Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Tristan
I took Parker’s hand as we got to the front of the oak-paneled room where we were going to be married.
My parents and all my friends—together with their partners—were gathered to witness my marriage.
The irony wasn’t lost on me that Parker and I were going to be married before some of my friends who were desperately in love.
It wasn’t love that drove Parker and me.
It was need. Although over the last weeks, we’d transitioned from near strangers to partners in crime, housemates, and friends.
And now we were about to become husband and wife.
I’d agreed to Parker’s plan before I knew much about her, but now I was about to promise to love, honor, and cherish her.
It didn’t feel as alien or uncomfortable as I’d expected it to when she’d first suggested it.
I liked Parker. I respected her. I admired her passion for what she did and the way she worked so hard to achieve great things, despite having a father as wealthy and powerful as Arthur Frazer.
She could have spent her time making charitable donations and flitting from party to party.
But she hadn’t taken the easy route. She’d worked hard to create a legacy as hard won as her father’s had been.
He should be so very proud of her and by the look in his eye, he most certainly was.
The registrar cleared her throat and quiet descended on the room.
My heart thudded against my ribcage and unexpectedly, I was a little nervous. Not because I didn’t believe we were doing the right thing. Not because I thought anyone was going to object when the time came. It just hit me that, whatever the motivation, I was about to be married.
I was about to be someone’s husband.
Parker was going to be my wife.
The officiant started to speak and I looked over at Parker. She must have sensed my gaze because she looked over at me and as she did, my heartrate evened out. When we were asked whether or not we knew of a reason we shouldn’t be married, we both answered that we didn’t.
We had chosen the simplest, most straightforward vows. There would be no honoring or obeying. No til-death-us-do-parts.
I agreed to take Parker as my wedded wife.
She agreed to take me as her wedded husband.
We signed the register and just like that, in less time than it took to eat lunch, we were married.
It felt completely natural and unforced, but I swept my thumbs over Parker’s cheekbones and pressed my lips to hers.
I pulled back slightly and whispered, “You have great lips, wife.” I enjoyed her blush at the memory of the night she’d given me the compliment, but before I could tease her about it further, we were surrounded in a circle of handshakes, hugs, and congratulations.
My heart swelled in my chest as I felt the love and good wishes from the people around us.
I didn’t drop Parker’s hand for a second.
We were in this together.
The next twenty minutes were a blur as we were ushered out of the registry office and walked the five minutes to the restaurant where we were going to break bread with the people most special to us.
The wedding might have been just for show, but it was a truly wonderful feeling to have so many people rooting for our happiness.
“We’re lucky to have so many people who love us,” I whispered to Parker as we took our seats in the private dining room of the restaurant Parker had picked.
“We really are. And I’m lucky I married someone who appreciates it. Thank you.”
I pressed a kiss to her temple.
Arthur took a seat next to Parker at the long table and leaned in to us both.
“You’re officially family, Tristan. And I can’t think of a better son-in-law.
” He was father of the bride, so I supposed that it was only appropriate that he say something to his future son-in-law.
But he knew this was a marriage in name only; he didn’t have to be quite so generous to me.
“I have something for you.” Arthur pulled out a cream envelope from his inside breast pocket.
“Your mother and I didn’t have a clue what to get you.
Tristan’s got a house and I know it’s impossible to buy my daughter anything without her telling me how my money would be put to better use as a charitable donation.
So we decided to get you something money can’t buy—more time together. ”
Was he sending us to jail?
He handed the envelope to Parker. “Ten days in Mexico. You leave tomorrow night.”
A holiday? Together? Alone?
Parker’s mother, who was seated the other side of her husband, clasped her hands together, delight radiating from her smile as she leaned forward to see our reactions. “It’s the most beautiful hotel,” she said. “Rumor has it, the Obamas holiday there.”
“That’s so kind, really, but I have to work,” Parker said. “And so does Tristan.”
“Tish tosh,” Parker’s mother said. “You two need a holiday. You just got married, for goodness’ sake.”
“But—” Parker started to protest but I silenced her with a squeeze of her thigh under the table.
“We’ll figure it out,” I said.
“Honeymoon? Are you serious? I’ve seen how hard you work. And I have a thousand things to do at the charity.”
“I know.” I skirted my hands over her back, rubbing circles across the silk of her gown. “Don’t worry about it. I can take my work anywhere and we can find someone to cover you at your job.”
She opened her mouth to protest.
“Parker,” I said, a warning in my tone. “Don’t worry about this now. We can deal with it later. Let’s enjoy lunch with our family and friends.”
Her shoulders dropped beside me and I moved my hand from her back, down to link my fingers with hers. “This is our special day.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“You’re beautiful.”
“You win.”