3. Caia
3
CAIA
Alexie and I agree to meet at the courthouse.
Luckily for us, Colorado makes it ultra-easy for anyone to get married. We’re free to self-solemnize in this state, meaning we don’t need the signature of an officiating party. All we’ve got to do is walk into a County Clerk’s office with photo I.D., fill out some quick paperwork, and sign our names. There’s no blood test required, and no waiting period, so we can file it right then. Quick, easy, legal.
And dangerous.
If they find out, my parents are going to flip, but I kinda like that. I’ve done everything they’ve ever asked of me. I work at the apartment complex office, I manage the Frostwolves’ community outreach, and I rarely take vacations.
The way I see it, I’m a dedicated employee who is fulfilling my responsibilities— the team won’t have a good season if they’re ripped apart.
At least, that’s what I tell myself. I doubt my parents will see it the same way.
I’m waiting for Alexie to show up. My phone buzzes. Speak of the handsome devil on skates.
Alexie: I don’t think this is a good idea. I’m in the parking lot. I’m going to leave. Whatever happens, is what’s meant to be.
I burst out of the courtyard doors, slipping out of my heels as I rush down the steps. I run in front of his car right as he slams the brakes.
He hops out, his face red with anger, screaming at me from behind his car door. “Caia! Are you crazy?”
“Maybe. But I wanted to talk to you before you have to go over five thousand miles away.”
He clenches his jaw. “Fine. Speak.”
“I’m not a dog,” I shoot back.
His face softens and he closes his car door. “Da. What do you want to say? Nothing is changing my mind.” He crosses his arms over his broad chest. Even with a suit on, his muscles are bulging. It cups every curve— and the sight drenches my insides.
“You look… nice,” I say airily.
He stills and locks gazes with me. We stare at each other in silence.
“Why, Caia? Why do you have to look so beautiful?”
Laughter bursts from my chest. “Because we’re getting married.”
“Not like this.”
“So something is changing your mind?” I tease with a smirk.
Alexie closes the inches between us and presses his lips to my forehead. Tingles linger when he parts, like a sweet tattoo sits where his mouth once touched.
“Let’s go get the license and then tonight we shall get married.”
This is a sham wedding. I shouldn’t be attached to any part of this ceremony, not the vows or the deceit of it. Yet, when I see Caia in her white dress, I can’t help but stare in awe.
She went all out. Her curly hair is swept forward over her shoulders, brushing her cleavage, and the cinched waist of the gown shows off every arc and dip of her generous curves. Her eyes glitter like the sky at twilight, the folds and lashes dabbed with a touch of makeup.
She steals my breath and holds it hostage. I could soak in her sunshine all day, lose myself in that guiltless gaze forever.
Meanwhile, here I stand before her outside the courthouse… without a ring.
This is unacceptable. My grandmother is cursing me from her grave.
Caia and I have the documents we need, and technically, we are already married by signing our names on the line. I just can’t shake the gnawing shame that she deserves more. A seal that is grander than some scribbles on a contract.
With her twinkling, midnight blue eyes, and perky smile, you’d think a beauty like her would be showered with a special gesture. Russians might not be seen as romantics, but it wouldn’t be right to rush through formalities like this.
I pull up my phone, dialing Cade’s number. I skip the pleasantries when he answers.
“Cade, I need you to get the guys together this afternoon at Heartbeat Park near the rink at four.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No. And I need you to officiate.”
“Officiate what?” Cade’s voice pitches up to a crow’s caw.
Flatly, I respond, “Tell them to come dressed to impress.”
“You’re kinda freaking me out, Alexie.”
I pause for a few seconds. “I’m getting married.”
“What the fuck?!” Cade shrieks. I can tell that a lot more curses hang on the tip of his tongue.
“Congratulations, Alexie. Good for you, Lexie. Wonderful, Alexie,” I say mockingly.
“It’s just that… who? Why? And again, what the fuck?” His tone is slightly gentler, but I should have imagined there would be questions that I can’t answer. I just hope that no one will truly freak out.
“Who… you’ll see. Why… that’s complicated. And I consider you and the guys my family and I want you there.”
Cade exhales loudly. “Fine. I’ll do it, but this better not be one of your pranks.”
I chuckle, “I promise, this is real.”