The Truth (5 page)

Suddenly, I have the eerie feeling someone is watching me, yet my eyes are still closed. This is the softest bed I’ve ever slept in. I stretch a little before opening my eyes to blue eyes and a toothy grin. “Finally. Good morning, sleepy head.”

“How long have you been watching me sleep?” I smile and I’m sure I blush.

“About an hour.”

“You know that’s borderline creepy, right?”

“Meh.” He shrugs.

“You can’t ever sleep in, can you?”

“Nope, not in my DNA.”

“I see. Well, I’m not sure we’re going to work then, Mr. Kennedy because I love to sleep in, especially after really long nights of boozing and other obscene activities. In fact, I think bed is my favorite place in the entire world.”

“Mine, too.” He waggles an eyebrow. “You know—beds are for more than just sleeping, right?”

“Well, of course—it’s the second reason why bed is my favorite place to be.”

“Second?” he questions. “I think we can do better than that.”

“What do you suggest?”

Before I can fully get the last word out, he captures my lips with his own. My blood heats immediately at his kiss in anticipation of the intensity I have come to expect with Grant. Instead, I get a different Grant this time. He holds eye contact with every move he makes, every thrust. It’s the purest form of love making I have ever experienced. Even more so than the first time. Maybe it’s because we know each other so much better now—or maybe we are in love. We cling to each other, both silent as we orgasm. I have never felt as connected to someone before as I felt at that moment.

We lay together afterward, for a long while, not saying a word, just clinging to each other.

Grant finally pulls away looking at me seriously. I’ve never seen this look on him before. “Still your second reason?”

“Actually, I’ve changed my mind. Bed is now my second favorite place on earth,” I say quietly.

“Oh?” He scrunches his brow.

“My new favorite place is—wherever you are.”

Without faltering, he blurts out, “I love you.” No apprehension in his face or manner—just a simple ‘I love you.’

The clarity of it hits me in that moment as well.

“I love you too, Grant.”

“Then marry me.” Shock—this is what pure shock feels like.

A laugh bubbles up from my throat. Once it’s out, I can’t stop its friends—giggles and hysteria—from joining the party. I am holding my stomach laughing like a lunatic when I look over to Grant looking heartbroken. His gaze snaps me right out of my little fit.

“I’m serious, Alyssa,” he says. “Marry me. Tonight.”

I was listening, until the last part, and then the laughter erupted again. Marry him? Tonight? Is he high?

“Stop.”

I pull myself together. “Grant, I love you. But we just went from our first
I love you
to
let’s get married tonight
. Marriage is—well, it’s marriage! It isn’t something you just go do on a whim. Do you realize what you’re asking me here?”

“I know it’s crazy, but—”

I cut him off. “Marry you tonight? I’ve never even met your family or vice versa. Heck, we’ve only known each other a few months. We can’t get married. It’s absurd!”

Grant takes a few breaths and then reaches out to move a piece of hair that has fallen across my face during my little rant. The next words coming out of his mouth are careful and measured. “I never, in all my life, felt the way I feel when I’m with you. You make me feel as if I’m finally living. I’m not just going through the motions anymore. You make me
feel
. You make me happy. Alyssa, you’re what I’ve been missing all these years. I want to be with you every moment I can. I want to kiss you goodnight in
our
bed. I want your face to be the first beautiful thing to greet me every morning. I want to come home from work to you. I understand there are things we’ll have to work out. I know. I get it. But right here, right now, I want you to be my wife. To be mine. Forever. Marry me, Alyssa Silver.”

By the time he stops talking, there is a single tear traveling down my cheek. He brushes it off with his thumb and says one final word. “Please?” It sounds more like the end of a prayer than a proposal for marriage.

“We must be out of our minds. We can’t just go get married.”

“Is that a yes?” He smirks.

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes! I love you, Grant. Let’s get married.”

* * *

After another round
of lovemaking, we moved to the master bath where we soaked in our own euphoria. After massaging most of my body, Grant skipped out, leaving me in the massive tub alone. I relaxed listening to the rest of the bubbles as they popped.

When I smell the scent of bacon wafting into the bathroom, I perk up. Throwing on a robe hanging next to the tub, I head out of the room. “I wasn’t sure how to unplug the tub…” I stop midsentence and dead in my tracks. “Exactly how long was I in the there?”

The main room of the suite has a vast array of breakfast food. There is basically a buffet in our freaking hotel room. The other half of the room has a few people milling around at two stations they have set up. The first is a rack of dresses and the second must be for makeup? I’m not sure, and I have no idea how Grant could have set this all up so fast.

“What? How did you? What is all this?” I’m stunned.

“Alyssa—it’s Vegas,” is all Grant says as if it should explain everything. “I just want you to have everything you need. It should be the perfect day.”

“It already has been.” I feel so relaxed and just plain happy.

“I set up to get our license.”

“Already? Were you planning this?”

“You will soon learn I don’t plan much in life. I just sort of go with what feels good at the moment.”

“I see.” Walking over to the dresses, I take down a pretty white, silky dress. It looks as though it will fall over all my curves. It’s too sexy for a formal wedding dress. It’s perfect. “This should do. While I’m certain you have something big planned and in the works as we speak, I kind of want to just rent a car and do a drive thru wedding. I know it sounds chintzy, but it always seemed fun in the movies. It’ll make a great story for the grandkids.” I beam at him.

“Anything you want.”

“We are in Vegas. When in Rome…”

“Are you sure you don’t want a big formal wedding? I’ll wait for you if that’s what you want.”

“Actually—I’ve always hated weddings. This is kind of perfect. Ooooh! We need an Elvis though! It’s a must!”

He laughs a deep laugh from his gut. “Okay, Elvis it is.”

And so we rented a big pink Cadillac and had a drive thru wedding ceremony at a little Las Vegas chapel. As requested, I even got an Elvis, white jumpsuit and all, to officiate. Most women have been planning their wedding day since they were a young girl. I never gave much thought to it. The only plans I made as a child were to get myself the hell out of my parent’s house. 

For me, this was the perfect wedding. There was nothing stuffy or boring. It was just fun. We had an absolute blast. And that is how weddings should all be—nothing short of fun.

With Grant being
a Kennedy, there was no hiding what we had done. Word had spread before we even got back—La Perla’s most sought after bachelor was officially off the market. Expecting nothing less, Grant had called his parents immediately after the ceremony to let them know. He claimed they were excited, but I wasn’t in the room when he spoke to them. A nagging part of me wondered if he was telling the truth.

We decided to move me into Grant’s house when we got back from our trip. I was hesitant about it since I was starting a new job the following week. The thing about being rich is you don’t move yourself. Grant had my belongings almost moved in by the time we got back to town. I had a minor freak out moment when I realized I am now rich.

The morning after the wedding, I rolled over and looked at Grant’s smiling face. I didn’t smile back. Instead, I shot upright in bed, completely panicked. “Grant, we didn’t draw up a prenup. You’re richer than half of the US combined. We need to have a prenup.”

He just laughed and pulled me back down. I try to push back up, but he holds tight. “Grant, this is serious!”

“Marriage is serious. Money is just money. Did you forget you won over a hundred grand this weekend? Not to mention, you’re a doctor?”

I struggle free and sit up. Poking him in the chest I say, “Yeah, big whoop! I’ve worked hard to be able to live comfortably, but you’re like—you’re like Bill Gates! Bill Gates wouldn’t get married without a prenup.”

“Alyssa, Bill Gates
did
get married without a prenup.”

“What? Shut the front door!”

“Look, all of this would only be an issue if we got divorced. One way or another, I will make sure we are married forever. It’s just money. Stop worrying about it.” I just frown at him. “Stop stressing, seriously. There are much better things you could be doing with your time. Come here.” He pulls me down to him and kisses me. As usual, the sparks between us make me forget anything else in the world exists. He’s good.

* * *

We have Grant’s
entire family over the day after we get back. To say I was uneasy about the idea would be the understatement of the year. Not having a large family myself, or one who I even really talk to, I was nervous about how they would receive me, especially after we just eloped.

I am still upstairs getting ready when I hear the large front door open followed by chatter exploding into the house. Trying to hurry, I whip on the rest of my makeup and button an extra button on my blouse. I’ve gone with a conservative look. I want to look as non-gold digger as I can.
Hell, I’m a doctor
, I think to myself as I take in my appearance in the mirror. I roll my shoulders back as some confidence washes over me at the thought. I see Grant enter the doorway in the mirror.

“When the Kennedys say one time, you’ll learn it’s always an hour earlier. We call it Kennedy time.” He laughs. “I should have warned you,” Grant says leaning against the jam in the doorway. “You look beautiful, as always.”

“Thanks.” I turn to face him.

“Don’t worry. They’re going to love you...” he says taking a few strides over to me. Placing both hands on either of my shoulders, he continues to reassure me, “...just like I do.”

He leans in and kisses me briefly on the lips and then takes my hand gently in his own. “Come on, I want to go show off my girl to the clan.” I follow him out of the room and down the stairs where everyone is waiting when we descend the flight of steps.

Nothing could have prepared me for what happens next. The Kennedys all take turns enveloping me in hugs and joyous congratulations. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had contemplated them hating me and fights ensuing. I had even thought they might begrudgingly accept me—but this? I never thought this would happen.

“Alyssa! Oh, my dear, am I glad you snatched Grant up. We were beginning to think he’d be single forever,” one of his aunts says pulling me into probably the millionth hug in minutes. I don’t think I’ve been hugged this many times in the rest of my life combined. She pulls away and takes my hands spreading my arms out to look at me. “And you’re so pretty. Isn’t she lovely, Frank?” she says to her husband. “And a doctor, too? Grant, you sure hit the jackpot here. You better take care of this one.” She finally let go of me as she winks at him.

“I plan to do just that,” he says coming to my rescue. I think he can tell I’m a little overwhelmed. “Surely, you don’t mind if I borrow my bride for just a minute?”

“Thank you,” I whisper in his ear as we walk away.

“There is someone a little tamer I want you to meet.” We walk up to a younger girl who I can tell right away is his sister. She looks like the girl version of him. It might sound weird, but she’s actually breathtakingly beautiful.

“Hi, you must be Sara.” I smile and reach out my hand out to shake hers. Nope, doesn’t work, she takes it and pulls me into another hug.

“Yes, it’s so nice to meet you! Grant has been talking about you for a couple of months. He didn’t want us to meet you and scare you off though, I’m sure.”

I just laugh. Truth be told, they might have if I met them before the wedding. Don’t get me wrong, they are nice enough, but they are just a lot to take in for someone who is used to a family like mine.

“They’re really all harmless and don’t let my mother intimidate you,” Sara leans in as she whispers that last part in my ear.

She leans back and shoots me a sly smile, and I can’t help but smile back.

“Also, don’t let my brother get away with anything. He thinks he can get away with murder just by flashing his overly white and very dopey smile.”

“Hey, I have a great smile!”

“Someone needs to keep you humble,” she teases him.

“Yeah, I can always count on you,” he smarts off. “You’ll be glad to know Alyssa puts me in my place, too.”

“Yep, and I enjoy it.”

Sara smiles over at her brother. “I like her already.”

“I thought you might,” he agrees.

The evening is rather pleasant. Taking some dishes to the kitchen so I can get a small breather, I continue to listen to the loud laughter and bustle of the family in the living room. I think I’ve decided I actually enjoy the chaos of a big family. They’re still a little overwhelming, but there is so much love here. I smile to myself while I put the china on the counter, thinking about how refreshing and odd this all is at the same time. 

I hear the hinge of the swinging door to the kitchen behind me and smile, assuming it’s Grant. “Your family is pretty great,” I say turning around to face him.

“I’m glad you think so.” My smile falters a little bit when a very serious-faced Eloise Kennedy is staring back at me.

“Oh, Mrs. Kennedy.” I try to smile confidently, but I’m certain it comes off timid. “I thought you were Grant.”

“I just wanted to steal a moment to speak to you—alone.” Something tells me this isn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. Eloise has the same sandy colored hair her children do and the same striking eyes. She’s aged well, and you can tell it’s natural and she isn’t medically enhanced. She is so poised and in control with every word, every movement. Strangely, I sort of envy her, even though I’m sure she’s about to tear me a new one.

“Grant and Sara both got your good genes. They look like you,” I say, in a shameless attempt to butter her up a little, soften her to me.

“Thank heavens for that,” she scoffs. “I just want to make sure you realize what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

“Mrs. Kennedy.”

She cuts me off, “Eloise, please.”

“Of course, Eloise.” As if that sounds any less formal. “I know we rushed into this.”

“Yes, you did,” she agrees.

“But we really do love each other.”

“I can see that. You two seem crazy about each other—anyone can see it just by looking at you together. That isn’t where I’m going with this. You’re a Kennedy now.”

“Actually, I will be keeping my last name.” I stop talking dead when she shoots me a glare.

“Grant mentioned something to the effect of such nonsense. I will hear of no such thing. You married into the Kennedy family. You will proudly take the name. There are certain things that are just—expected.”

“Okay.” I cave instantly to her. It’s unlike me, but she’s so powerful.

“There is another reason I wanted to speak with you. You two have sparks, but sparks fade. You will learn being married to a Kennedy man is not easy. Expect to put up with a lot, but know, no matter what, divorce is a disgrace. Bottom line, it is not an option.”

“Of course.” I agree although I am uncertain what she is referring to or why she thinks I would want to divorce Grant. We just got married. I would be lying if I didn’t admit her words put a small amount of panic in the back of my mind. 

“Another thing, we are expected to carry ourselves a certain way. I think you will do fine in that area. Being a doctor and all, you have an air about you already. He definitely could have done worse.” I think this is her version of a compliment. It’s all she says before retreating and leaving me alone in the kitchen, mouth to the floor.

What the hell just happened? I feel ambushed, which I think is just what she was going for. I lean back on the counter and exhale a huge breath.

Well, she’s sort of frightening.

* * *

Climbing into our
bed that night feels fantastic after the emotional exhaustion of Grant’s family.

“Tell me the truth.” He grins at me as he walks toward the bed. He’s shirtless wearing only cotton pajama bottoms, which hang from his hips just right. I can see his bulge through them and the perfect V, which points to it like an arrow. It should be illegal to be this sexy. He looks like an airbrushed model—it’s really unfair to the rest of the world.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“My eyes are up here, sweetheart,” he teases.

“Can you blame me?”

“How do you think tonight went?” He changes the subject.

“Grant, I have to tell you something. Your family—” I drop my head down and hang my shoulders as if I’m about to lay some awful news on him. “Your family is pretty awesome.” I smile up at him as I gush. “They’re a little overwhelming, but they’re fun and they are all so nice. I really liked them.”

“Phew, I wasn’t sure how you would feel.” Grant noticeably relaxes. “I know they can all be a bit much. Honestly, they’re a little much for even me sometimes. I like my privacy and they’re pretty in your face.”

“Yeah, I could see that. Well, we’ll just have to put up some boundaries.”

“Yeah, right.” He laughs.

“There was one thing. It’s not a big deal, I just hadn’t thought about it. Your mom wants me to change my name.”

“Oh, crap. She cornered you with the Eloise Kennedy intimidation tactics, didn’t she?”

“She was fine, really. I just hadn’t realized how big of a deal it was to change my name. It’s no worry. I was just wondering if I change it legally, and I still use my maiden name professionally, do you think she would approve?”

“Alyssa, you can do whatever you want. It’s your name.”

“I know. It’s just—I want her to like me.”

“Don’t worry, she does. And if you wish to leave your name, she’ll get over it. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love for you to have my last name, but it’s a heavy cross to bear. I totally understand if you want to keep yours.”

“I like the idea of taking your name. It’s like an extra piece of you. I can just use mine in my career. I’m just so glad they weren’t angry we eloped.”

“I wasn’t sure how it was going to go over either, but everyone was happy. Either way, I’m happy. That’s what matters,” he says, sliding into the sheets.

“I think I know a way I can make you even happier,” I say slowly pulling down one of the spaghetti straps of my nighty and biting my lip.

“I think you might be on to something.”

* * *

The next morning
I wake in a panic when I hear banging. It takes me a minute to remember where I am. I live here now. It’s so strange not to have my apartment anymore. I reach over with a smile only to find the bed next to me empty. The incessant banging continues so I slip out of bed and grudgingly throw on a robe. Don’t we have people to answer the door? All this money and he doesn’t have someone to answer the door? I think to myself as I pout all the way to the front door. My bare feet are frozen on the marble floors.

When I reach the front door, I put my hands on my hips and stare at it. “Who is it?” I shout since I doubt anyone can hear me through this monstrosity of a door and I have absolutely no idea how to open it. 

I hear the tiniest, “Whit,” come through the door.

“Just a minute!” Maybe. How the hell do I open this door? I feel all around the door where a handle should be. Nothing. How is it I can graduate college with honors, finish medical school, and pass all my boards, yet I cannot figure out how to open a freaking door.

A few minutes later, I am punching and kicking the door when Grant walks in laughing. He reaches his hand out to a small metal plate on the wall and the door opens.