Page 39 of Mason: His to Convince

“I love you more than anything in the world,” he began, softly stroking his thumbs over her cheeks. “I've waited forever for this day, and there were times I thought it might never come, but it has and I can't go any further without telling you the truth.”

Rebecca's heart froze. The congregation faded away and there was only Mason, his size blocked out everything but him, his eyes holding her spellbound.

“I cheated,” he stated softly, guilt in his eyes for all to see.

A collective gasp went up from the congregation as Rebecca's heart resumed beating with a furious pace… Oh my God, she thought swaying and putting a hand to her forehead. I've driven him to another woman.

Mason pulled her into his arms, afraid she would slip into a heap at his feet. He knew he had to confess his deception before she said 'I do' but he hadn't expected this reaction. Lord, he thought, she really wouldn't have married him if he hadn’t won that stupid game.

Recovering with a vengeance Rebecca shoved out of his arms and smacked him across his chest with her flowers, petals flying everywhere. Her hooped gown was swaying crazily and she stomped her foot down hard on his.

“With whom?” she demanded her hands fisted on her hips, totally oblivious to everyone but Mason.

Mason limped backward, not sure she wasn't planning a further assault and eyed her cautiously.

“Not that kind of cheated,” he shot out; appalled she would think such a thing.

Nick, watching the congregation, thought they looked more like they were at a tennis match than a wedding. Left, right, left, heads snapping back and forth. Sighing he stepped back a little himself when Rebecca grasped Mason's lapels and pulled him down to her, nose to nose.

Maggie held her hand over her mouth, although at this point she was incapable of speech.

“What other kind is there?” Rebecca drawled softly while preparing to give him a good kick.

“At cards!” he shot back. “I cheated on the last hand.”

The minister held out his hands pleadingly, and sighed with relief. Giving a nervous laugh he tried to regain control of the situation. Mopping the sweat from his brow he spoke up.

“Well now, that's not so serious, may we continue with…”

Rebecca's fingers loosened on Mason's lapels. Nervously she began to smooth out the wrinkles she'd made as he watched her cautiously. Backing up she adjusted her dress and fiddled with her flowers and gave an apologetic smile to her guests.

Weak with relief that Mason hadn't physically cheated on her she now realized he hadn't open the envelope. At this point she was sorry she hadn't left it at home and given it to him later but it was too late now.

Squaring her shoulders she faced him; might as well get it all out in the open. She could only imagine his wrath later when he realized he'd made a complete fool of himself for nothing.

“Mason,” she began with a meekness that immediately put him on alert. “About cheating, we might as well clear the air…”

Now it was his turn to burn. The thought of her in another man's arms almost brought him to his knees. The thunderous look on his face had Rebecca backing up, had the minister re-thinking this whole marriage.

“Did you open the envelope Nick gave you?” she asked quickly before she changed her mind.

Mason stared at her, remembering the envelope Nick handed him moments before. Finally, shoulders slumping he patted his pockets until he located it. Pulling it out he slid his fingernail along the seal to break it, fully expecting to see a written confession of Rebecca's infidelity.

Mason stared at the contents.

The Reverend Whittaker tried peering over Mason's shoulder.

Nick and Maggie both took an involuntary step forward, and the congregation leaned forward in their pews as well, all trying to see what Mason had in his hand.

Rebecca smiled.

For endless seconds Mason studied the contents of the envelope.

The minister slid a finger under his collar and tugged.

The congregation waited breathlessly.

Nick gave up and walked over to slip his arm around a shaking Maggie, wondering if it would be inappropriate to offer her a swallow from the silver flask he carried in his pocket.