Fake Marriage Box Set

“Stop.” Luke whispered as Ryan turned to look at Luke.

When the wedding march started, we all watched as Cindy stepped out of the tent and into view. Ryan’s face lit up when he saw her. Her raven hair was pulled up, revealing her long, elegant neck. A few soft curls fell around her face.

When I pulled my gaze away from her and focused on Ryan’s face, I saw his eyes get a little misty. Luke reached out and gave him a solid pat on his shoulder, which caused Ryan to wipe at his eyes quickly. When Cindy stopped in from of him, he reached out for her and immediately leaned in to kiss her out of instinct.

“Not yet, son.” The minister laughed. I smiled as Ryan’s hands trembled as he took Cindy’s hands in his. He had given Luke a ton of crap after our wedding about the same thing, and I knew by Luke’s smirk that it wasn't lost on him.

I watched Luke, and he watched Ryan and Cindy. I couldn't help feeling that I had everything. Not just what I wanted, but so much more than I had ever known I wanted. Luke looked at me suddenly, and I smiled back at him, remembering our vows.

“I promise to cherish every minute I get to spend with you. I promise to take care of all your needs, no matter how small or big they are. I promise to not work in my shop before seven in the morning and always finish before eight at night. I will eat your burnt cookies and never complain. I will always chase you even if I have to do so with a walker in front of me. I also promise to knock you up at least three times, four if you'll let me.”

The crowd erupted in laughter, and a bright smile covered Luke’s face.

“But most of all, I promise to love you with every part of me—heart, mind and soul for as long as I have breath in my body.”

I was directed at that point to say my vows.

“I promise to be a wife and partner to the best of my ability. I promise to let you help clean the house and to also let you cook all the meals so you don’t have to eat burnt cookies.”

Laughter rang from the crowd.

“I promise to help you be the best you can be at everything you want to do, even if that means you spend weeks alone in your shop. I also promise to make our house a home for you, not just a building. But most of all, I promise to love you and make you feel loved for as long as I am breathing.”

When I focused back on the ceremony in front of us, Ryan wrapped his arms around Cindy and dipped her back as he kissed her deeply. When he set her back upright, the minister pronounced them man and wife. Ryan kissed her softly again and then started to lead her toward the tent that was set up for the reception. A gentle rain began to fall as Luke and I headed toward the tent. I started to jog but was lifted from behind and carried to the tent. Luke kissed me before he set me back on my feet.

We watched as Ryan and Cindy danced and then shared cake. The wedding went smoothly even though the temperamental pacific northwest weather wanted to be a pain. Luke and I sat and waited our turn with the bride and groom. We wanted to tell Ryan as a bit of a wedding present. When they made their way over to us, we exchanged hugs, and then Luke began to tell Ryan in the way we rehearsed.

“You know I made you a promise a long time ago, Ryan. And unfortunately, it seems that I’m not going to be able to keep it. At least, not exactly.”

“What promise?” Ryan asked with his head tilted to his side.

“A promise that we would name our first born after you. And while Ryan could be used as a girl’s name, we’ve decided on Wrynn instead.” Ryan eyes grew huge as he looked from me to Luke and then back. His hands automatically went to the small rounding of my belly.

“You know, you have been hitting the cookie dough ice cream pretty hard lately,” Ryan said to me joking. “I just didn’t want to say anything.” He grinned and hugged us both, then bent over to talk to my stomach. “Hey, baby Wrynn. Your Uncle Ryan already loves you and can't wait to meet you and threaten any boy who ever wants to talk to you.” I felt her move inside of me letting me know that she knew we were talking to her.

“How long have you known?” he looked at Luke and me, and then he focused on Cindy, who was grinning.

“You knew, too?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Am I the only one that didn't?”

“Pretty much.” Luke patted him on the shoulder.

“You all suck.” He frowned.

“We wanted you to be focused on your wedding. We still have a few more months before she’s born.”

“Well, I guess we should get busy,” he reached for Cindy.

A flush covered her face, and I knew what she was about to say.

“Welllll, you see, we have already been busy.”

I watched as her hands moved to her lower belly. I looked at Luke, and he looked at Ryan in complete shock. Color flushed from Ryan’s cheeks, and he reached for her.

“Are you messin’ with me?”