A Merry Vested Wedding - Melanie Moreland Page 0,40
not necessary, Jaxson.”
“Our rings didn’t fit. I wanted you to have a real one. One as beautiful as you.”
“I am not your wife!”
“Yes, you are.”
“We both know I married you drunk and out of my mind. We’re getting a divorce.”
His reply cut through the air, the lone word potent. “No.”
“Give me one good reason why not.”
There was the sound of rustling and a muffled gasp, followed by silence, then a low, almost painful sound.
Curious, Addi and I leaned over, tugging aside the branches that concealed us.
Gracie was locked in Jaxson’s arms, and he was kissing her. The interesting part, considering how much she protested, was that she was kissing him back. He had her hair fisted in his hands, holding her tight to his mouth. She gripped his neck, her fingers moving restlessly on his skin. The low moans they both made were erotic.
I sat back, letting the branches fall into place. I gazed at Addi, her eyes wide with shock. I knew she wanted to stand up—let them know we were here, but it was too late. We had to hope they moved on.
I only prayed they didn’t get carried away and stumble in our direction, looking for a place to continue their amorous clutch.
That was going to be awkward.
Suddenly, there was movement, and Gracie gasped. “Stop doing that!”
“Why? Give in, Gracie. Admit you feel something, and let’s work on it. Tell your family. I’ll stand by you.”
“I am not staying married to you.”
“Yes, you are.”
Something shiny and bright sailed over our heads. It landed beside Addi, and she picked it up, staring at it. A thick band set with diamonds glittering in the overcast, muted light. It was beautiful and elegant. Much like Gracie.
When she wasn’t furious and spitting like a crazy person. I wasn’t sure I could get used to this side of her.
“That’s what I think of your gift and this marriage. It’s not happening, Jaxson. Keep your gifts and your lips to yourself!”
“Gracie,” he admonished gently.
“I mean it, Jaxson. I will be polite because my mother and aunts invited you. You leave as soon as dinner is over, and I don’t want to see you until I return to the office. And the first thing we’re going to do is file for divorce.”
She stomped away. I waited for an outburst from Jaxson. Expletives. But he was silent. Then he spoke up.
“Please tell me you found the ring.”
We shared a startled glance, and he appeared around the bushes we were behind. Addi held up the ring. “We did.”
“You knew we were here?” I asked.
He shrugged. “If Grace hadn’t been so irritated, she would have noticed the footprints as well. She was determined not to go farther, so I just let her speak.”
“She’s not usually so…” Addi trailed off.
“Angry? Hurtful?”
“Yes.”
He held out his hand, and she dropped the ring into his palm. He studied it for a moment, then slid it into his pocket.
“I hurt her first. I need to make it up to her.” He paused. “I was correct then when I had assumed she confided in you, Addi? She told me how close you are.”
“She did,” Addi confirmed, her voice low. “She’s determined to end this marriage. She insists it was a mistake.”
He frowned, looking sad and forlorn for a moment. Then he shook his head. “It was not. And I am as determined to keep her as she is determined to be rid of me.”
“Why?” I asked before I could stop myself.
He looked at me as if I were crazy.
“Because she is the only warmth in my life. Without her, the cold will destroy me.”
His words hung heavy in the air. I had no idea how to reply to a statement that profound.
He cocked his head to the side, studying us. “Thank you for keeping our secret. One day, you will no longer have that burden.”
He turned and left, his footsteps heavy and measured.
Addi looked at me. “What the hell was that?”
His footsteps faded, and I whistled. “I hope Gracie is prepared. That was a man determined to win.” I looked down at her. “And I don’t think he’ll fight fairly.”
“Oh boy.”
Addison
Taking advantage of the break in the storm, Brayden and I walked a bit more, watched the skaters, and even had a snowball fight. We sat by the fire Aiden had started, warming up and enjoying the quiet. Brayden whittled some sticks for marshmallows later. Aiden joined us, and between them, they got a large pile done. Aiden was quiet at first, his