Waking Up With You Read Free

expecting more?
    We sign the papers, the staff congratulate us and, for good measure, throw a handful of confetti our way. Jake smiles while he lightly brushes the glitter off my white lace dress with his hands.
    He quickly registers that color has returned to my cheeks. “You’re no longer pale, and there’s now a bit of a sparkle in your brown eyes,” he murmurs teasingly.
    “Thanks,” I reply dryly. He’s right, though. I’m definitely in better spirits.
    I also help Jake with the scattered glitter on his clothing, quietly admiring how well he carries himself in his expensive, tailor-made suit. As always, I’m struck by his sophisticated good looks, his coal black hair, icy blue eyes, and chiseled features. He is so effortlessly urbane in the way he moves and behaves. Will everyone be asking the inevitable question of what he sees in me?
    Just then, one of the staff asks, “Would you like me to take your picture?” I glance at Jake and he nods, handing the lady his cell phone. I don’t have the time to pose, but the photograph isn’t bad. Jake is looking straight at the camera and I seem to be looking up at him in a wistful way. I’m not sure how that came to be, but this is our only memento of the occasion. A newly-wed couple . I realize with a pang that the tag will be attached to us for at least a number of months. How ironic that we were bound, supposedly for life, in a rite that did not even reach a quarter of an hour.
    Just last week, my best friend, Paige, was questioning my sanity for even considering the idea of marriage. And now it’s over. I’m married. I want to say it out loud, as if doing so will somehow make the situation less surreal but, of course, I stop myself, knowing how that would result in some curious stares from passers-by.
    ***
    “Paige, I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” I say, peeved at Paige’s constant prying.
    “You’re crazy to even think about the idea seriously. Why, Emma?” she asks, her voice soft with solicitude. “Are you really going through with it?”
    “Yes! I promised Charlie and I intend to keep that promise,” I say firmly. “I didn’t lie to my brother, Paige. He took care of me. He made the major decisions for the two of us. I’m convinced he thought this through. It wasn’t a whimsical request. He really thought that a marriage between Jake and myself would work out.” My brow furrows as I consider the future.
    Paige stands and throws up her hands in dismay. “I can’t believe you! Yes, Charlie wanted what he thought was best for you. But, that’s just it. Only you know what’s best for you,” she shouts, her chin set in a stubborn line.
    Paige sits on the couch next to me. “I can’t bear it that you’re in this situation. I know Charlie meant well. Jake is an upstanding man You’ve had a giant crush on him for ages. But this whole thing is crazy. You should have a choice,” she insists.
    “But, I do have one. I choose to honor my word,” I slowly say, emphasizing every word. “Paige,” I close my hand over my friend’s and continue with determination. “I will not break my promise to Charlie. This is going to be a marriage of convenience. Both Jake and I know that. ” I try to depict an ease that I don’t necessarily feel. “I’m not deluding myself that this will be forever. Right now, we’re both in mourning, but when it’s time to move on, I will need Jake by my side. Do you get that?” I silently plead with Paige.
    “Doesn’t Jake have a girlfriend?” Paige inquires.
    “I don’t know,” I reply doubtfully.
    “Well, are you going to sleep with him?” she asks, deciding to push me one more time.
    “Paige! No. This arrangement is nothing like that. Sure, the thought has crossed my mind, but I don’t think Jake will want to make things complicated that way. I’m sure he thinks of me as the kid sister – nothing more. Besides, with his money and looks, he has the pick of all the beautiful women in the