stop. You can’t compare, June. I hoped to God I showed you how amazingly beautiful you are, June,” Henry snapped.

  “But you didn’t kiss me back,” she whispered loud enough for Henry to hear. Oh, God. Mortified, she tried to change the subject. “Would you like to know where I hid the garter? Just above my left knee. Or would you like me to give it to you? You can just pretend to be looking for it.”

  “Wouldn’t people—”

  “Or, we can forget about it. I don’t think anyone will ask.” She lifted the hem of her gown and pulled the silver garter down. She looked for a place where she could put it. Spotting the potted plant, she walked toward it. Later, she’d retrieve it.

  “Give it to me.”

  June stopped and looked at Henry. “Are you sure?”

  Henry placed his wineglass on the round table that held the biggest bouquet June had ever seen. “We don’t want the housekeeper finding it in the flowerpot.”

  “Right.” She handed Henry the garter, which he put in his pocket.

  “June.” Henry took her hands in his. “We should go back out there to meet and greet everyone. The sooner we start the sooner we can leave to go to the apartment.”

  “Apartment?”

  “Yes. I didn’t get a chance to tell you. I purchased an apartment. Put it under your name.” Henry squeezed her hands. “It’s a wedding gift.”

  “Why?”

  “Why? Aren’t we supposed to give each other a wedding gifts?”

  “Yes, but…I just got you a tie like the one the main character wore in Fifty Shades of Grey.”

  “You read that book?”

  “Books. There are three.”

  “You like them?”

  “Not really. Interesting books, but not my cup of tea. Being tied down in bed naked is not my thing, and I can’t tolerate pain.” She pointed at the greenish dot on her upper arm. “See this?”

  Henry stood closer to her and leaned forward. “Seen that birthmark. Many times, in fact.”

  And he’d kissed it many times. “Right.” Feeling her cheeks getting warm, she went on with her explanation. “Actually this is not a birthmark. This is my first and last tattoo.”

  “What? That’s a tattoo.”

  “Yes, it is. I didn’t tell you about this?”

  “No.”

  “Well, this is supposed to be three hearts to represent me, Mom and Dad. But I freaked out because it hurt so much, so I ended up having Earth.”

  “Earth.”

  “Yeah. It’s round like Earth. You thought it’s a birthmark? I guess it could pass for one. Vivienne had a bluebell tattooed on her lower back. She never showed it to anyone, though. Except for whoever she was dating at the time then—”

  Henry shook his head. “Did you know that when nervous you talk too much?”

  “Sorry. I am nervous. Did you see those people staring at us?”

  “They’re supposed to stare.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  “I know.”

  June was taken aback. “You do?”

  “Craig told me you don’t like to be the center of attention.”

  “Oh.”

  “So you really got me Christian’s tie?”

  “I didn’t say it’s—you have read the book! Admit it!” She poked him in the chest.

  Henry laughed. “Not the whole series, no. Like you, I didn’t find the character’s sexual preferences to be exciting. Mine don’t involve pain—only pleasure.”

  June knew it too. “I was just kidding when I said I got you a tie because I don’t have a present for you. I’m working on it, though.”

  “It’s all right. The apartment is still yours and the baby’s.”

  Not ours. Was the apartment his roundabout way of saying he wouldn’t be living with her? The feeling of happiness brought on by their easy conversation was doused quickly. God, she wanted to cry. “For me and the baby. Thank you.”

  “Someone’s in charge of transporting your things and the presents to the apartment.”

  My things. “What about you?”

  “I’m moved in already. Two days ago.”

  “You didn’t tell me. I could’ve helped.”

  “Then the apartment wouldn’t be a surprise.”

  “Right.” June looked at the grandfather clock. They still had fifteen minutes left to be alone, but she’d rather go back outside where people would openly stare at her than listen to Henry talk as if she’d be living in the apartment on her own. So depressing. “You’re right. We should go out there now.”

  June turned around to leave, but Henry caught her by the waist. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride than you.”

  June looked away. She should rejoice at his praise, but whatever fire she tried to burn inside her during this wedding was quickly doused with talk of ‘you’ and not ’we’.

  “Look at me.”

  “Why?”

  “You know why I didn’t kiss you back?”

  She frowned at Henry. “Because I’m not the bride you—”

  “Shut up.” Henry framed her face with his hands. “Because I thought we had only ten minutes to stay here.”

  “So?”

  “Hon, if I started kissing you, I’ll need more than ten minutes to finish it.”

  “Would that be so bad?”

  “Guess not.”

  Then he kissed her. June closed her eye
s. Euphoric sensation wrapped around her, causing her body to tingle. God, she felt as though she was floating on air. Deep in her belly, a wondrous pleasure resided. Right that moment, she knew her love for Henry would last.

  June reeled from Henry’s kiss. Her husband may be unhappy about their wedding, but at least he still desired her.

  “Ready, Mrs. Colchester?”

  June looked at Henry. Mrs. Juniper Colchester. Yes, that’s who she was now. “I am.”

  As soon as they stood outside the door, someone announced them as the new husband and wife. Deafening cheers greeted them. June scanned the crowd for her parents. She spotted them right away. They waved back at her. Her parents were both crying.

  Vivienne and Craig were the first to reach them.

  “Guess what?”

  “What?”

  “I heard someone call you Barefoot Bride.”

  “Really?”

  “I thought you didn’t want attention,” Craig said gruffly. “Here are your shoes.”

  “Thanks, Craig.” She took the shoes but instead of putting them on, she hooked her fingers in the heels.

  “Hi, Henry. Nice wedding.” Vivienne smiled.

  “Yeah, thanks to you.”

  June looked at Henry. He was smiling. Was he really thanking Vivienne or he was being sarcastic?

  “Someday, Captain Colchester, you’ll thank me for real.”

  Henry frowned, but did not comment on Vivienne’s remark.

  “June, there will be dancing after all,” Vivienne whispered. “That’ll be cool.”

  “I don’t know how to dance,” she whispered back.

  “Congratulations, June.”

  She turned around to find a very attractive man. Earlier, she’d seen handsome like her husband.

  My husband. I am married. To Henry. Lord, oh Lord.

  “June, this is my friend John.”

  June offered her hand, but John pulled her in for a hug instead, then he gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “This’ll be the only time I get to hug and kiss the bride and no one will think any of it.”