Page 21 of A Sixpence For Your Shoe (Revenge Brides #6)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Misha

I t’s our last day on this island.

My island.

I grin, wiggling my toes in the sand, watching Vincent walk out of the ocean as the salty water runs off his perfect, sculpted body.

Fuck me, I have never seen anything hotter than that man.

My man. My future husband.

I never pictured myself to be the type of girl who wanted to get married. But I also never expected to get a proposal like that. How could I say no? He’s literally given me anything I could ever want and a life with him.

Vincent lies down on the giant beach towel, spreading out next to me. He props himself up on his elbow and smiles down at me. Reaching up I pull my sunglasses lower down my nose so that my eyes meet his. “Vincent?—”

“Yes, little pet.” He says gently stroking his hand over my stomach.

“I would have said yes without the contract.” I whisper.

He smiles, looking at my body, at the cold salty steaks of water he’s drawing over my skin.

“I know.” He says, confidently.

“So, why did you give me all of those things?” I ask. It’s a question that has been on my mind since he proposed.

“Because you deserve the world, little raven. And I can give it to you. So why wouldn’t I?”

A broad smile spreads across my face as I reach up and wrap my hands around the back of his neck and pull him onto me.

The weight of his body presses me into the sand, his cock already hard against me as he leans close to kiss me.

I’ve already decided that it’s time to tell my mother everything.

On the plane ride home it’s all I can think about. Vincent is asleep while I stare out of the small oval window across the dark night sky, watching the stars glitter. We will land in Boston soon and in the morning, I’ll call my mother and tell her my happy news.

She’ll be happy for me. It will be a shock, but she has to be happy for me.

She will be worried too - but she’s always worried. Time will ease her thoughts and show her he is a good man.

Sleep steals me away as well and I dream of my life with Vincent. An extravagant life that, in all honesty, I can’t imagine because I’ve never been exposed to such wealth before.

In the morning, I wake up, cozy in my bed next to Vincent. Our bed. Our life . I reach over and snuggle closer to him. He moans in that sexy, deep morning voice I love so much.

“Hello, little pet, did you sleep well?” He asks, rolling towards me and pulling me up against his chest.

“I did.” I grin, laying my hand on his chest and wiggling my ring finger, admiring the extravagant jewel. He chuckles, and pulls me into a kiss. “I’ll make some coffee.” He says. “You relax for a little while longer.”

Vincent leaves me snuggled against his pillow, breathing in the scent of his body.

Telling my mom today is going to be awkward, but this is for me, not her . My heart is happier than it’s ever been, and I choose this for myself.

My mother never wanted to see the real me. The darkness hidden in there - but Vincent does. He knows who I am. He pushes me to explore my true self. He’s perfect for me in ways I don’t even understand yet.

His darkness calls to mine and I can’t imagine ever being happier with anyone else.

So, I want to marry him.

I can’t wait to marry him.

And whatever disagreement or disappointment my mother pushes in my direction - I will handle it with grace and patience until she comes to understand how happy I am.

It might just take her a little bit of time. That’s all.

Vincent walks in and the rich scent of coffee follows him. He sets the mug down on his bedside table instead of mine because I am curled up on his side of the bed.

Leaning over me he brushes the hair away from my face and tucks it behind my ear before gently kissing my cheek.

“Good morning, my future wife.” He smiles that devilishly gorgeous smile of his.

His blue eyes watching me with adoration.

“I have to go out for a bit this morning and then I thought we could sit together this afternoon and look at some wedding ideas. It is going to be the most magnificent wedding in history.”

“Ok, my love, I’ll be here, waiting for you.”

“Good girl.” He muses, then leaves me to enjoy my coffee on a slow, relaxed morning while he gets ready to go.

“Hi mom.” I say cheerfully when she answers the call.

“Are you back from your trip? How was it?”

“We got back last night. It was incredible.” I can’t hide the excitement in my voice.

While Vincent is out for the morning, figure it’s the best time to chat with my mom. The phone is sitting on the kitchen counter on speaker while I make pancakes for breakfast.

“Mom, there are some things I need to talk to you about. I want to come over and have lunch this week - but for now I have big news to tell you.”

“You got a raise?” she says happily.

I laugh. “No, mom, bigger than that.”

“Oh, honey please don’t tell me you’re pregnant.” She sighs, her voice heavy with disappointment.

I huff, getting annoyed. “Stop that, Mom. Just listen. I complain.

“Ok, sorry, yes - go ahead.” She says before falling silent.

I roll my eyes and push away the nervous streak of tension that creeps over me.

“Mom, I got engaged," I say, trying to sound as excited as I genuinely am—but telling my mother is harder than I thought it would be.

“What?” She snaps.

“I got engaged, Mom. He asked me to marry him.”

“But—honey—I haven’t even met him. I don’t even know his name. What—why—I don’t—this is a terrible idea.”

I bite down hard on my lip.

“Can’t you just be happy for me? You’ll meet him before the wedding and then you’ll be at the wedding to celebrate with me. Just be happy for me mom.” I plead.

“Misha, you’ve caught me completely by surprise. I - I don’t know what to say. You don’t even know this man. You’ve only just met him.”

“Say you’re happy for me. ” I huff.

“I can’t—” She says tensely.

“Oh.” I say, my heart sinking.

“Sweetheart - just - um - when can you come see me. Let’s talk about this in person.”

“Mom, it’s happening either way. I love him.

I am marrying him with or without your blessing.

” This is the first time in my life I have ever spoken to my mom like this, and it hurts.

It sets a deep ache in my heart to disrespect her in this way.

She is my everything. But I guess it’s time - it’s time for me to live my life - not hers.

“Misha.” She says softly. “I just want what’s best for you.”

I sigh.

“I know you do, mom. I promise you’ll love him. He’s a good man. You’ll see when you meet him. And I’m happy, Mom—isn’t that what matters the most?”

“Will you keep your job?” She asks nervously. “Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean you should rely on him for everything.”

I chew at my lip. She still doesn’t know anything. I’ve got a lot to tell you. I’ll come around later this week. The wedding is this weekend. I’ve got a lot of planning to do.”

“Ok, sweetheart.” Her words feel heavy.

“I love you, mom. try to be happy for me.”

She laughs, distant and nervous. “Ok, Misha. I will. Come and see me soon.”

The call ends and I stare at the pancake burning in the pan.

It begins to smoke and turn charred black, and I continue to watch it.

It’s silly to be so hurt by her reaction, because I knew she wouldn’t be on board right away.

But it still hurts. It hurts more than I thought it would.

I want her to be a part of my new life - of my new family.

Smoke spills thicker and darker from the pan, and I grab the handle, tossing the entire thing across the kitchen in a fit of angry disappointment.

Flicking the stove off I march out of there, heading towards the shower. I’m not in the mood for pancakes anymore.

While I’m showering, I catch sight of the ring, glittering.

A deep breath fills my lungs and then I force it out to push away all of my annoyance. This is about me - and Vincent - and our lives together. I have a right to be happy.

That’s all that matters. Mom will come around eventually, and everything will be okay in the end.

Her disappointment will not ruin this for me.

This is my life and my happiness.