19. Chapter 19
T he apartment is quiet, but not in the usual early-morning way.
The silence is heavy. I’m always up with the sun, but last night, I barely slept.
As badly as I wanted to pull Savannah into my bed, tuck her under my arms, and soak in her warmth, I didn’t.
There was something in her blue eyes that held me back.
Instead, I walked her to her room, hugged her, and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
She needed time to think, to process everything that happened.
How the hell was it only twenty-four hours ago when I had her writhing beneath me? Now we’re fake married. What the fuck?
Shaking my head to keep the spiral at bay, I move through the kitchen on autopilot, padding across the cool tile with bare feet and gripping the counter as I wait for the coffee to finish.
The machine sputters in the background as I let my head dangle, taking a deep breath and trying to ground myself.
I’m about to marry Savannah Holycross.
Hopefully, today, if everything goes right.
I can’t believe she said yes. For some reason, I had a feeling she’d tell me to go to hell and that I was on my own with this lie. And as shocked as she was, I was grateful she allowed me a chance to explain. To pitch my case as to why we could make this work.
No, we weren’t dating. We’ve never really dated, if we’re going to be technical, but what we had is more special than just friends .
I reach for the carafe of half-caffeinated coffee I’ve switched to since Savannah has to watch her caffeine intake. Shit’s not so bad, but I still opt for full flavor when I can.
With a full mug of steaming brew, I take it to the living room, sinking into the sectional like it might be the one thing to hold me together today.
Elbows resting on my knees, I stare at my feet.
The sky starts to wake as soft rays filter in through the blinds.
I adjust in my seat and slide my cell phone out, scrolling through my endless notifications, and open my message app.
I’m in desperate need of my friends’ help if I’m going to pull off this wedding today.
Tipping my head back, I stare at my ceiling before finding my sister’s name in our text thread.
You and Riggsby around this afternoon? I’ve got an idea…
Resting my phone on my thigh, I scrub a hand down my face. My stubble scratches against my palm, grounding me. It only takes a minute for my phone to buzz. My sister’s an early riser, always hitting the gym with the sunrise.
Sister: The last idea wasn’t your best… You sure about this one?
I roll my eyes.
Shut up. Sav agreed to everything last night, especially when I pulled out the ring. I thought maybe we could make this official today…at the courthouse.
Her response is instant.
Sister: A RING?! What the actual fuck?!
Before I have a chance to respond, another message pops in.
Sister: Let’s get you married, big brother. Crew and I would love to be a part of your big day. But holy fucking shitballs, you had a ring!
It’s a long story…but when you know, you know.
Sister: I know this isn’t how everyone pictured things happening, but I’m happy for you, Grant. You deserve the world.
I clear the lump that formed in my throat.
Thanks, Addy *winky face*
Sister: …
:) I had to for old times' sake.
It’s been weird not calling my sister the nickname I gave her when we were kids, but I understand why. The whole name thing was confusing for everyone, and she wanted to go by her actual name here, which I respect.
Sister: What time?
I’ll get back to you. I still need to finalize a few things.
Sister: No problem. I’m around all day. I’ll help get your girl there.
Thanks.
Sister: Anything for you.
With our witnesses secured, I move on to the next person on my list. Getting through to Chloe is going to be a challenge, and I’m already bracing for the hell she’s going to throw my way.
Chloe Mariano is a girl’s girl. She’s fierce and loyal with her friends, and I have no doubt she knows the situation I’ve landed Savannah and me in.
Hey, Chlo. I need a favor… Would you be able to check if your dad’s private dining room is available tonight? For four of us. Nothing crazy…dinner and dessert…that type of thing.
The message is marked read, but when a text doesn’t arrive immediately, I sip my coffee and savor the rich, nutty taste.
Chloe: Sorry, who is this?
Funny.
Chloe: Sorry, my number is only reserved for people who don’t lie about marrying my friend. My friend is already in a vulnerable state. The same friend who’s had her world turned upside down and now has to deal with your bullshit.
I let out a deep sigh. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but damn.
I know. I KNOW, Chlo. I made a mess of things, but what if I told you it’s not going to be fake…not anymore.
Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!
Chloe: What do you mean?!
Savannah and I are getting married…today. It’s going to be a city hall wedding, but it’s going to be official.
Chloe: How’d you brainwash her into going along with this idiotic plan?
Damn, Chloe, tell me how you really feel.
As I wait for her response, another text pops in. Only, this time, it’s from Cody Jacobs, her boyfriend and one of my closest friends.
Cody: The fuck are you saying that’s got my girl screaming one second and scowling the next?
Cody: You better not be sexting my woman, Campbell. I’ll fly down and beat your ass.
Hmm…if all it takes is for me to flirt with your girl for you to visit, I should have done it sooner.
Cody: Not cool, man.
Ignoring Cody, I go back to my conversation with Chloe. These two are a match made in heaven.
Chloe: I’m not trying to be a jerk, Grant.
I’m happy for you both. It’s a lot to process.
Savannah has been through so much, and now she’s about to become a mom…
and apparently a wife. I don’t want to see her get hurt.
I know there’s always been this thing between you two…
btw, you were lousy at hiding things. I want you to understand what this means.
Not only are you hitching yourself to Savvy, but her daughter, too.
I’m aware, and I appreciate your concern for Sav, I really do. But I’ve thought about it. Even with yesterday’s chaos, she’s always been it for me. And her having a baby girl doesn’t change it. It only makes me love her even more.
Chloe: OMG YOU LOVE HER!?
Chloe…the room. Can we get it or not?
Chloe: Oh yeah, Dad said that’s totally fine. He’s got it reserved from five to eleven.
I grumble as I read her message.
Thank you. We’ll send pics.
Chloe: This might be the biggest dumpster fire of chaos, but thank you for thinking about the little things and making it a night she’ll remember.
I tap her message and give it a heart reaction before closing it out. Cody’s name has an unread message next to it. I open it, ready to get this over with and start my day.
Cody: Never mind. Chloe filled me in… A wedding? You’re actually going through with this?
Me: Yeah, man. I am. She’s it for me.
Cody: Aw shit, man. I know the feeling. Seriously, though, proud of you.
Thanks, man. You’re next.
Cody: Soon… I can’t believe you’re getting married before me.
Crazy where life takes you.
Cody: Hell yeah. Enjoy your happily ever after… Sounds like one of Chloe’s marriage of convenience books.
You can’t script this shit.
What the hell is my life right now? From Grant Campbell, assistant wide receiver coach, to Grant Campbell, twelve-hour wedding planner.
Tapping my phone screen, I glance at the time. I have a few more minutes until I need to leave for practice. Thankfully, it’s a quick morning, and I’ll be back by lunch, but everything else needs to go off without a hitch.
And then I hear the bathroom door open.
Sav walks out, wrapped in my hoodie. One that used to hang off her small frame but now fits her like a glove.
A warm feeling settles over me, and I resist rubbing the spot above my heart.
But seeing her in that hoodie, tight against her bump, makes me feel like I’m hugging her—protecting her.
I don’t know how to explain the feeling.
Without saying a word, she moves to the couch, curling up next to me. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her in tighter, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head.
“You okay?”
She nods. Then hesitates before shaking her head. “This isn’t how I saw it going.”
Her words are barely audible, and my stomach sinks.
Fuck.
“But…” she starts, tipping her head up to face mine. “I’ve always wanted this…with you, Sunshine.”
The jump scare this woman is giving me. Maybe it’s a good thing I’m drinking half-caffeinated coffee. I don’t think my heart could handle much more.
“Yeah?”
A soft smile spreads across her swollen, beautiful face.
“What if I told you I had a plan for today?”
Her eyes widen, no doubt remembering the last plan I had, which got us in this position.
“Let’s get married today. Are you ready to become Mrs. Campbell, Peach?”
Then, awkwardly, she flings herself at me. One leg slides to the other side of mine until she’s straddling my lap. Her arms loop around my neck, and her lips crash into mine. Fireworks explode in my chest, so bright I barely register the knock at the door—or it pushing open.
My sister’s yelp has Savannah and me separating.
“Ah!” she screams. “Sorry! But you’re not supposed to be here! Grooms aren’t supposed to see their brides on their wedding day.”
Sav and I chuckle.
“It’s a good thing you filled me in a few minutes ago,” Savannah says against my lips.
Bret’s eyes widen. “Oh my gosh, you just told her?”
I shake my head. Why does everything have to be so dramatic? Not long ago, the only drama coming from this apartment was during a Call of Duty tournament.
Savannah slides off my lap onto the couch as I stand. Leaning down, I kiss her forehead. “I’ve got to get to work.”
She grins at me. “I know.”
“Sure you want to become Mrs. Campbell?”
Her eyes lock onto mine. “I’ve never been more sure.”