Accidentally Married by Victorine E. Lieske Read Free Book Online Page B

after a year. Aunt Shelly was there to pick up those pieces too.”
    “She sounds like a lovely woman. Was she ever married?”
    “Yes. Patricia’s father was an officer in the air force. He died overseas a year before my mother died.”
    Madison looked down at her lap. “She’s been through a lot.” A variety of emotions played across her face, none of which he could read.
    “She has.” A silence settled between them, for which Jared was thankful.

    Madison clutched her purse and followed Jared through the automatic hospital doors. The antiseptic mixed with the distinct smell of old people rushed at her and almost made her gag.
    She hated hospitals.
    Her nerves jumped as the two of them entered the elevator. She peered up at Jared, who looked like he was playing a game of poker. Stoic. In control. Nicely dressed in a pair of slacks and a polo shirt. He even smelled nice. Was that his aftershave? She leaned a little closer and sniffed. Man, he smelled good. The elevator closed in on her, and she felt light-headed. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”
    He raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything.
    “See, hospitals and I don’t really get along. They give me the heebie jeebies.”
    He frowned. “You don’t have to do anything. You don’t even have to say anything. Just walk in with me. Remember, you’re the one who—”
    “Yeah, yeah, I know.” She huffed. “You don’t have to keep saying it.”
    The elevator doors swished open, and she almost ran out. Being penned up in a small place with Jared was playing tricks on her. She almost felt attracted to him.
    They entered room 308, and Patricia was immediately at their side. “I’m so glad you’re here. Mom’s been asking for you.” She pushed them toward the bed. Shelly lay there, a white sheet covering her up to her arm pits. She had an IV in one hand, and her face looked even paler than yesterday.
    “Jared, Madison…thank you for coming.”
    Madison glanced around the room. The whole family was there. Mark and Zachary sat in the two chairs. Irene stood looking out the window, her arms crossed. Maxwell stood by his wife, his hand on her shoulder.
    “I think you all know I’m dying.”
    Madison jerked her head toward Shelly and a startled gasp came from Irene. Patricia sobbed into a tissue, and Zachary crossed the room to be by her side.
    Maxwell frowned. “Now, Shelly, you shouldn’t say such things.”
    “Hush. Everyone knows it. I’m just brave enough to say it out loud.”
    Madison stole a glance at Jared. His face was a mask, yet his eyes appeared moist, sad. And when he blinked, a tear escaped and fled down his cheek. She turned away, embarrassed to be privy to his emotion.
    Shelly waved her hand. “Now, don’t everyone get all upset. I’m ready to go. I’m not afraid of heaven. In fact, I’m looking forward to being with my Henry again.”
    Several people nodded, and Patricia pulled another tissue from the box on the hospital tray.
    “There’s only one thing I want done before I go.”
    Everyone in the room gazed at Shelly, collectively holding their breath.
    “I want to see you kids get married.” She motioned to the two engaged couples.
    Madison’s knees went weak and the room spun. Jared’s strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her upright.
    Shelly twisted in her bed to look at the calendar on the wall. “The way I see it, this had better get done quickly. How does next week sound?”
    Patricia squeezed Shelly’s hand. “Of course, Mama. Anything for you.” She looked back at Madison and Jared, her eyes pleading.
    Madison’s throat closed and she couldn’t speak. She could barely breathe. She looked at Jared, her eyes wide. He shifted his weight. “Well…um…that’s really short notice…”
    Patricia glared at him.
    “I mean…of course we’ll…uh…you know…” His face flushed.
    “Two weeks then.” Shelly brushed a piece of lint off the bed sheet. “Please? All I want is to see my daughter and my