Chapter 10
Serenity
Serenity
I stand in front of a full-length mirror, biting my lip as Harmony works her fingers through my hair. Lana holds one of my hands while Summer holds the other. I stare at my reflection but see nothing.
If anyone told me I’d be getting married today, and to Victor, I’d have laughed at them. But with Summer in danger and Victor’s plea for his father’s wish, there wasn’t another choice. Is this how Harmony felt when she was about to marry this same man in order to get money for me? Fuck.
I’m thankful she loves me so much to even think about doing that, but I’m also relieved she didn’t go through with it. Now, I can’t help but wonder if I’m falling into the same trap.
A soft knock sounds at the door, and Harmony opens it to reveal Elias. His eyes connect with mine. “Everyone is ready for you.”
Is it like déjà vu for everyone here? He was also at Victor and Harmony’s ceremony, but he was practically a different—jaded—man back then.
I run my hands down my simple off-white dress and nod.
Harmony follows her boyfriend, but Lana turns to me and grabs both of my arms. “Don’t think too much. You’re making the right decision.”
“I know.” I lean in so Summer can’t hear my next words. “But I feel bad about deceiving Mr. Barlowe.”
“Don’t think about it like that. You’re helping Victor give his father his last wish, in case he doesn’t make it.”
I glance at the door. “Would he really be here if he was going to die?”
Even as I say the words, I know his heart is weakened. This isn’t his first heart attack, and he left before they cleared him. Instead of leaving for a honeymoon—which is fine with me—Victor is escorting his father back to his house where a staff of nurses will monitor him.
Lana gives me a serious look before looking down at Summer. “Is it worth the risk? She’ll be protected. You can’t back out now.”
Summer’s bright red hair is pulled back in a ponytail. Her green eyes watch me.
I nod once, my mind made up. “You’re right.”
Lana gives me a reassuring smile, and the three of us leave my bedroom. This is for Summer. I can push through a year of marriage—and lies—if it means she’s safe.
Once we’re at the back door, we all stop. Harmony and Elias are standing with their heads bent together. They don’t look up until a man I’ve never met before but once saw on a video call with Victor comes over.
“Hi, I’m Sebastian. Vic told me to escort a brown-haired woman down the aisle?” He says the last statement like a question.
Lana steps forward. “That would be me, kind sir.”
Everyone shifts into place, and I keep a hold on Summer’s hand. She’s my escort today. Harmony presses a few buttons on her phone, and music starts. All of this is so simple and bland. I hope it’s enough for Victor’s dad.
It’s too late for any worries now. Lana and Sebastian head outside, and then Harmony follows a moment later while holding Elias’s arm.
“Are you ready, sweetie?”
Summer nods. “The tree house is over there. I want the bubbles.”
I chuckle. She has a one-track mind. “After we’re done, you can play with the bubbles for as long as you want.”
I step out the back door with Summer’s small hand in mine. The backyard is empty except for five chairs and our friends who are standing by Victor. Mr. Barlowe, his nurse, and Isabella sit on Victor’s side while Sully is on mine. Enough for witnesses.
Mr. Barlowe’s skin is so pale, and he looks so frail that a powerful gust would blow him over. I made the right call.
Summer’s grip tightens as we continue down toward Victor. All of this feels like one big mistake, but Summer’s safety remains my priority. I’ll have to avoid Victor and pray he doesn’t play with Summer too much like he did earlier. Watching him with her … My resolve to hate him almost crumbled.
Who am I kidding? Once we’re married, I’m sure he’ll forget all about us. He probably tried to trick me into thinking he’s a great guy so I wouldn’t back out at the last minute.
I’ll find out soon enough.
Mr. Barlowe’s eyes shine as he keeps his gaze on us. I swallow.
You’re doing nothing wrong. All you’re doing is helping grant his wish.
So why is there a knot the size of Texas in my stomach?
My heart is in my throat as we approach. Harmony helps Summer into the chair beside Sully as I step up to Victor.
I place my hands in his, and his eyes sparkle. Someone sniffles. When I glance out at our small audience, Mr. Barlowe is dabbing at his wet eyes. People always wonder what they can get someone who has everything. I guess I found the one thing Mr. Barlowe truly wants.
“I do,” Victor says.
I was so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t heard the marriage officiant, so I turn my attention back to the middle-aged man.
“Do you, Serenity Nolan, take Victor Barlowe to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, or for worse, for richer, or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
I inhale. I can do this. It’s only for a year. For Summer’s safety. Even for Mr. Barlowe.
“I do.”
A big breath escapes Victor’s parted mouth. He pulls me to him, and my mouth turns dry. In all the time we talked and prepared for this moment, I had forgotten about the kiss. His eyes search mine, seeking permission as if he too forgot about this until right now.
I give a subtle nod. I can survive one kiss without losing myself.
Victor’s eyes remain on me as he lowers his head, and his lips hover right above mine.
My pulse is out of control as he hesitates, so I do the one thing I can to get this over with.
I push onto my toes and press my lips to his, just a graze.
His body stiffens for only a second before his hands go to the nape of my neck, and he tips my head back.
He pulls away with something swimming in his eyes. Is it confusion?
I jerk away. Our crowd claps, and someone eggs him on to kiss me more, but Victor laughs, keeping a hold on my hand, and leads me toward our friends and family.
My breathing comes out ragged as Victor picks up Summer with his free arm.
She beams up at him and says something softly that sounds suspiciously like “bubbles.”
Mr. Barlowe and Isabella work their way over to us. Before I can say anything, the older gentleman grabs my free hand gently and says, “Welcome to the family.”
I remind myself I’m not tricking a sick man. I’m helping his dream come true.
And just like that, I’m married again.