Chapter 31
It’s normal to be nervous on your wedding day, Jessica told herself.
Even if these were not normal circumstances.
Case in point: the fact that Jessica and Teddy were both currently getting changed in the courthouse’s bathrooms. Leaving Wattle Junction in their wedding outfits hadn’t been an option. Jessica shuddered, imagining how bad it would have been if they had been seen.
Jessica smoothed her hands down the black trousers she’d found online.
A thick cream ribbon had been stitched down the side seam on either leg.
It matched the cream blouse with soft pink and red flowers embroidered on the collar and down the placket where the buttons sat.
She fluffed her hair and used her phone’s camera in selfie mode to supervise the addition of another swipe of blush and mascara.
A slick of red lipstick that Taylor Swift would appreciate completed her bridal look.
Jessica blinked at her reflection on the small screen, took three deep breaths and pulled the door open.
She was determined to keep her steps steady and calm.
There would be no outward signs of the apprehension zapping around her body.
Joan had agreed to sell the house to Jessica, and Owen was in the process of drawing up the contract with all the special conditions about when Joan would receive her money.
“Wow,” said Teddy, his eyes darkening as his gaze drifted from her head to her toes.
Right in front of her was the proof that she didn’t have anything to be nervous about.
Because it was Teddy. In a sandy-coloured suit that set off his tan, his shirt open and his hair pulled up into a bun.
They had a plan. He handed her three sunflowers tied together with cream ribbon. “You can’t not have flowers,” he whispered.
And then he took her hand.
Jessica let Teddy lead her to the courtroom they’d been directed to when they checked in.
It was all going to be okay.
Teddy tried his best to pay attention.
He really did.
But damn, he couldn’t stop looking at Jessica. Like looking at her. Not just because she was beautiful, but because ever since she’d stepped out of a courtroom bathroom wearing the coolest fucking wedding outfit he’d ever seen, it had become impossible to hide from his feelings any longer.
Teddy didn’t just like Jessica.
He didn’t just want her.
Making her smile had become essential to him because her happiness was essential to him.
She was essential to him.
This—holy fuck—was love.
And not because he wanted to take her to bed and finally give in to the sexual chemistry that had always sparked in the air between them. Now that he was open to love, Teddy could see it had always been there.
He didn’t care that his brothers were going to tease him mercilessly about finally admitting he was in love.
Good Lord, they were going to be insufferable about this, but Jessica was worth it.
The realisation that his brothers wouldn’t know the full truth and get the chance to be obnoxiously happy for him knocked all the air from Teddy’s lungs.
Because they couldn’t know about this wedding. Not now. Not ever.
“It’s time to repeat after me,” the marriage celebrant said.
Teddy blinked and focused. He recited the celebrant’s words, his voice growing stronger with each one, his gaze locked on Jessica’s, their hands linked together.
“I call upon the persons present to witness that I, Theodore Matthew James, take you, Jessica Angel Sonoto, to be my lawful wedded wife.”
Jessica blushed, colour staining her cheeks, her throat.
Teddy squeezed her hands, loving how she returned the gesture without hesitation.
Her smile was the biggest one he’d ever seen.
He’d bet everything he had—and would ever have—that it would be the thing he remembered before he took his last breath.
“Your turn, Jessica,” the celebrant said, and she squeezed his hands again. Never took her eyes away from Teddy’s.
“I call upon the persons present to witness that I, Jessica Angel Sonoto, take you, Theodore Matthew James, to be my lawful wedded husband.”
Teddy’s grin felt like it was too big for his face. It was the kind that would leave lines and become a part of his life’s story. Just like his feelings for Jessica.
“And now,” the celebrant said, but Teddy barely heard him. He was trapped in the moment with Jessica. Her eyes were wide, cheeks flushed, lips all red and perfect. Her breath puffed out in short bursts. “For the rings.”
The celebrant passed Teddy the ring Jessica had chosen.
“Repeat after me, please.”
Teddy cleared his throat. He lifted Jessica’s left hand, noticed that she was trembling. “You good?” he whispered.
“Uh-huh.” Her curls bounced vigorously as she nodded.
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.”
A lone tear slipped down Jessica’s cheek, and she shook her head. Teddy brushed it away with his thumb, his hand lingering against her cheek.
She sniffed and pulled away, accepting the ring the celebrant offered her. Her voice shook, but Jessica smiled the whole time she said, “I give you this ring as a sign of my love and commitment.”
She had to push it over his knuckle, and they both laughed, grateful for the reprieve from the heavier emotions in the room.
“It gives me great pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife. Teddy, you may kiss your bride.”
“Let’s make it a good one,” Jessica whispered.
Teddy leant forward, his hands sliding up her arms. One cupped the back of her neck, the other cradled her jaw. She sighed so softly he almost missed it, curling into his touch, her breath warming the palm of his hand.
The second their lips touched, Teddy knew he’d never regret this. They’d shared plenty of kisses over the last week, but not like this. Not full of promise and a heat that threatened to consume him whole.
Jessica twisted her fingers in the front of Teddy’s shirt, and he groaned. Pulling her closer and wanting more. So much more because everything made sense with her in his arms. Their bodies curved into each other, and her soft, pleased hums sent fire racing through his veins.
It was the best kiss of Teddy’s life.
The celebrant cleared their throat, and Teddy blinked. Slowly came back to himself.
Right. They were in a courthouse.
They were married.
“Oops.” Jessica giggled. “Must make a note to myself that Teddy James likes an audience.”
He didn’t bother trying to restrain his grin.
He could say it now. Tell her the truth about his feelings and …
get shot down if she wasn’t there with him, which would make the weekend with his family incredibly awkward.
Jessica had literally told him she liked him just the other day.
Obviously, Teddy needed to wait and find the right moment.
“Later you can tell me all the things you like, Starshine.”
Her eyes flared.
The celebrant coughed loudly, but Teddy still clocked their bemused smile.
“If you’ll follow me, we’ll sign the marriage certificate.”
Jessica shook her head and released a quiet laugh. She started to untangle their hands, and even though Teddy’s first instinct was to clasp her tighter, he let her go.
“I can’t believe it,” she whispered, her eyes bright. “Thank you, Teddy.”
“You’re welcome,” he said automatically, his voice breaking on the last word.
And instead of feeling relief that Jessica was still onboard with their deal, dread weighed down his limbs, making his head and heart heavy.
He wanted Jessica to want him the way he wanted her.
He—Teddy blinked at the stained-glass window, casting a rainbow of colours onto the ground near their feet—wanted a forever.
But he could be patient.
He’d show her that this could work long term.
He just had to.