Marriage with 'The Beast'

Chapter 21 - My Darling

My eyes widened as I recognized the familiar, but stubbled face from many of my nightmares. I squirmed under his gaze as he scanned up my body. His eyes fell upon my face, and I noticed his shock. He remembered me. My breathing quickened as I nervously stepped closer to Mason. His body's presence comforted me and willed me to relax a bit. 

"You guys made it!" Cam blurted as we approached the table. She stepped out of the booth and hugged the both of us. 

"Yeah, we got a little carried away," Mason mumbled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. A cute habit I'd come accustomed to. 

Cam waggled her eyebrows suggestively, "mhmm, carried away in the dirt?" She joked, looking at the bottom of our white clothes, which were somewhat covered in dirt and sand. Mason opened his mouth to retort but she continued, "anyways, here's 'the love of my life', Scotty," she gushed. "Scott, you know Mason, and this is Sarah."

I gulped, as he shot out of the booth to shake Mason's hand before taking my hand and kissing directly above my knuckles. His eyes staring directly into mine the entire time. "Nice to meet you." He smirked before standing next to his... wife. 

I sent a hesitant smile, trying not to immediately wipe my hand clean. "Likewise," I mustered. 

We sat down and started ordering, I subconsciously snuggle closer to Mason, attempting to get away from Scott's eyes burning a whole through my head. 

I didn't dare tear my eyes off the menu for the entire five minutes until the waitress came. "Sarah?" Cam asked when it was my turn to order. "I, uh," Truth was, that I hadn't read through the menu at all. I couldn't focus on anything except for wanting to leave this lunch as soon as possible. 

"A caesar salad?" I answered, sounding more like a question. Mason eyed me strangely. "I'm not that hungry," I whispered to him with a reassuring smile. I felt him search my eyes for something that could be bothering me. I masked my fear and nerves, and he shrugged. I wasn't lying technically, my hunger had truly vanished at the sight of Scott. Plus I just wanted to order something I could consume as fast as possible.

Cam giggled from the other side of the table, "Sarah, I know it girl. Before my wedding, I was watching absolutely everything I ate. But let me tell you, you look gorgeous already!" She consoled, grinning.

I forced a short laugh, "haha, exactly! Mason's been spoiling me rotten. I feel like I have to balance at least half of my meals." 

"Talking about meals, I order two meals, because I'm eating for two!" She squeaked, watching Mason for a reaction. 

It took him a little while before he understood what that meant, "Oh my goodness! Cam you're pregnant! How, I mean I know how, what, when! I'm so happy for you! You guys are going to make great parents!" He exclaimed, looking genuinely ecstatic as he got up and hugged her tightly. She nodded, looking like she's just won the lottery. "How far along are you? You don't even look it!" He added, staring at her stomach. 

She pushed him, "only two and a half months, so it's too early to say really. But I just found out a week ago and we haven't told anyone!" she added quietly as if someone near us would spread the word. 

"Awe, that's precious! I'm so happy for you!" I nearly lied. Sure I was happy for her, but only her. I couldn't imagine how it would be to have Scott as a father. But I was biased, maybe he'd changed! Love can change anyone. But I just found that hard to believe in Scott's case.

The conversation had moved onto Mason explaining our marriage while chuckling at the strange turn of events. Cam gawked at him, "so this whole this was arranged? By your mother? And you agreed?" She seemed to find the entire situation impossible. Scott looked between amused and surprised.