Page 39 of A Win-Win Situation
How in the world did she know?
I shake my head, pulling myself together. "It’s beautiful, but I like the one I have on."
He doesn’t seem satisfied with my answer. His lips purse, a furrow knitting his brows as he grabs my hand and demands attention.
"Leora, be serious for a second. You can’t genuinely prefer that small one over this."
I clench my jaw to keep from blurting out something I might regret. The idea that he assumes I’d favor the bigger, moreexpensive one grates on my nerves—even though I adore the ring he’s holding.
I pull my hand away from his, irritation making my voice sharp. "I like mine."
"Leora." He grits his teeth in frustration.
"Lucas," I fire back, locking eyes with him. It’s like a battle of wills, and right now, I’m standing my ground.
And in the end, I win.
"Suit yourself," he grumbles as he steps out of the car and walks around to open my door. The gesture has become quite endearing, but at this moment, my irritation overrules any swooning sentiment. I intentionally ignore his outstretched hand and step out of the car. I don’t need his help, thank you very much.
We walk through the big double doors of the town hall, this time I allow his hand to take mine. It’s almost comical, like we’re trying to convince the world that "the lovebirds are here,"even though that’s nowhere near the truth.
The hallway that greets us is beautiful, with high ceilings and hardwood floors that echo our footsteps. Lucas stays by my side, guiding me through the doors where the dimly lit room is tucked away. At the front of the room, a man—probably the mayor—is seated, his presence commanding. Beside him stands an older woman, whom the mayor explains will be our witness since we didn’t bring our own. Had I known the girls would stay beforehand, I might have insisted on bringing them. But on the other hand, I’m a little bit relieved they’re not here. This isn’t real. In the future, they’ll witness the real deal, not some warped wedding ceremony in the name of business.
Lucas wraps an arm around me and grins as he confesses that we were so eager to get hitched that we forgot about the whole "witness thing."
The woman eyes us with curiosity and maybe a hint of admiration, as if she’s in awe of our love. As if the sweet, innocent couple in front of her is so in love, nothing could come between them.Oh, if she only knew.
When the time for the ceremony finally comes, we stand before the mayor, facing each other. Lucas takes my hands in his, and I meet his gaze. It’s strange how his eyes seem softer now, when just moments ago they could have drilled holes into me.
The mayor clears his throat. "Nous sommes réunis ici aujourd'hu?—"
"En anglais, s'il vous plaît," Lucas interrupts, gesturing towards me, indicating that I’m the one in need of translations.
"Bien sûr, je suis désolé." He nods, before continuing in English. "We’re gathered here today to celebrate the union of two people who have chosen to join their lives together in marriage. It is a joyous occasion, filled with happiness and hope for the future," the mayor starts, sounding like he’s reciting lines from a well-worn script.
"Today marks the beginning of a new journey—a journey that will be filled with love, commitment, and companionship. As we witness the union of Lucas Ayoub and Leora Davis, we are reminded of the beauty of love and the power it holds. May they find joy, fulfillment, and strength in each other’s company, and may their love continue to grow and thrive for years to come."
A giggle escapes me before I can stop it and I instantly catch the daggers Lucas shoots my way forcing me to bite my lower lip, squelching the laughter. As I glance up again, his dark eyes remain unyielding, but something has shifted. There’s now a strange tension between us. A quiver of anticipation courses through me at the intensity of his gaze, making my heart race with a mixture of fear and an odd desire to challenge himfurther. I’ve never felt boldness like this before, and in a way, I like what it’s doing to me.
"Lucas, do you take Leora to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the mayor prompts, peering over his glasses.
"I do," Lucas responds, his tone devoid of any romantic sentiment.
"Leora, do you take Lucas to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
It’s my turn. I take a deep breath, focusing on the big picture. This is for my future.
"I do."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife." I breathe a sigh of relief.It’s finally over."You may kiss the bride."
Kiss? The word echoes in my head like a dreadful chant. Oh no,thekiss. How did I forget that part? We’re supposed to touch . . . with our lips!
I sneak a glance at Lucas, and his uncertainty mirrors mine. He looks even less interested in kissing me than I do him. I didn't think that was possible.
How are we even going to do this? The only lips I’ve been kissing for the past five years have been John’s. What if those are the only lips I know how to kiss? What if I’m a terrible kisser? I can’t have him hold that against me later on.
My gaze lingers on his lips. They're full and perfect, almost too perfect, with a cupid's bow that I find myself envying. I can't help but wonder how they would feel against mine, how he would kiss me. Would it be controlled, like him? Powerful and assertive? He steps closer, his chest brushing against mine. Heat blooms where our bodies touch and his hand cups my cheek. I lean into his touch, my body craving any sort of contact, in stark contrast to my conflicted thoughts. It feels like time slows as he leans down, his lips brushing mine in a quick, chaste kiss. Then, just as suddenly, he pulls away, avoiding my gaze.
