Page 34 of Bridesmaid By Chance
The poke to the breast was better than a nose kiss.
The reverend clears his throat and says, “Lovely.”
“Thank you, we practiced,” I say, my awkwardness showing up in spades.
“Well, I shall sign the marriage certificate and be on my way.”
“Thank you,” Hudson says in a more serious tone.
Silence fills the room as the reverend scribbles his signature. When he’s done, he looks between me and Hudson, who are just standing there, not touching, not doing anything.
A concerned look crosses his face so to reassure him that this isn’t a bought-bride situation—even though it kind of is—I wrap my arms and one leg around Hudson, holding him tight.
“Ooof, can’t wait to climb this man tonight and really seal the deal, you know?” I wink at the reverend and that puts a smile on his face.
“Yes, well?—”
“We’ll be copulating; don’t worry about us. Can’t wait to climb this log or his log?—”
“Okay,” Hudson says as he shimmies away from me. “Let’s sign thepapers. Thank you, Reverend. You’ve been great and we appreciate you being patient with us.”
We sign the marriage certificate in silence.
“Congratulations.” The reverend packs the paper away and takes off, leaving us with Hudson’s lawyer.
“Well, can’t say that wasn’t entertaining,” Stacey says as she takes a seat in one of the chairs. “I really liked the vows. Touching.”
Hudson ignores her and hands me the pen to sign the additional stack of papers the lawyer has for us.
“I thought the vows were nice. Very traditional,” I say. “What did you think…Husband?”
“Can we not right now?” he asks, seeming testy.
Sheesh, you think he’d be happy after making an honest woman out of me.
We sign an NDA and then a contract about what’s to be expected with our agreement. When I first arrived, I signed a prenup, not even bothering to look through it, because hell, I got my check. I’m telling myself that’s all I care about.
Once everything is signed, the lawyer puts the papers in his briefcase, stands, and says, “I’ll make copies and send them to you, Mrs. Hopper.”
Oh yikes, he went there.
Mrs. Hopper—sends a shiver down the spine, doesn’t it?
“Yup, thanks. I’ll, uh, be sure to put them in a fireproof safe.”
“We don’t have one of those,” Stacey says.
“I’ll be sure to get one. Got to keep those documents safe.”
The lawyer just nods, shakes hands with Hudson, and heads out the door, leaving it to just the three of us.
“So.” I clasp my hands together. “I guess that’s a wrap.” I hold my hand out to Hudson. “Nice doing business with you. I shall see you in the morning. Oh, and thanks for the ring.” When he doesn’t take my hand, I stick it in the pocket of my white dress. “Well, uh, Stacey, shall we?”
“I think we shall,” she says as she stands, and we start heading to the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Hudson asks, stopping the both of us.
We turn around together, and I glance at my sister and then back at Hudson. “I believe back to the house, right?”
