Chapter 19
Tania
Four days later
I stood at the altar across from Proctor, never in my life thinking this would be the way I got married.
I could feel the throw-up creeping up my throat, and I was fighting like hell to hold it in.
Morning sickness was killing me, and all I could think about was making it through this service without embarrassing myself.
If I had the choice, I would’ve gotten rid of this baby a long time ago.
Back then, it was just a cash grab. Now?
I was forced to have a child I didn’t even need anymore, especially since Proctor was paying me very well for my cooperation.
I kept my mouth shut, did what I was told, and just like that, I was a millionaire without having to bring baggage along.
Only now, I was too far along for a Plan B pill, and I will always remember what my grandma told me about abortions.
Sitting in the front row was Ari, and every time I glanced her way, I could see in her face that this was killing her. Watching me marry the man she loved.
Now I had to go through this trial as his wife and his only alibi, but it protected me.
I didn’t have to commit perjury. I didn’t have to get on that stand and lie about something that didn’t happen.
I’d already told Hawk that if they ever forced me to testify, I would have no choice but to tell the truth.
I wasn’t about to catch years in prison for holding down a man who didn’t belong to me.
“Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health?”
I stared straight ahead into Proctor’s dark, cold eyes as he said, “I do,” and it was clear as day that he didn’t mean that shit, but he said yes because he wanted to be free.
“And Tania, do you take Proctor to be your husband, to have and to hold through sickness and in-.”
“I do,” I replied before he even finished.
The judge went on with the rest of his speech, probably knowing damn well this was a sham, but not caring enough to stop it.
We chose to get married at the courthouse, with no drawn-out ceremony or waiting period, because everything here is fast, official, and legal.
When we left the courthouse, Proctor and I got into the same car to sell it. Ari, Cyn, and Hawk got into theirs and followed behind us.
“So, husband,” I said casually, “where are we spending our honeymoon?”
He looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
“I’m joking, Mr. Ari,” I laughed at his face.
“I bet you wish there was a honeymoon, don’t you?” he replied flatly, and I laughed it off.
“I mean, you could’ve done better on the ring, but I guess all that money you're about to need for lawyers couldn’t go toward diamonds for your fake wife, huh.”
“Exactly.” He replied.
“So how far along are you, Tania?” I looked at him like he was crazy. I hadn’t told him that I was pregnant or anyone else.
“Why are you asking me that?”
“Tania, when I met you, you were flat in the front; now you're poking out. Either your ass is drinking beer, or you're eating Twinkies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” He laughed to himself, never taking his hand off the steering wheel.
“For your information, yes, I’m pregnant, but that means I’ll have to tell the world it’s your baby.”
“Not really,” he said quickly.
“It’s none of the world’s business what we have going on. They can assume whatever they want.”
I shrugged my shoulders because he was right.
“But what about the real father? You tell him you’re pregnant with his baby?”
“Yep, he already knows. I told him I didn’t want to be with him, and that I was marrying someone else and would see him in child support court if I ever needed help.”
“And what did he say?”
“He didn’t care much; he was honestly glad I wasn’t asking him for child support right then. You know how you men are. You love to run from your responsibilities.”
“Not anymore, not me at least.” Proctor shrugged his shoulders.
“That’s good, and if you are serious, you and your son are one of a kind, Mr. Proctor.”
“And I take pride in being that way.” He glanced to the passenger side then back to the roadway ahead.
We made our way back to Cyn and Hawk’s penthouse, where we all planned to congregate, and because he was still in his suit, and I in a white wedding dress, people congratulated us left and right, believing our union was real.
“Congratulations.”
“You make a beautiful bride.”
“Wishing you both the best.”
I smiled, nodded, said thank you, playing my part as I was paid to do.
Whether Proctor went to jail or walked free, I’d still be rich, protected, and carrying the child of an NFL star.
Honestly, I think I've done alright in life if everything works out as it should.