"You ready for this?" Harry helps me into my suit jacket.

"To be married?" I scoff. "No."

"At least you're honest."

"With us." My good friend, Mark, adds.

"Yeah," Harry laughs, then gets a serious look on his face. "But you know that Grandfather is going to kill you if he finds out about this."

"He's not going to find out." I snap. "Only you and Mark know and no-one else is going to find out."

"Because one million suddenly coming out of your account, right after your divorce, doesn't look suspicious." Harry mutters sarcastically.

"I'm not stupid." I tell him, straightening my pink tie. "I plan on transferring a small amount of money to a private account every week."

"That's genius actually..." Mark looks stupefied, like he didn't think I thought this whole thing through.

"You boys ready in here?" Harry's wife, Jenna, comes into the room. Her nine month pregnant self practically waddling.

"Hey baby," Harry pulls his wife to his side and kisses her forehead. "I think Sebastian is almost ready?" He looks at me for confirmation.

"Almost." I turn back around and look in the mirror. I watch through the mirror as my brother and his wife whisper indistinctly to each other. Sometimes I look at Harry and see how happy he is. He has a beautiful wife, two beautiful children, and a third on the way. He's happy where his life is.

But then, I remember he gave up Grandfather's company for that life. That's not something I'm willing to do. I may not be as happy as he is now but I know once I get the company, I will be.

"I can see that" Mark jerks his head, motioning toward Harry. "Being you a few months from now." He smirks at me. "I think Paisley will have you wrapped around her finger by the time this year is up."

I snort. "That's not gonna happen."

"Yeah, it is." He nods. "And you're going to be following her around like a lost puppy.

"I will never be that guy." I tell him, unable to emphasize enough.

"Never be what guy?" Jenna asks, while she ties Harry's tie.

"The guy that feels like a lost puppy whenever his wife's not home." Mark grins.

"Sebastian, I just came from the room your bride is getting ready in." Jenna leans in and whispers. "You are going to spend the rest of your life following Paisley around like a lost puppy, and you're not going to be sorry." Then she walks away, giving Harry's tie a quick tug on her way out of the room. "Now hurry up! Your beautiful bride is ready."

"If this blows up," Harry points at himself and shakes his head. "I never knew. She really likes Paisley and she will literally kill me if she finds out I knew the whole thing wasn't real."

"Got it." I nod, knowing how Jenna gets when she's disappointed.

"Wait." Mark's face scrunches. "Since this is a fake marriage, does that mean no sex?"

"The contract states no physical relationship." I explain, I figured it was the only way to get Paisley to agree. "In or outside the marriage."

"So you're supposed to go from bedding a new women every night to no sex for a year?" He looks horrified. "You have to learn to control yourself for a whole year?"

"I can control myself." I glare. "I just choose not to." But now I have to. I won't risk losing my sort of friendship with Paisley because I didn't want to control my dick.

"Hey," My sister's husband, Charlie, comes into the room. "It's time."

I groan and Mark claps me on the back. "It's only a year. But, with no sex is going to drag on and on."

"Marriage isn't as bad as you two are making it seem." Harry smacks us both on the head.

The four of us then make our way down the church isle. The side of the church that's apparently meant for 'my guests' is packed full, while Paisley's side is completely empty.

I've never heard Paisley mention her family, but she can't have no-one...

"Hey Mark, go move some people to the other side."

"You got it boss." He gives me a mock salute.

Ten minutes later the guests are split onto both sides of the church and the violins start to play. Harry takes his spot behind me, followed by Charlie and Mark.

Harry's daughter, Hailey, walks down the isle in a pink dress. She's grinning ear to ear as she throws flower petals. I'll have to remember to thank Paisley for letting her be the flower girl.

Next to his sister is Jackson carries a pillow with rings, looking less than thrilled to be in a navy suit.

Jenna slowly waddles down the isle. Much to Harry's dismay she was determined to be in the wedding.

After Jenna comes my sister Claire. Finally there's Brielle, a friend of Paisley's.

The wedding march plays and everyone stands as Grandfather starts walking down the isle with Paisley. Her dainty hand hooked onto the crook of his arm.

When she said her father couldn't come Grandfather jumped in, beyond happy to be the one walking her to me.

I guess she looks pretty in the dress she's wearing. It's a lace dress that flares out slightly near her waist. My grandmother's blue diamond bracelet sparkles on her wrist.

Grandmother gave it to her before the rehearsal dinner yesterday, and I could have sworn she was going to back out.

Now she's standing in front of me, smiling in a white dress.

Grandfather rests Paisley's hand in my outstretched one. He claps me on the back before sitting in the front row with the rest of my family.

Paisley's shaking hand rests in mine and I squeeze it a few times, letting her know it's officially the last time to back out. I won't force her to do something she uncomfortable with.

She rests her head on my shoulder for a moment before straightening back up. To everyone behind us it looks like us being a loving bride and groom but I know it's just her assuring me she's fine to continue.

Our officiant starts the ceremony with a prayer and then continues with a long speech about love. I can't help but zone out. It's not that I don't believe in love, I see it all around me- in my family. I just don't believe some one can have it and be fully dedicated to their work.

The two of us repeat our vows, promising to love and be honest with each other. We then exchange rings, the cold titanium band feeling odd on my left hand. It feels like a weight placed on my entire body. This whole marriage thing finally sinking in.

"You may kiss your bride."

Shit, Paisley and I never discussed this.

She gives me a subtle nod and I gently place my hands on her waist and pull her forward. Her lips feel soft against mine. An inexplicable feeling erupts in my chest. It's because I'm kissing her to softly, I tell myself. I just need to kiss her like any other women, not treat her like an innocent piece of glass. I pull her closer and kiss her harder, trying to get rid of the weird feeling in my chest. It doesn't go away, instead it becomes more intense.

When my tongue traces her lips, I feel her hand on my chest as she applies pressure; effectively pushing me away.

It's like a spell is broken and I can suddenly hear all the clapping and cheers surrounding us.

"Sorry." I whisper into her ear, making it look like I'm kissing her cheek.

Before she can respond she's attacked by Claire and Charlie's daughter, Charlotte.

"Aunt Paylee!" She squeals.

"Hi sweetheart!" She picks my niece up, not seeming to be even slightly worried about her dress. Which, is odd for a woman, right?

Thirty minutes later the whole church is empty, aside from my family. Paisley's only wedding request was that there wasn't a large reception.

"Welcome to the family Paisley!" My entire family shouts making Paisley giggle.

"Congratulations Sebastian." My grandfather pats my back.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes and mutter a 'thank you'.

"Oh my god!" Jenna screams. "My water just broke!"

"Mrs. Hayes," I look at Paisley. "I hope you're ready to dive headfirst into this family."

***

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