Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

Pyro laughed loudly. “Suck it up, Joshy boy. These pictures are going to finance my holiday home in the Riviera.”

Caroline watched as Josh’s fists clenched. He took a step towards the laughing photographer. The minister put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “You’re needed elsewhere, son.” The two men gave her a look she couldn’t decipher.

Pyro jumped over the pews, pushing people out of his way. He ran for the back of the church. The police followed. Lake handed a still-screaming Beth over to some of his men before chasing after the photographer. They disappeared out of the door that led to the church hall.

“Marry me!” Beth looked feral as she fought against the men holding her. “Don’t marry that bitch. She’s unlovable. Everybody knows that. Her heart is a stone. You can’t love her. It’s not possible. Marry me!”

Everyone watched in stunned shock as a sobbing and screaming Beth was removed from the church.

Suddenly there was silence.

And then every eye in the room turned to Caroline.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Josh sucked in a breath. He ran a hand over his face. Caroline was rooted to the spot on the platform beside him. Her back was straight. Her shoulders back. Her eyes were wide. And her skin was so pale it was practically blue. Kirsty stood beside her, patting her arm, murmuring words that he doubted Caroline could hear.

Her white dress was spattered with grey paint. It dripped from the skirt, making a puddle on the floor. Caroline just stood there. Staring at nothing.

Josh moved to her. “It’s okay.” He softened his voice even though he wanted to throw back his head and roar. “It’s okay.” He put his hands on her shoulders and stepped in closer to hold her.

“Don’t.” Her lips were trembling. “You’ll get paint on you.”

“It’s okay,” Josh whispered.

She was stiff in his arms. Even though her feet stayed rooted to the spot, she tried to lean away from him.

“It’s okay.” He wrapped his arms around her, threading one hand into her hair, while the other tightened around her waist. “It’s okay.”

He felt her body shiver. Her posture didn’t change, but she turned her face into his chest.

Mitch was standing behind Caroline. His arms folded. His face like thunder.

Josh caught his friend’s eye. “Clear this place out. This day is over.”

Mitch nodded firmly. He tugged at a weeping Kirsty, letting her know that she should help get the guests out. She gave Caroline one last desperate, heart-breaking look before she went to help.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry. It’s all being sorted,” Josh murmured against Caroline’s ear as he rubbed her back.

She didn’t move. She just stood in his arms. Trembling. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to calm down, for Caroline’s sake. She needed him. What he really wanted to do was slay everyone who had upset her. He wanted to wipe the slate clean for her. Make everything right. He wanted to take away every last bit of her pain. He wanted her happy again. Safe again.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. The vicar. “You can use my office.”

Josh nodded his thanks, but he knew Caroline wouldn’t move. The best he could do to give them privacy was to clear the room. In the meantime, he used his body to shelter her from the crowd. Hiding her from curious gazes and prying eyes. It was his fault. All of this. He’d turned Caroline into a public spectacle—simply by asking her to marry him. He should have realised how devastating public scrutiny could be to those who weren’t used to it. She’d been right all along. He did need a woman who was used to the celebrity life. Someone hardened to the scrutiny. Someone who could deal with the press.

But he only wanted Caroline.

“It’s done.” Mitch appeared in front of him. “The room is clear. I’ll wait outside by the limo. Let me know when you want to go back.”

Josh nodded. “The reception?”

“It’s being taken care of. Millicent’s cancelling it.”

“Thanks.”

Mitch shook his head sadly as he turned away. Josh listened as Mitch’s footsteps echoed through the now-empty church. The heavy wooden doors closed with a dull thud after him. Josh kissed Caroline’s temple.

“Everyone is gone, baby. It’s just us.”