The Wager (The Bet 2)

Jake closed his eyes when he was finished.

“Now, Char.” Jim cleared his throat. “Repeat after me. I, Char Lynn…” Char repeated the same vow. Halfway through her hands started shaking. Jake opened his eyes and mouthed It’s okay, so she kept going.

By the time she was finished, her heart was pounding so hard she would swear Jake could hear it. He smiled sadly when they had to release each other’s hands.

Jim addressed the nonexistent guests. “Travis and Kacey, or in this case Jake and Char, both expressed interest in writing personal vows to each other. We will hear them now.”

He handed the microphone to Jake. Clueless, Jake handed it back. Jim shook his head. “No, no, Nadine needs to hear your voice. I doubt you’ll have trouble talking about a pretty girl like Char.”

Holy crap. He was going to humiliate her in front of everyone.

“I’ve always liked pretty girls.” Jake laughed into the microphone, ruining Char’s brief moment of happiness. “And I can honestly say, Char’s the prettiest I’ve ever come across.”

The bridesmaids sighed behind him.

“Too bad she’s crazy.” He winked. “I mean really crazy. She’s threatened me more times than I care to admit. Don’t even get me started on wedding gifts and drug stores. Some of my happiest moments have been with her, some of my worst moments, too.” He paused. “Maybe that’s what love’s all about. You share the good and the bad, and hope to God that in the end the person will still be waiting for you on the other side. Marriage is a complete and total leap of faith—I’ve always thought of myself as a risk taker. The greatest risk of all is pursuing someone with your entire heart, knowing that it’s completely possible they won’t want you back.”

Char wasn’t sure if she should laugh or cry.

Everyone was silent.

A car turned into the driveway. It was Kacey and Travis.

Grandma blew her whistle. “Finish the ceremony, Jim.”

Char shook her head. “But—”

“Finish it!” Grandma yelled as she made her way down the driveway.

“Do you take her?” Jim asked Jake.

“Uh, yes?”

“Do you take him?”

Char felt her eyes narrow as she gave a jerky nod.

“You have to say it.” Jim laughed nervously.

“Fine. Yes. I take him.”

“Then with the power vested in me by the state of Oregon, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”

Everyone clapped lamely, until Jake stepped forward and pulled Char in for a mind-altering kiss that melted every defense she had erected that morning.

“Looks like I married the shrew.” He winked.

“Better than marrying the harem-possessing whore!” Char fumed, pushing against his chest.

Pastor Jim tried to separate them but they were already nose to nose.

“Is that jealousy I hear?” Jake snorted.

“Jealousy?” Char repeated, then threw back her head and laughed. “Yes, I’m so jealous of all the women who’ve shared your bed! At least I’m only one notch on your bedpost.”

“Two.” Jake smirked. “You’re two; you know why.”

Char lunged for his throat but Jim stood in the way.