For Better or For Worse (Wedding Vows) Read online

  It would have been so wonderful.

  CHAPTER 12

  Fortunately, for the next couple of weeks, Jason and Diane were too busy to get into any arguments. Unfortunately, Diane was too busy, and often too tired, to go to bed with him. At least, that was the way he chose to look at it. There were always possibilities, after the wedding.

  He planned a honeymoon in Kauai, until Diane reminded him that she was in school, and taking time away from her studies was not in the program for the near future. Maybe they could do that trip after the baby was born. It would be fine, she’d assured him, brushing her palm over his cheek. He must have looked disappointed to get that kind of physical contact. He must have been pouty, even. That’s what his dad had always told him. “Stop acting like a two-year-old!”

  At least she had been a lot nicer than his dad ever was.

  And so, the time had passed quickly, and now, it was the night before the big event. He watched the street below from the library, where the headlights of a car lit up the circular drive. He slipped out into the wide, second floor hallway, then stood near the wall, like he was hiding. The front door gave a creek as it opened, and then there were footsteps, the chauffer bringing in the first guests. Diane was there at the entryway, greeting them joyously. “Mom! Dad! So glad you could make it. How was your flight?”

  “Oh, give me a big hug,” a woman said. Had to be Mom. His future mother-in-law. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall. They were certain not to like him.

  “Wow, this is quite the place you have here,” Mom said. High heels clinked on the marble floors.

  “We’re getting settled in. Do you want to go to your room, or—”

  “First thing I want,” Dad said, his Texas accent more pronounced than Jason had expected, “is to meet this young man who’s swept you off your feet. He home?”

  “Yes. I’m sure he’ll be right down.”

  Jason swallowed the hairball in his throat. He needed to throw it up. Damn, he hated cats.

  He waited until Diane’s parents were seated in the living room, and then he came down the stairs and crept toward… hell, he couldn’t act like he was afraid. He never let other people see that, see all the doubts and fears that roiled inside him. Time to put on the public persona.

  He straightened, let an easy smile wrap itself around his face, then strutted into the room. “Hello, there,” he said, voice bright and strong, walking directly to where a leather-faced man lounged, cowboy boots crossed at the ankles. “I’m Jason. And you?”

  Then, unexpectedly, the man jumped to his feet. Damn, Jason didn’t know such an old person could be so agile. Jason reached out his hand for a shake. The man grabbed his hand, pulled him forward, then wrapped his arms around him, patting him briskly on the back. “Good to meet you, son.”

  Jason tried not to stiffen. But he knew he wasn’t successful. Thankfully, the man let him go and the hug was over as quickly as it had started. “You, too, uh… Dad.”

  “Oh, now, you don’t need to be nervous around me. If Diane thinks you’re good enough, then I gotta accept that, right?” He was now looking at his wife, bushy brows raised.

  “Of course,” she said, more melody in her tone than what Jason had expected. It sounded forced.

  Jason reached out a hand to her, and she moved herself into hugging range, wrapping her arms around his lower ribs. “So, can I call you ‘Mom?’”

  “That would be… appropriate.”

  Hell, they didn’t’ like him. They could see right through him. He struggled to keep his grin in place. Maybe Diane had explained to them the real circumstances of this marriage. If that was the case, she should have clued him in.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” he said. “Some refreshments? Maybe something to eat? A nightcap?” Shut up, you idiot. You’re starting to sound desperate.

  “Well, they only fed us peanuts on the plane,” Dad said. “Short flight and all that.”

  Jason turned around and signaled to Henry, who waited in the doorway.

  “I’ll have chef put something together,” Henry said. “It should be ready shortly.”

  “Woah, service,” Dad said, waggling his hairy-caterpillar brows. “This guy just here for the wedding?”

  “Permanent employee,” Diane said.

  “I see why you like this young man so much,” Mom chimed in.

  “Mom!”

  “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

  Hell, being in this room was like standing on a fire-ant nest. Boots or no boots, the bites were sure to come. And Diane was taking as much heat as he was.

  Jason walked over to his lovely bride and took her by the hand. “You want anything to eat? I can have Henry get you a snack or something.”

  “Still full.” She patted her belly.

  He gave her a quick kiss on the lips, and noted that she kissed him back, unlike other times he’d gotten a peck in. “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I know.” She gave him a crooked smile. Clever way of not having to reciprocate. He would have to parry the thrust.

  “First woman scoundrel I ever met,” he whispered. That got a chuckle out of her.

  Mom walked to the sliding door to the patio. “I’d like to see the back yard,” she said.

  “You go right ahead, dear,” Dad answered, plopping himself back into his soft chair. “I figure I’ll see it all tomorrow, when there’s some light for looking by.”

  “Here, let me help you,” Jason said, rushing to her and pulling open the door.

  “Oh, my, how lovely,” she said, voice still sing-song fake. “Jason, won’t you show me around?”

  Hell. She was going to read him the riot act. This was just like the way his own dad acted just before the hammer descended. But he had to pretend he didn’t notice. He widened his grin and gestured grandly for her to exit first. “With pleasure.”

  Outside, the air was still hot, made worse by the high humidity from a recent rainstorm. His shirt instantly stuck to the skin on his arms and chest.

  “Ah, the warm air feels good,” she said.

  Okay. She was a warm-blooded person, just like Diane. But that didn’t seem like much of a conversation starter. There had to be something better. “You lived in Texas for a long time?”

  “Born and raised.” She gave him a cold smile. “So, tell me about yourself.”

  That was the question from hell. People asked you that when they wanted to torture you. Or they wanted to get the dirt on you but didn’t know where to begin. “Um, not sure what you’d like to know.”

  Her gaze was steely, the glint in her eyes hard and polished. “I need to know Diane is getting a good husband.”

  “Of course.”

  “So, what’s your problem?”

  He coughed. “Problem? What makes you think…”

  She folded her arms at her waist. “I know it’s something people deny for various reasons. They’ll deny it even to themselves. But you need to come clean. You won’t be happy otherwise.”

  “Ma’am, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I felt it when you… when I hugged you. All that stiffness.”

  “I’m understandably nervous.”

  “You’re sure that’s it? That’s the only reason?”

  “What other reason would there be?”

  She lifted one brow. “I thought, maybe, you’re gay.”

  He busted out laughing, and the bursts of mirth came so fast and hard they turned into coughs. “Oh, my God, that’s funny.”

  “Didn’t seem funny to me.” She gave him a frown that would melt lead.

  “I am so not…” He finally got his chuckling under control. “It was just so unexpected. And no, I am very, very straight. Just nervous.”

  “That wasn’t a nervous reaction,” she said. “You stiffened like a day-old corpse.”

  “Eww, that’s gross.”

  “Not pleasant for the person getting the hug, either.”


  His shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. I… I…” Now what was he supposed to say? He did sex with women, but not hugs. Oh, crap. Women liked all that cuddly, squeezy embracing, especially after. Not to mention before. It was part of what they wanted with their fore play. It was something he always struggled with, something he had to fake.

  Then Diane stuck her head out the window. Thank heavens. Saved by the bell.

  “Jason,” she said. “Your dad just got here.”

  ✽✽✽

  Carl was true to form. When he heard that Diane’s parents hadn’t eaten on their plane ride, he snapped, “What? Didn’t you get them first class tickets?”

  “It was a puddle jumper, Dad,” Jason said.

  “That’s no excuse. You need to take better care of your guests.”

  “It was fine,” her dad chimed in.

  Carl turned on Diane. “You need to hold this boy to higher standards. I don’t want my grandchildren learning his profligate ways.”

  “Oo, big word,” her dad said.

  “Come on, Dad,” Diane said, taking Carl by the elbow. “Let me get you to your room. You must be exhausted.”

  “That’s the butler’s job,” Carl snapped, jerking his elbow away. “You stay down here with your guests.”

  “As you wish,” she said, smiling, grateful she didn’t have to spend any more time with the old crab. “Henry, can you take care of this man?”

  Once Carl was gone, she sunk into her seat. Jason looked so distressed she was afraid he was going to lose control.

  “I need to take a break,” he said, then slipped out of the room.

  A moment of silence passed. Then, Dad said, “That fella – Jason’s dad – acts like he fell into a cactus patch.”

  “I don’t know what his problem is,” Diane said. “He’s always like that.”

  “And you’re sure Jason’s not going to take after his old man?”

  Diane’s eyes popped open. Dang, she hadn’t even considered that. “They don’t seem to be at all alike.”

  “You’re sure?” Mom said.

  “Y’all, stop this.” She covered her face with her hands. She didn’t need even more to worry about.

  “Most acorns don’t fall far from the tree,” Dad said.

  Diane huffed, letting her hands fall into her lap. “Look, Jason and his Dad hardly ever saw each other when he was growing up. He was raised mostly by nannies. So, I don’t know that Carl had much influence on him.”

  “There is a genetic component to it,” Dad said.

  “Nannies?” Mom’s voice got tinny. “Is he going to expect you to do the same?”

  Diane rolled her eyes. The conversation had broken into two threads, and though she could manage that while texting, she didn’t think she was going to be able to handle it now, especially considering how inflammatory some of it was.

  “Okay, I think we’re done here.” Diane stood up. “I’ll have Henry take you to your room as soon as he’s finished with Carl.” With that, she left the room.

  Once she’d gotten to her bedroom, she threw herself on her bed. Nothing was working out well. Not only was Carl a pain, and Jason an enigma, but now they had driven a wedge between her and her parents. Something had to give, and it wasn’t going to be her relationship with her family.

  CHAPTER 13

  The next day, things moved swiftly. More guests arrived – both Jason and Diane had had ten or more invitees, in addition to their parents. The ceremony was to be held in the outdoor living room, upstairs, since most of the back yard was taken up by a large swimming pool.

  Finally, Jason stood in front of an officiant, and Diane stepped into the room, dressed in the most beautiful white gown he had ever seen, a long veil flaring out to her sides, jewels and beads glistening in the reflected light. And she was even more beautiful than the dress. She glowed, radiated happiness, walking beside her father, her arm in the crook of his elbow.

  They walked toward him, while Wagner’s wedding march played in the background. His chest seemed to swell with pride, with the thrill of knowing she would soon be his.

  When they arrived at the altar, father handed off the bride to the groom, and the officiant began his speech.

  Damn, it was a long one, about how to continue to love each other, and accept each other, and remember that everyone had faults, and to love your partner because of his/her faults, not in spite of them and on and on ad nauseum. Jason’s smile wobbled, and he looked down at her beautiful face, blocking out the other man’s droning monolog.

  Finally, it came time to make their vows. He swore his fealty to her, his undying love. Now, if he could only get her to believe him when he told her how he felt.

  She repeated the same vows, and then there was an exchange of rings. Her finger trembled as she slipped his broad, gold wedding band on him. His was so shaky he almost dropped everything. But they made it through that part without any serious problems.

  And then the officiant pronounced them husband and wife. “You may kiss each other,” the man said.

  Jason’s breath left him. She was fabulous, incredible. Her veil framed her face, a stunning contrast with her dark hair and rich eyes. How could he be so lucky?

  He leaned toward her, then gave her a teasing smile. With everyone watching, Diane was not going to push him away, or tell him the kiss had lasted long enough. And he planned to give the audience exactly what they expected.

  She wore an equally warm expression, making it look real. If only she felt that way about him, things would be perfect.

  Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a movement – Diane’s mother, leaning so she could get a good view of the kiss to come. Well, he would show her how much he loved women, and this woman in particular. He leaned in, wrapped arms around Diane, then connected his lips with hers, bending her back just enough so it was clear to everyone watching that this was the most passionate kiss they’d seen in a long time.

  Diane clutched him, arms around his neck, and he wasn’t sure if that was for fear he would drop her, or if it was an expression of her ardent desire for him. He flicked his tongue across her lips, and she opened her mouth. Oh my, she tasted so good, her flesh warm and inviting, the moisture in her mouth begging the question about wetness in a certain other place. He couldn’t wait.

  He straightened, and their lips parted. “Mm,” she said.

  Excitement jolted him. Sounded like she enjoyed that. Maybe she would want more. Maybe she would backtrack on her insistence this marriage would be platonic.

  He could only hope.

  And tempt. As much as possible.

  The music started up again, this time Mendelsohn’s famous wedding march from A Midsumer Night’s Dream, some of the most celebratory music ever written. He couldn’t agree more.

  From there, they moved to the patio, where the reception continued the festivity. They did all the normal things, like cutting the cake, dancing the first dance, throwing the garter and the bouquet. Diane had a chance to speak with each of the guests, and she seemed to be reveling in her situation. She was playing the role of radiant bride with passion and realism. And her friends, especially her female friends, all gushed. “I’m so excited for you,” they said.

  If only Diane were as happy as she appeared.

  Then, they headed out to the waiting limousine, which would take them to a nearby hotel, give them a little privacy on their honeymoon night. Guests showered them with rose petals, and Diane giggled and crunched her shoulders together, like she was trying to avoid the falling leaves, each descending like a feather, landing softly on her dress and her veil.

  Jason helped her stuff her bountiful skirt into the back of the car, then crawled in after her. Just as he was about to shut the door, someone shouted, “Wait!”

  “Oh, no,” he whispered.

  Carl came running up to the car… well, it was as close to a run as the old man could manage, a kind of hurried shuffle. He stuck his head into the already crowded space, then handed
Diane an envelope. “Since it’s the twenty-fifth of the month, I should only give you money for the last five days, but I’m going to give you a whole month’s worth, as a wedding present.”

  Jason closed his eyes for a second. Did the man have no couth? This was not the time to be presenting her with a wad of money for entering into a marriage she didn’t believe in.

  “Thank you,” she said. Gracious to the last.

  “And you,” Carl said, turning his attention to Jason. “I’ll still be watching you, so don’t try anything sneaky.”

  “Dad…”

  “Because if you are unfaithful to her, I’ll cut you off so quick you won’t know what happened. But I’ll keep giving her what’s her due.”

  “I vowed to honor and cherish her,” Jason said, hand tightening around Diane’s fingers.

  “Jason…” Diane said, using her other hand to pull his fist away.

  “Oh, sorry.” He let go, then turned back to his dad. “I meant what I said. I love her, and I would never do anything to hurt her.”

  “Love her?” Carl said. “You don’t know how to love.”

  Jason turned to the driver and gestured for him to step on the gas. “Let’s go.” Let his dad’s head get hit by the car door as he tried to get away. Jason didn’t care anymore.

  “I’ll believe you love her when donkeys learn to play the violin.”

  The car inched forward, and Carl slipped his head out.

  Jason pulled the door closed, then slumped in the seat. “Why does he always have to ruin everything?”

  ✽✽✽

  Once they got to their hotel room, Diane walked to the window, where the panorama of the Dallas skyline jutted towards the clouds, silhouetted against the warm afternoon sun, not so much because of its beauty but as an excuse to keep her back to Jason. She needed time to think.

  He had told Carl that he loved her. It didn’t seem possible. In fact, it was totally out of character. Jason was an inveterate playboy, never willing to settle down, usually never even having a second date. If she’d known that about him when she first encountered him on that yacht, she would have gotten her own sunscreen.