Page 37 of Mason: His to Convince

No, if that mutinous expression was any indication, she wasn't feeling any gentle emotions, maternal or otherwise. Best to get the arrangements made as quickly as possible he thought, watching her fidget out of the corner of his eye. Maybe then they could find a balance. This tension between them was out of control and as much as he wanted to relieve it for both of them he refused to be used like that. It was going to be all or nothing. But once that ring was on her finger....

Asshole!

Moron!

Arrogant Neanderthal!

Rebecca's silent litany continued for several miles. How do I get myself into these messes? Everything I do seems to backfire. He spends weeks badgering me to marry him and what happens when I finally agree? He gets his underwear in knots.

Well it wasn't exactly a fair way of going about it, a little voice whispered. So what, it worked didn't it. Besides I tried the other way. I planned a romantic dinner and he accused me of being involved with his brother.

Well, the voice returned,you were next to naked in the same room. Yes, but that wasn't my fault. Nick understood perfectly. Why is Mason so pig-headed?Maybe it's catchy the voice whispered.

Oh shut up!

* * *

Music filtered softly through the church as Nick and Mason waited for the signal from the minister. Mason kept his word and made the arrangements without delay. Within two weeks everything was accomplished and now the church was filled with flowers and friends. The only thing missing was the bride.

Nick watched silently as Mason paced the vestry. This was more than pre-wedding jitters. Mason was frantic.

“She's not coming,” he ground out, running a hand over his face. “I know it.”

“Of course she's coming,” Nick replied calmly. “She loves you.”

“She's late.”

Nick laughed. “Rebecca's always late.”

“No, this is different. I can feel it. She's not going to show.”

“Mace, what is this about?” Nick asked, beginning to get a little nervous himself. “Did you have a fight?”

“No we aren't fighting, we're barely speaking,” Mason replied shortly.

“Good God, Mason! What are you talking about?” Nick demanded, grasping Mason’s arm. “And stop pacing, you’re making me dizzy.”

“I tricked her,” he said softly, sinking into a nearby chair and burying his face in his hands. “She didn't want to get married but I pushed and pushed. Finally, one night we were playing cards and we made a little bet.”

“What kind of bet?” Nick questioned, curiosity almost killing him.

“We were playing poker and I was losing, to say the least. Rebecca tried to trick me into making love to her and suggested we play one more hand. She wagered marriage, but she’d been on a winning streak and…anyway I cheated, and I won, but I may have lost everything.”

“One question, brother? Why would she have to trick you into making love to her?” Nick asked, still trying to grasp the whole crazy situation.

“I...” Mason paused. “I refused to sleep with her until we were married,” he finally admitted sheepishly.

Nick threw his head back and roared with laughter.

“It's not funny,” he told Nick accusingly.

Nick wiped his eyes and tried to control himself. “I'm sorry, Mace. I can't agree with you there.”

“Well you go ahead and have yourself a damn good laugh Nick, but you don't know her like I do. I've lived in fear every time we made love that she would get pregnant. Knowing how she felt about commitment I couldn't risk it. I'd like to be able to raise any child of mine.”

Nick sobered instantly and laying a hand on Mason’s shoulder apologized. “I'm sorry Mason, I never thought about itthat way and although now isn't the time or place to go into it, I do understand how you feel.”

Mason resumed his pacing and this time Nick was right behind him.