Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Licking her lips, she glanced past Petal’s shoulder and there he was—her husband, Colt. He stood with his father, a beer in one hand, while the other was in his pocket. He looked so calm and ready to face the world. There was nothing about his demeanor that suggested he was worried.
“He doesn’t think I’m a virgin,” Rosalie said.
“What?”
“Yeah, he thinks it’s all a ruse, that later tonight or tomorrow he’s going to be able to tell the clubs that my father is a liar. That I’m a fake.”
“Wait, hold up, was this whole thing dependent on you being a virgin?”
“No, I don’t think so. My father might have promised it, but I’m not sure. All I know is I’ve got to sleep with that man tonight and I can’t stand him, Petal. What do I do?”
“Shit, part of me wished you still said you were fine.”
Rosalie laughed. She couldn’t help it.
“You sound a little crazy right there.”
“I feel a little crazy. Nothing about this is a good thing.”
“I know.”
Petal sighed. “And there’s nothing I can do.”
She looked toward her mother. Gabrielle was hanging on by a thread. “If I promised to do this, and get pregnant, my dad would leave her alone.”
Petal glanced toward Gabrielle. “She’s having a hard time now. The booze is flowing and the guys are starting to act like dicks.”
Rosalie sighed. “I’m going to talk to her.”
She pulled out of the safety of her friend’s arms and walked toward her mother. There was a spare seat. The dress was getting boring real fast. The trail was a little too long, and she had to keep wrapping it around herself.
“Oh, honey, this has been so perfect. How are you feeling?” Gabrielle asked.
“I’m doing good, Mom.” She sat down in the seat beside her and took her hands. “I know this is getting to be a little too much for you. You can go home, if you’d like. I wouldn’t have a problem with it.”
“Nonsense. I’m staying here.”
“Mom, it’s going to get late and the guys, the beer, all of it…”
Gabrielle smiled at her but she saw the tears shining in her gaze. “Rosalie, baby, I know you’re worried about me. I know you would do anything for me, but I’ve got to stay here, for you. Today is your birthday, I’m not going to leave you alone.”
“Mom?”
“I can’t … I’ve not been able to protect you. I tried. I’d hoped he would grow bored and that he’d have other children after you, but he didn’t. You’re his only daughter. He does have a son, and you haven’t met him yet, but I have a feeling you will.” Gabrielle sighed. “I couldn’t stop this. I should have been able to. I’m your mother, and it’s my job to protect you.”
“Mommy, I love you, and you don’t have to worry about me. You’ve made me a strong woman.”
“And you shouldn’t have had to be strong for me. Do you think I don’t know you would do everything in your power to protect me?” Gabrielle stroked her cheek. “I’m going to stay here in case you need me.”
“Mommy? I will do this for you.”
Rosalie couldn’t help it. She didn’t care if anyone saw it as weakness, she wrapped her arms around her mother and held her. She loved this woman and would do anything to protect her.
“I love you so freaking much,” Gabrielle said.
The moment couldn’t last long. Dances were needed. The first was with their parents. Daemon walked toward her and so her mother wouldn’t be pushed too far, she met him halfway. Putting her hand within his, they moved onto the dance floor.
“How is your mother?” Daemon asked.
“Fine.” She refused to look at him. One of his arms was around her waist, the other held her hand. It looked very proper. The decent father, even though he was anything but. She hated him so much, but she didn’t say anything. Like so many times before, she kept her thoughts to herself and instead focused on the dance.
It wasn’t long before Kim was there, taking Daemon from her, but giving her Colt. The trade was a crap one, but she danced with her husband. Neither of them spoke.
The dances then led to cake and some speeches. This was the way Kim and Gabrielle wanted it to happen.
Rosalie wasn’t clear if the speeches were meant to come first, then the dancing. Either way, she was happy she didn’t have to try and dance after eating something. Not that she ate a whole lot. She couldn’t touch food. And this was why she’d lost weight before the wedding. Everything had started to take its toll.
Rosalie couldn’t help but keep looking at the time. Drink flowed but she didn’t have a sip. The food was still adorning the tables, but she couldn’t bring herself to eat even a smidge. She took a deep breath and then, before she knew what was happening, it was time.