15. The Disappointed

By the timewe drive back to Cal’s, we decided we would tell him together about our marriage. We ran up the steps of his mansion, hand in hand, laughing. The best two days of my life were spent with her, and I hated for anything to burst this blissful bubble.

I lifted her into my arms and carried her across the threshold through the front door, kissing her as I let her body slide down mine until her feet hit the floor. Only to be interrupted by Cal clearing his throat.

“Oh, Dad. Hi, um… What’s wrong?” Honey asked a valid question, considering Cal’s skin turned a flaming red color. Steam practically came out of his ears.

“Did you marry this man?” He pointed at me.

She grabbed my hand for support, and I gave it a squeeze. “We married last night, sir.”

“I’m not talking to you,” he scowled. “Honey, I’m so disappointed. I expected better of you.”

“But I love Buddy. I wanted to marry him last night, and?—”

“Stop lying. I know you faked it all, this silly relationship with him, and now this phony wedding.” He smacked his hand down hard on the entryway table.

“Nothing is fake. Well, I mean, it started that way, but now… Buddy and I talked and we’ve fallen for each other.”

“More lies! I’m so glad I took your advice, Edward.”

“What?” Honey jumped.

Edward stepped into the foyer, out from the shadows. “No problem. Did you two enjoy your flight back east? See, Delancey is a cousin of mine, and we planted him on the flight. He recorded everything and sent it back to us about your conversation on the way to Boston.”

I despised that these horrible people were doing this to her.

“You planned a fake marriage, Honey? Really? You’re a disgrace to your mother’s name,” Cal continued to put her down, and I finally had enough.

“Hey, don’t talk to her that way. She’s my wife, and I won’t stand for your mistreatment of her.” My fists balled up, ready to knock both of them out.

Cal laughed, pointing at me. “Enough of this. You. Out of my house. Now.”

“If he goes, I go,” Honey threatened.

Cal’s cough started up, and he headed toward his bedroom with Honey on his heels, still trying to talk some sense into him. Their conversation carried back to me until the door closed.

“You lied to me, telling me you were dating someone.” Coughing. “I need to rest. I’ll deal with you in the morning.”

“Let me help you get into bed.”

“No, Delta will.”

“Delta? I didn’t know you were here. Cal, please. I only did this because I can’t marry Edward. He’s an awful man. You told me I could pick?—”

A door slam closed, bringing an end to their conversation, but then immense pain suddenly hit my head, entered my skull, and the room went dark.