Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) by Carré White

the name on the marriage certificate later?” He had obtained one already from the courthouse.
    Pastor Kinsley and Mrs. Hershey exchanged a glance.
    “Foster?” Jack’s expression looked grim. “What other surprises do you have for me?”
    “That’s all.” Would this derail the wedding? Oh, goodness. “Can we proceed?”
    “Do you wish to continue?” asked the preacher. “We can postpone the ceremony until after the changes are made to the certificate, if you wish.”
    Mr. Kelly’s attention remained on me. “No. I want this done now. I’ll sort out the certificate later.”
    I smiled, but I sensed he was vexed with me again. “I’m ready.” After Jack said his vows, I spoke mine, relieved that we had finally gotten married. Mrs. Hershey’s smile held traces of relief.
    “If there are any rings. They may be exchanged now.”
    Jack reached into his pocket, withdrawing something. “Give me your hand.” He slid what looked like an enormous sapphire, bordered by two smaller diamonds onto my finger. I stared dumbfounded, not having expected such an extravagant gesture. “Do you like it?”
    “It’s … beautiful.” I smiled, while tears threatened. I had never owned anything so lovely.
    “Good.” He appeared stern, his humor having vanished. “Are we finished here?”
    “Yes, we are.” Pastor Kinsley grinned. “I wish you both great happiness and felicity in marriage. Congratulations.” He patted Mr. Kelly on the back. “Your wife is as handsome as they come. You’re very lucky.”
    He pursed his lips. “Uh-hum.”
    “There’s a reception at the hotel,” said Mrs. Hershey. “I do hope you can stop by and meet some of Boot Creek’s more illustrious persons. They’re quite eager to meet the new Mrs. Kelly.”
    Jack took my hand, drawing me away, while saying, “We’ll be there in a moment. Thank you for all your help, Mrs. Hershey. Thank you, Pastor Kinsley.”
    “You’re welcome,” they both murmured.
    I wondered at what might be the matter with my husband, but he seemed determined to bring me away from the church, helping me into the carriage. “The hotel, Henry, please.”
    “Yes, Mr. Kelly.”
    Once seated, I turned to look at Jack. “What did I do now?”
    A tick jumped in his cheek. “I’ve investigated Lola Anne Parsons. I had my man look into it. She’s from Virginia. She’s a graduate from Chatham University. She’s fluent in French, she reads Latin, and she’s an accomplished dancer.” He glared at me. “I imagine none of this is true, is it?”
    “I didn’t go to Chatham. I went to Hollins University. I do speak French, but I can’t read Latin. Is it so important I read Latin?” I had to smile at his angry expression, although something else lingered there. “I didn’t want my family to find me. I told you why. You may have your man investigate Lola Anne Foster, if you wish. You’ll find everything I said to be true.”
    He closed his eyes, sighing. “I suppose it doesn’t matter now.”
    “But you’re angry again. I don’t want to ruin what’s left of the day on another argument.”
    “Every instinct tells me I should walk away. You’ve already caused me more grief than necessary. I’ve never in my life had to explain myself to anyone, especially a woman, yet I’d gladly do it for you. It’s the most frustrating thing. I tell myself it’s just lust, which it certainly is, but this has gone far enough now. It’s ridiculous.”
    I sat there utterly confused, as the façade of a building appeared before the door. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”
    “The sooner we get through this the better.”
    “What are you referring to?”
    “The reception. I don’t wish to stay here more than an hour.”
    “All right.”
    “Then we’ll consummate this thing, so I can get you out of my system and get on with my life. I’ve more important things to worry about other than what you look like beneath that dress.” Henry had opened