Outside The Lines (Love Beyond Reason Book 2) by Beth Rhodes

father-in-law frowned down at her, she cleared her throat.
    Mr. March was not happy. He did not like her. The frown he wore varied only in measure of severity, never truly disappearing.
    As David came toward her, some of the tension eased. He was smiling, more brightly than she expected, even if she had hoped he would be somewhat celebratory. It was odd, because she knew he was in this for practical reasons. Yet, by agreeing, she’d made him happy.
    Either he was really messed up or she was… she sighed. They were the perfect, messed up match.
    “He’s ready for us.” David took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Ready?”
    She nodded.
    Mrs. Kraus patted her back and sniffed, but her smile spoke of an understanding, even a pleasure at the event they were all taking part in. The woman had, of course, apologized profusely for her mistake on Saturday. And when she’d found out Maria was pregnant with David’s baby—because now she was pregnant with David’s baby—Mrs. Kraus had stepped into role of caretaker with great ease, fawning over Maria and making sure she had everything she needed.
    It was almost embarrassing, yet at the same time. Maria could tell the woman was pleased, as if she’d been waiting for the day David would settle down.
    Being a part of this strange family was taking some getting used to, but Maria wasn’t unhappy… yet . The word came to her mind unbidden, and she brushed it aside.
    She wore an ivory dress—tea length—that hugged her hips. The top had a pretty flare of material that draped over her shoulders and hung to her wrists. She’d been pleased to find the small dress shop in town, and had done her own shopping, payment included, even when David insisted he pay. She wouldn’t have any of that.
    But the pearls that draped into the V of her dress and nestled against her bosom had been in David’s family for over a century, and as she fingered them, the weight of responsibility crushed her. His grandmother had worn them. His mother had worn them, too. Now she was wearing them, yet she could be accused of maintaining a farce.
    Guilt twisted in her stomach.
    Just as they reached the desk where the judge sat, Mrs. Kraus handed her a small bouquet of flowers. “Here, honey. Every bride needs flowers.”
    Maria took the bunch of roses, brought them to her face, and breathed in their scent. “Thank you, Mrs. Kraus.”
    Another pat on the back and the judge was clearing his throat and opening a big book. He came around the desk and stood—like a minister would—between Maria and David.
    She was really doing this.
    She could still change her mind.
    But she couldn’t change the baby.
    The words from the judge washed over her, and if the absence of her faith struck her a little too hard, she merely promised herself that she would make it right—later. That even if the word God wasn’t spoken, He was still with her.
    She was doing the right thing.
    The ring David put on her finger was wide with intricate carvings along the face and tiny little stones set into the gold. Her gaze flew to his, the surprise making her grip his fingers when he let go. When had he gotten this?
    The judge kept talking, clueless to the war going on in her head. “By the power vested in me, by the state of Vermont, I now pronounce you man and wife.” He grinned. “You may kiss the bride.”
    Panic set in, making the guilt disappear and a smidge of uncertainty burst inside her. What had she done?
    David brought his steady hand to her face and smiled, and then he kissed her—softly, sweetly, until her hands came up to rest on his chest. Her heart settled.
    “Fine then. It’s done.” The voice of Mr. March boomed, startling Maria. “Congratulations, son.”
    David let her go, stepped forward, and pumped the older man’s hand several times. Mr. March gave Maria a short yet not completely unfriendly, squeeze from the side. “I do hope you’re happy here, my dear.”
    She floundered a moment as everyone