Page 17 of If You Claim Me

“You’re not broken, Dred.”

I take my friend’s hand. “I am, though. The things I went through as a child shaped me in a way that means I don’t always fit with the rest of the world.”

Spending my first three years being raised by drug addicts who were always looking for their next fix was damaging inways I can’t explain. I spent three days in a house with two overdosed parents before the police came knocking. The memories of that time are only fragments, but with time and age I’ve been able to fit them together like a puzzle I never want to finish. And they made me who I am.

“You fit with us,” Lexi says.

“I know.” My bottom lip trembles. “I’m so grateful for this family. I love all of you, but I don’t know if I can ever fall in love the way others can. All Connor wants is to make his Meems happy, and I needed a way out of this situation that wasn’t asking the people I love to save me. So like I said, he and I both get what we want out of this. Being financially indebted to the people I rely on for emotional support is…” I shake my head. “Not something I can do. Asking friends for money unbalances the relationship, and Connor isn’t my friend.” He’s an ally, and there’s a difference.

“So you’re marrying him.” She sounds concerned, not upset.

“For a finite amount of time, to make his Meems happy. He loves her so much, Lexi. She’s the only one in his family who seems to support him.” I try to hear the words through her ears, but it’s impossible to separate myself from this situation. I know in my heart this was the right call for me. Not ideal, but the best option for the circumstances. Honestly, when I give myself a moment to reflect, it’s kind of miraculous.

“Isn’t there another way around this that doesn’t include becoming his wife, even if it’s supposed to be temporary?”

I shrug. “I’m not sure, but I’ve already signed a contract, and I can’t imagine Connor’s lawyers would leave loopholes. I’m at peace with my decision.”

“It’s a tricky position to put yourself in,” Lexi whispers.

“I can handle it.”

“I just wish you didn’t have to.” She sighs and hugs me, hands settling on my shoulders as she steps back. “But I’ll be here to support you, however you need me.”

“Thank you.”

My phone buzzes with a new message from my fiancé.

Connor

Engagement party: Saturday, 2pm. Don’t worry about attire. I’ll take care of everything, including your transportation.

GRACE HOTELS HEIR ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT

CONNOR GRACE, HEIR TO THE GRACE HOTELS DYNASTY ENGAGED TO LIBRARIAN MILDRED REFORMER

Connor Grace, son of Duncan and Courtney Grace, older brother to Portia and Isabelle, and grandson to Lucy Grace (née Drake) has announced his engagement to local librarian Mildred Reformer, daughter of Gary and Judy Reformer, both deceased. Connor is heir to the Grace Hotels dynasty. He has a degree in economics from Harvard University.

Grace currently plays professional hockey for the Toronto Terror after an unexpected trade last year. A long-standing feud between him and the Terror’s popular center, Phillip “Flip” Madden, made for a tumultuous season. However, the Terror rallied and made it to the playoffs, though they did not secure a Cup win. It is highly debated whether Grace and Madden’s discord is in part responsible. Grace has a long-standing history of bad behavior on the ice and holds the record for penalty minutes with the league. It is unclear whether he intends to join the family hotel business upon the conclusion of his hockey career.

Mildred Reformer graduated with honors from Tilton University with a BA in library science. She also has a master’s in library science from Tilton and a PhD in the same. Sources report that Mildred spent her childhood in the foster-care system and has been described by former teachers as “bright, but reserved.” Her estranged grandmother and last remaining relative died five years ago.

According to our sources, Connor and Mildred were introduced through mutual friends, and Grace is intent on continuing their whirlwind romance with a short engagement. “I plan to marry Mildred as soon as possible,” he toldThe Toronto Daily.

CHAPTER 7

DRED

“Thank you for making this presentable.” I motion to my face as Essie dusts my cheeks with setting powder.

“You don’t need makeup to be pretty, Dred,” Flip notes from his spot on my couch.

I glance over at him. Dewey walks across his shoulder and sticks his nose in his ear. Flip doesn’t even flinch. He may not love who I’m marrying, but he’s determined to be involved in every part of the process.

“What he said.” Essie hugs me. “You’re stunning. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

The fact that she and Nate live two floors down makes it convenient for her to jump in as my makeup artist. When she’s gathered her things, I close the door behind her and turn back to Lexi and Flip. “This whole engagement party/meet-the-family thing is intense.”

“We’ll be there to support you the whole time,” Flip assures me, gently scratching Dewey’s head.