Forever Mine by Goode, Ella (uplifting books for women .TXT) 📗

Eden arches an eyebrow. “You’re asking Lucy to marry into that?”

“She knows all about Uncle Cristoff. I swear. Two coffees, extra cream and sugar in his and a bearclaw.”

“I’ll bring it out to you.”

“Great and I am sorry, Eden.”

“I’m not holding it against you.”

I return to Uncle Cristoff, who frowns at my empty hands. “I’m hungry.”

“They’re making the coffee. It will be here in a minute. Do you have the contract?”

“I’m having second thoughts.”

“About what?”

He steeples his fingers together. “I know I wanted you to get married before you took over the firm and that I convinced the board that it was necessary, but I didn’t realize you’d select someone so unsuitable. I want you to marry someone within our circle, not a girl who just got fired from a party planning job. She’s not good enough for you even if you are faking it.”

“I’m not faking a damn thing.”

Uncle Cristoff shakes his head. “Son, you can’t fool me. You’ve been friends with this girl for years, which means you have no real interest in her physically.”

“I don’t really care what your opinion is on my relationship with Lucy. Give me the contract. I fulfilled my end of the deal. Time for you to come through.”

He drums his fingers on the tabletop. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. You can always divorce her later. Ah, here is our breakfast.”

I twist to see an angry Eden behind me.

“Here.” She dumps everything on the table, not caring that the coffee splashes onto the surface. “Enjoy. It’ll be your last coffee here.”

Chapter Eighteen Lucy

I stare at the sea of white dresses, unsure of where to start. This is overwhelming. It’s worse than the Cheesecake Factory menu. There are too many to choose from.

“Are none of these to your liking?” Emma asks, standing straight as a mannequin. She’s the saleswoman that was assigned to me when I got here. I run my hands down the front of my jeans, almost scared to touch the dresses. They all look super expensive and extra white.

“No, this is fine. Can I have a moment?”

“Of course.” She nods her head before dipping out of the private room. I should have just gone to David's Bridal. It would have been easier and a whole hell of a lot cheaper. But I wasn't sure who was going to be at this wedding.

I had to take into account that I’m marrying Wyatt Donovan. I’m sure both his uncle and his colleagues are expecting a certain type of woman. So here I stand in front of dresses that probably cost more than I make in a few months. I should say what I used to make since I’m currently unemployed. That thought does nothing to calm my nerves.

I dig through my purse to find my phone. Once I have it in my hand, I text Eden to see if she’s available to come meet me. I let out a sigh of relief when she responds saying she’s actually not far from here.

“I brought you this.” Emma strolls back into the room with a glass of champagne.

“Thank you.” I take a sip, needing it to calm my nerves.

“I’ll start pulling out some heels. Shall I get some lingerie too?” She smirks. I bite my bottom lip and nod. This might not be a real wedding, but there will still be a wedding night. My body heats thinking about it.

I should have known Wyatt would be a generous lover. When it comes to me, he always goes above and beyond. Aren’t the best marriages forged in friendship? Would it be so bad if I opened myself up to letting this be something more? As scary as it sounds, I’m pretty sure I’ve already crossed the point of no return. I’ve ventured too far out of my safe zone, and there is no going back.

“Lucy!” I hear Eden call my name. I pop my head out from the private fitting area to see people giving her funny looks.

“Here.” I wave her over.

“See. I told you I was meeting someone.” She gives the saleswoman a dirty look before heading my way. “That was fun.” She snags my champagne glass out of my hand, taking a sip. “Holy shit. Do you have to try these all on? It will take years.”

“You want to try one on?”

“Hell no,” she responds quickly. She walks over to the dresses and starts going through them. “This one would look good on you.” She pulls it off the rack, setting it to the side. “No ring yet?” She nods at my hand. I look down at my bare finger.

“I hadn't thought about that.” Wyatt and I are really going out of order when it comes to how things are usually done.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. This could end up a mess, but I love him.”

Eden’s face softens. “I know you do, but does he love you in the way he’s supposed to?”

I shrug. “Not really what this is about.”

“I know, and that’s why I worry. Wyatt and his jerkoff uncle were in the coffee shop earlier. I overheard them talking. Or maybe I was being a little nosy.” She shrugs her shoulder, but I didn’t miss the look of disgust on her face when she mentioned Wyatt’s uncle.

“What?” I ask, feeling nervous.

“I was thinking if you two got married you’d both pull your heads out of your asses and see you're in love with each other, but I’m not so sure anymore, Lucy. I don’t want you to get hurt. That light in your eyes has only started to come back since you lost your mom.”

I drop my eyes to the ground. Wyatt put it there. He was the reason it was back, in all honesty.

“Say it.” I push wanting her to get on with it.

“His uncle talked about you not being the right caliber of woman for Wyatt.” Ouch. Not that I didn't have the same thought myself. None of this is shocking,