Priceless

“As I said. You always do as she asks.”

The man visibly relaxes. “I thought you’d lost your mind.” He walks over to my brother, grabbing something from his hand. I see it’s a check and he rips it in half multiple times before then throwing it in my brother’s face, who stands there shocked. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” he says.

“Then I’m glad you got the chance to live out one of your dreams, Jason,” Major says. I bite my lip to keep from laughing as Jason leaves the office. Gavin doesn’t move. I turn back to Major to put the ice on his face.

“I think it just needs a kiss.” He takes the ice bag from my hand, tossing it away.

“My brother did hit you.”

“You’re not kissing him,” Gavin says from behind me.

I give Major one of his own smirks as I lean in and kiss the spot my brother hit. I’m not going to marry him in a week because that’s just crazy, no matter how good the idea may sound, but I can explore this. Explore all these things he is making me feel. I am going to let my heart lead. It usually does right by me.

Major turns his head and before I know what’s happening we are full-on making out. This is why I was so out of sorts. I get near him and I close my mind but is that such a bad thing? Everything to me is about life and he makes me feel alive. Why would I try and stop the very thing I try and bring to people?

“I’m here for wedding planning.” I jerk away from the kiss at the sound of Major’s mother’s voice.

“We aren’t getting married in a week.” My words are breathless and not at all filled with confidence. I also notice I say week and not at all. “We need to focus on your necklace,” I remind her as my brother starts to carry on about prenups and so on.

“No prenup,” Major says dismissively. I’m sure if his lawyer were here she wouldn’t be too happy about that.

“Of course no prenup,” Major’s mom says in agreement. Gavin stands there looking shocked for a moment. He was demanding one but I think Major said so quickly that he didn’t want one, Gavin doesn’t know what to do. Let’s face it, if there is no prenup that is in my favor.

“I want it in writing you can’t touch her jewelry line,” Gavin finally spits out.

“I just tried to hand over everything I own to her five minutes ago. Make up whatever outlandish prenup you want. I’ll sign it,” Major says. “It will never be used so you’re wasting your own time. Why would I give a fuck?”

I can see that he and my brother are always going to butt heads.

“Language,” Major’s mom scolds with a smile.

“Sorry, Mom,” he says before he kisses me below the ear. “Look how happy she is.” His hold on me tightens. I melt into him. He told me on the car ride home how his mother has been a shell of herself. What his asshole father did. It breaks my heart not just for her but the whole family. “Hell, I’ve never been so happy. No wonder people want your jewelry so badly. You put a little of yourself into it, don’t you? I get it now because I want all of you.”

Right then, I know they have me. I am getting married. But not in a week. I mean really that’s just crazy! I’ll stall. My eyes meet Major’s. I almost want to laugh because if I know one thing about Major it’s that he always gets what he wants. One way or another. I’ll be no different and sooner rather than later he’ll have my hand in marriage.

Chapter 17

Major

“I’m not marrying you this weekend,” Maple insists, her voice slightly muffled as she bends over her worktable, which is strewn with a host of torture type implements from pliers to wrenches to hammers. She used the hammer earlier to strike off a chunk of silver off an old, ugly sculpture. From there, the precious metal went into a furnace to be melted down and then poured into a mold she’d created before I arrived this morning. When I got here with donuts, coffee, and milk, she wanted to turn me away but her stomach growled and I was able to blackmail my way into the room.

After a brief break for breakfast and lunch she didn’t like, she’s been working steadily. It’s been a pleasure to watch.

“If you say so. The veil looks beautiful, by the way. Good choice.” I flip through the photos on my tablet that the wedding planner has sent over.

Maple jerks upright and lunges for the tablet. “What are you doing? Those aren’t for your eyes!”