Pretty and Pregnant by Madison Johns Read Free Book Online Page B

certificate in the morning.
    ***
    Kimberly woke up and grimaced. She flung out an arm and slapped her face with an open palm. How could she go through with this marriage? But without marrying Jeremy the deal was sunk. She had no choice but to marry him . Two years wasn’t that lon g , she thought.
    She rolled out of bed catching her reflection in a nearby mirror. Her hair was knotted around a pony tail holder and makeup smudged beneath her eyes. What she needed was some advice and she called her mother. When she explained the situation, her mother fell silent and then suggested she marry Jeremy. “He sounds like a great guy, and just think, you have two years to make that man fall in love with you.”
    “Thanks, Mom. I’ll call you when I find out when we’re getting married.”
    She struggled to her feet and tromped into the living room where Weenie jumped up, pawing her pink slippers. “I know. I’m letting you out.” As Kimberly let Weenie outside she saw Mrs. Barry standing on Mrs. Peacock’s deck. Undaunted, Kimberly stepped out on the deck.
    “Oh my, you really shouldn’t let that dog on the beach,” Mrs. Barry said. “It’s unsanitary.”
    Kimberly smiled. “I’m sorry to hear your dog died last week. I heard tell that you had it stuffed. Is that true?” she asked in mock outrage.
    “I took it to a taxidermist. It’s quite a fad these days.”
    “Deer heads, perhaps, but not pets.”
    “If you hurry, I bet you might be able to get a hair appointment today,” Mrs. Barry said. “Your hair looks dreadful today.”
    Kimberly gave a few tangles a pull and changed the subject.  “Did you hear I was getting married?”
    Gasps came from both Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. Barry, followed by Birdie.
    “To whom?” Mrs. Barry asked.
    Kimberly waved a hand. “I’m marrying Jeremy Preston.”
    Mrs. Barry craned her neck forward and more gasps were heard, followed by Mrs. Barry laughing. “I’ll believe that when I see it, dear.”
    “Doesn’t he have a girlfriend?” Mrs. Peacock asked.
    Kimberly smiled. “No, she wasn’t his girlfriend. She was a client.” Why supply them with more information than they needed?
    “Well,” Mrs. Barry started, “It sure seems like the new lawyer has kept himself busy since he came to town. It’s a good thing I’m not one to talk, or there might be some gossip running amuck.”
    Kimberly rolled her eyes. “Mums the word, okay.”
    “You won’t hear me telling anyone,” Mrs. Barry winked, whereas Mrs. Peacock shrugged.
    Weenie ran up and opened his mouth, but instead of barking, he panted like a steam engine. Kimberly waved before she swung on her heels and strolled back inside.
    She might as well get the ball rolling. Lord knows there will be talk in town. Of all the dumb luck... Mrs. Barry visiting Mrs. Peacock. Gossip mongers will be flooding into the beauty shop today for sure, but she didn’t care. She needed for the people of Redwater to believe this marriage was real for all their sakes. She needed the advertisement deal and the money, and who knew, perhaps Jeremy would indeed fall in love with her. She hoped.
    Kimberly called Jeremy, who appeared at her door within twenty minutes. She had plenty of time to shower and dress in a pink tank dress with matching strapped sandals. When she opened the door she laughed, as he had with him a box full of paperwork.
    “You should sign the contract before they change their mind,” he suggested. “Corrine was quite adamant about that earlier when she phoned.”
    With a raised eyebrow, Kimberly asked, “And what about the wedding? Did you tell her we intended to wed?”
    “Yes. She told me ‘she had expected no less from the two of us.’ What do you think she meant?”
    Kimberly rolled a shoulder forward. “Beats me, but she was the one who insisted a marriage happen, right?”
    He paused for a moment and glanced at the dirty dishes that filled the sink. “What? Oh yeah. Maybe I could help you with the dishes