Before leaving, I picked a simple white gold band for Tyler—he would probably have to wear one for the ceremony today—and a matching thin band for me, to wear with the ring. I also scheduled with the store to come back to get the rings resized.
Next, I went to the rental store I had found online, The Dress Shop.
“Looking for something specific?” the attendant asked as soon as I stepped into the store. There were party gowns and wedding dresses crammed along the walls and some wire hangers in the middle of the store. It was overwhelming.
“Hm, I’m getting married in a few hours and I need a dress,” I said, feeling incredibly shy talking about my upcoming wedding.
She gestured to the back of the store, where the white gowns dominated the area. “Do you have a model in mind?”
I walked alongside her to the back as my eyes rummaged through the displays in the store. “I want something simple and light. No big, fluffy skirts, and no veils. But still elegant.”
“We might have something for you.”
She took me to a display in the back and started showing me the dresses. I had lost count of how many dresses she had pulled out for me when finally she held one that I liked.
I slipped it on and, even though it was a little big at the waist and hips, I loved it.
The bodice was made of lace with a nude fabric underneath, several thin straps of small white stones covered the shoulders, and the neckline dipped between my breasts. The white skirt was made of a flowing gossamer, but it didn’t have any fluff, and it went down past my knees. Lines of small white stones trickled down the skirt, shining bright when the light caught them.
The attendant, Sandra, brought over white stilettos and an elegant tiara made of the same white stones on the dress. I stepped into the shoes and she pulled my hair back, holding it precariously up with three bobby pins, then placed the tiara on my head. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and my eyes filled with tears.
Even though my hair was a mess and I was makeup-less, I looked pretty. The dress and the tiara, it was all pretty.
“We need to adjust this here.” She pulled the loose fabric on the waist and placed a few pins around the hem.
“I don’t have much time.”
She waved me off. “Don’t worry about it. Just go to the left.” She pointed her index finger to the store’s entrance, “and one block away you’ll find Vivid Hair Salon. Talia or Carla will get your hair and your makeup ready in no time. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Pink Flower across the street on your way back. I bet the florists there can have a bouquet prepared for you in minutes. And by the time you’re back here, I’ll have this ready.” She smiled at me through the mirror.
And I smiled back at her.
10
Tyler
I glanced at my phone again. I still had over thirty minutes before I had to go pick up Gabi, and then we both would do the craziest thing of our entire lives.
Sighing, I leaned my head back against my truck’s seat and closed my eyes.
A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have guessed my life could get this screwed up, could turn into an infinite black hole. I couldn’t even ask myself where things had gone wrong, because I knew what had happened and it hadn’t been my fault. Or anyone else’s.
There was a light at the end of that tunnel now, at least. Granted, it was a crazy light and it could get all kinds of complicated, but it was the only damn light I had seen since this mess started and I was going to hold on to it with all I had.
That didn’t mean I would enjoy all the pretense, but it was all part of the deal. And I really, really needed this deal.
After leaving Gabi’s place, I had gone to the vet clinic and filled out a vacation form for the next week so I could get some things done, like going to the immigration lawyer with Gabi, looking for an apartment, perhaps moving, paying bills …
Lena was usually nice, but once she saw I was skipping work without any notice, she shot me a glare. I didn’t wait until Dr. Bohm acknowledged my request. He could call me if he wanted to argue about it.
Next, I went to a tux and suit rental place and rented a black tux with a white bow—I thought white would be fitting, since I expected Gabi would be wearing white. Right?
And now I was seated in my truck just around the corner from Gabi’s place, waiting for the time to pass so we could get the first step of this crazy journey done.
My phone dinged with a new text. I picked it up and checked it.
Gabi: I’m ready at The Dress Shop. Come pick me up, please.
I frowned. She had said to pick her up here. What the hell?
Grunting, I started the engine and drove to the place, which was only four blocks from where I had been waiting. There was a no-parking sign in front of the store, but I ignored it. I pulled over and killed the engine right there. With another grunt, I hopped out of the car and walked around to the sidewalk. A short man with graying hair walked by and stared at my tux. Right. I was dressed up, and it would catch anyone’s attention. Shit.
I reached for the doorknob and saw her through the glass. Gabi twirled to me and halted, a small smile on her lips. My heart skipped one … two beats before kicking into overdrive. Shit, she looked stunning. Like a princess.
I forgot what I was about to do. I almost forgot my name as she walked to the door, her eyes still on mine. She reached for the door and I shook the daze out of my mind. I fumbled to open the door from the outside before she could and stepped to the side.
“Hey,” I said, feeling so fucking lame.
“Oi,” she muttered, halting in front of me.
Her sweet perfume tickled my nose and I inhaled deeply. I couldn’t identify the scent, but it was floral, beautiful and delicate—just like her.
“You …” My throat felt dry. “You look beautiful.”
Her smile widened and I almost put a hand over my heart to slow it down. “You clean up well too.”
I cleared my throat. “Ready to go?”
She took in a deep breath. “I think so.”
Trying to play my role, I offered her my arm. She still had a small smile when she hooked her arm on mine and let me guide her to my beat-up truck. Anxiety hit me. My truck was old and rusty and dirty. She would get her dress dirty too.
I opened the passenger door for her and, without thinking, caught her in my arms. She let out a small “oomph” in surprise.
“Sorry, I just … The truck is dirty and I don’t want your dress to get ruined.” I gently deposited her on the passenger’s seat.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Her blue eyes stared back at me, and I found it hard to breathe.
I nodded, then closed the truck’s door and jogged to the other side. Once I was seated and had my seat belt fastened, I started the engine and pulled the truck into the streets of Santa Barbara.
Once we were on the road, Gabi said, “Sorry I wasn’t at the apartment waiting. I thought … the bellman would see me dressed like this and tell my brother or cousins.”
“Oh, yeah, no, you’re right. That makes sense.”
It was only a five-minute drive to the courthouse and soon we were both standing in line. Thankfully, we weren’t the only ones dressed up for a wedding ceremony, so I felt a little better about that.
Then, it was our turn. We filled out the paperwork, showed them our IDs, and Gabi paid the fees.
“Please, come with me,” a short lady who smelled like hairspray said. She also smelled of baby powder and had lipstick smeared outside her lips.
Gabi and I followed her through a door into a hallway and then into a courtyard. There was a small table set up with a white cloth, a man in a dark gray suit behind it, a short woman with yellow-blond hair beside him, and another woman with red hair and a big camera off to the side of the table.
“Hi, I’m Jeffry Osment,” the man in the suit said. “I’m going to perform your ceremony. This is Lenna, your witness.” He gestured to the blonde and she waved at us. “And
this is Carol, the photographer.”
We greeted them all. Mr. Osment asked Gabi for the rings, and she handed a black box to him. That caught me by surprise, since I only expected her to have bought her engagement ring, not the wedding bands too.
Then, Mr. Osment started.
“We’re gathered here in the presence of this witness for the purpose of uniting in marriage Tyler and Gabriela. I remind you both that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home …” He went on with a small sermon about the duty of a husband and a wife, then he proceeded, “Tyler, do you take Gabi as your lawfully wedded wife?”
I didn’t hesitate. “I do.”
“Do you promise to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto her for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“Gabi, do you take Tyler to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
She didn’t answer.
11
Gabi
It was like my voice wouldn’t leave my throat. There was a stone stuck there and it was blocking everything. Even air.
This was it. I was getting married. Even though it was fake, even if we divorced later, I would have married this man, this handsome man standing by my side. If—when—I married some other guy for love later, it would always be my second marriage.
“Gabi?” Tyler whispered, his eyes wide.
But it was this or I wouldn’t be able to live in the U.S. I wouldn’t have the freedom to pursue my dream, and I would do anything for my dream, even temporarily marrying a stranger.
“I do,” I finally said, breathless. “Sorry, I’m … feeling emotional,” I added with a small smile for Mr. Osment. “I do,” I repeated, louder and clearer.
Mr. Osment narrowed his eyes, but continued, “Do you promise to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto him for as long as you both shall live?”
This time I didn’t hesitate. “I do.”
“Okay, that’s great, now face each other and join your hands.” Tyler and I turned to each other. He extended his hands to me. I dropped my bouquet on the table and then rested my hand in them, aware that I was shaking like a leaf in the wind. Gently, Tyler squeezed my hands, as if telling me it was okay. The man opened the black velvet box with the wedding bands and turned it to Tyler. “Now, Tyler, repeat after me while placing the band on her finger. I, Tyler, take you, Gabriela, …”
The man went on reciting the same sentence he said before, just this time Tyler had to recite it all while holding my shaking hands and looking into my eyes. His hazel eyes were bright and slightly scared. I bet mine were a mirror of his. Despite the fear stamped on our faces, we held on. We stared into each other’s eyes and held on tight.
Tyler plucked the thin band from the box and slowly slid the band onto my finger. It fit with the engagement ring perfectly.
Then, I repeated the same words and put the wedding band on Tyler’s finger. His band was slightly wider than mine—the attendant at the jewelry store had told me men liked them that way, so I went with that.
“By the authority vested in me by the state of California,” Mr. Osment said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.”
My eyes went wide. Kiss? Who said anything about kissing? Meu Deus, of course there would be kissing. Droga, why hadn’t I thought of that before? I would have prepared myself for this.
Tyler squeezed my hand once more, and I cut the crazy words hemorrhaging in my brain.
This was just a kiss. I had kissed a few guys before. This was no big deal.
He tugged at my hand and I nodded, trying to relax. With his eyes on mine, Tyler took the lead. He stepped in and leaned down to me. He let go of one of my hands and cupped my cheek as his warm lips pressed against mine. He held on for four seconds—I counted—before letting go.
Warmth spread through my cheeks.
“All right, that’s done,” Mr. Osment said, flipping a paper on the table toward us. This was the man’s job. He did this a few dozens of times each day. He didn’t really care about our feelings right now. He certainly wouldn’t care how I felt like running and hiding under a blanket. “Now, please, Lenna, our witness, sign here.” The blonde leaned over the table and signed the paper. “Now, you two sign here.”
Composed, Tyler caught the pen from the table and handed it to me. Forcing a small smile, I took the pen from him and poised the pen to sign. My hand still shook, and I had to let out a long breath and try to relax before signing the paper. Then I gave Tyler the pen and he signed.
There. It was done.
“Okay,” Mr. Osment said, picking up the paper. “I’m going to go register your license and make your certified copy, and then I’ll be back in a moment. Meanwhile, Carol will take some pictures of you two.”
“Thank you,” Tyler said.
“Thank you so much,” I said automatically.
“You’re welcome.” Mr. Osment nodded and walked away into the courthouse.
Carol stepped in front of us with a big smile. “I already took a few pictures of you two during the ceremony, but now I would like a few posed pictures here in the garden.” She gestured to some bushes to our side. “Stand here, facing each other. Gabriela, you’re holding the bouquet with one hand, the other hand you give it to Tyler. Tyler I want you to reach for Gabriela’s waist.” We did as we were told. “Now look at each other. Let me see the love.”
What love? This woman was dreaming.
These pictures were part of my golden ticket for my green card. I had to appear happy, satisfied during these pictures. I smiled wide, thinking of my green card, and more importantly, thinking of polo.
Tyler, on the other hand, had a tight-lipped smile, but it was okay. We could blame nerves.
Carol guided us through a few more pictures around the garden and all of the pictures had us touching each other, sometimes holding hands, other times we were in a half-embrace, or with my back against his chest, and almost all the pictures had us looking at each other lovingly.
Twenty minutes later, Mr. Osment came back with a white envelope. “All right, I have your certificate of marriage ready for you.”
“Great,” Tyler said, his voice tight. “It’s official.”
“It is.” Mr. Osment handed the envelope to Tyler. “Please check to see if your names are spelled right.” Tyler pulled the certificate from the envelope and he held it between us.
Tyler nodded, returning the certificate to the envelope. “It all looks good.”
“Then congratulations.” Mr. Osment shook our hands. “You guys are all done.”
“Great, thanks,” Tyler said.
I tried for a smile. “Thanks.”
Tyler grabbed my hand and we walked out of the courthouse as a married couple.
Meu Deus, meu Deus, meu Deus, meu Deus.
I was married. I was a married woman.
I couldn’t believe I had done it. I had gone through with it.
The silence was thick inside Tyler’s truck as he drove me back to the store, where I would return the rented dress and put on my clothes that I had left there.
Like before, Tyler stopped the car in the no-parking spot in front of the store.
He turned slightly to me. “So …”
I swallowed hard. “So …”
“We’re married now.”
“Sim.” Meu Deus, I was married. I wondered how much time I needed to get my brain wrapped around that. “I’m freaking out,” I confessed in a whisper. He let out a low chuckle and I gaped at him. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s not funny,” he said as his chuckle faded. “It’s … I don’t know what it is, but I’m freaking out too.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “You don’t look like it.”
“I’m trying to remain calm so I won’t scare you.”
A tiny smile took
over my lips. “Bem, thanks.” My half-smile fell and I turned more toward him. “You don't regret it, right?”
“No.” He gave one sharp shake of his head. “Not yet, at least.”
I snorted. “Wait until I have my stuff all over your apartment. You’ll regret then.”
One corner of his lips tugged up. “I might.”
“Bem, even if you do, I want to thank you for taking the deal and going through this crazy thing with me.”
“You’re welcome,” he said simply.
“So, hm, I’ll see you later?”
He nodded. “Five at the apartment, right?”
“Right.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Great.” I opened the door and got out. The last thing I needed was to ruin the dress. But … the bouquet. It was so pretty, I didn’t want to throw it away, but I couldn’t take it home either. “Would you mind taking this with you?” He stared as I deposited the bouquet onto the passenger seat. “Take it to your place and put it in a vase or a glass with water.”
“Okay,” he said, sounding a little wary.
“Great. Thanks.” I closed the truck’s door and stepped back, waiting for him to take off, but he stayed there, watching me. Self-consciousness wrapped around me and, after turning around, I bolted into the store.
The same attendant came to greet me. “Back already.”
“Yes. We have a flight to catch and we can’t waste time,” I lied, thinking of my real flight tomorrow night. I had to do something about that.
She guided me to the dressing room where I slipped into a stall. I reached for the zipper on the back, but caught my reflection in the mirror and stopped. It was silly of me, but I liked how this dress made me look, how it accentuated my curves and made me look like a gorgeous, strong woman.
Breaking Down (The Breaking Series Book 4) Page 6