I’m surrounded by loving people who want to gift us an amazing wedding day.
I take a deep breath and try to let go of the guilt.
Just think, Vi. Even if you die, you’ll at least have a happy wedding.
But what about lying to everyone?
Before these conflicting thoughts start a war, Hope asks, “Vienna, are you planning to move in with Zane soon?”
Crap! Why didn’t Zane and I discuss all these details?
“We haven’t decided yet.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, Zander sits up straight.
His eyes, filled with suspicion, narrow on me. “Really? You guys got a marriage license but haven’t discussed moving in together? You have at least been to his place, right?”
He knows! He knows!
I’m about to blurt the truth when Zane’s arm rests over my shoulders. His warm hand is hesitant as he pulls me closer. “Wh-what Vienna means is th-that we haven’t finalized a d-date. Sh-she has a dog, T-Tassels, and we cannot leave him alone in her ap-partment just like th-that.”
“You have a dog? Ray has a dog too. Mr. Stanley.” Alex jumps off the couch, followed by his cousins. “Can we please come play with him?”
The smiling faces of the three boys standing before me, with their hands clutched close to their chests, chips away some of my anxiety.
They take a step closer to me in sync. “Please. Please.”
My heart swoons at their cuteness. “Of course. Tassels loves kids.”
“Don’t say that, Vienna,” Kristy comments. “Otherwise these boys will be living in your house, and you’ll have a hard time sending them off and getting some alone time with Zane.”
This earns a chuckle from everyone. My heart calms a little when Zander’s face relaxes.
* * *
Finally, we are out of Zander’s estate, and Zane drives us toward my apartment. All the while, my brain is screaming at me that we’re deceiving some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.
“D-did you not like ever-ryone?” Zane asks, breaking the silence stretching in the car.
When I look at him, I wonder why he isn’t already regretting the offer.
“Why are you doing this, Zane? Now, after meeting your family, I’m sure there’s a perfect girl waiting for you somewhere. Girls would go on a battle to sit in that room with your family.” As much as I hate to confess it, I can totally see myself pulling on some chick’s hair just to be with Zane.
“You’re the per-rfect girl for me.”
My heartbeat skyrockets at his words and the tiny curl of his lips when he smiles.
“We’re deceiving everyone,” I whisper. “Your family doesn’t know it’s all fake.”
“I t-told you before. There’s noth-thing fake about th-this wedding.”
This time I don’t argue with him, because God knows how much I’d like his words to be true.
Zane parks outside my apartment, but before I can get out, he clears his throat. I turn around, knowing he’s about to say something.
“How ar-re you?” His concerned gaze flies to my face, making my pulse trip again.
“I’m okay,” I reply after a beat. “Sometimes I feel dizzy and”—I try to push back the ball of worry, which is getting larger day by day—“I’ve recently started getting these headaches.”
Zane’s lips twist as he grabs the back of his neck. He took off his suit jacket when we started the drive, and without it, the soft material of his white shirt stretches. Before I can fully appreciate his sinewy arms, he says, “I d-don’t like that you ar-re living alone. What if s-something happens during th-the night?”