I was standing outside the City Hall with my fiancé, waiting in line to get our marriage license.
Out of nowhere, a little boy ran up, hugged my fiancé’s leg and called him “Daddy.”
I thought it was someone doing pranks, but then my fiancé smiled tenderly, scooped the kid up. in his arms and said, “I just found out,” he said softly. “When Lana and I broke up five years ago, she was already pregnant. She came back recently, a single mom with a kid. People will talk. So, I’ll give them a proper status.”
Before I could say anything, Lana Pierce walked over. Micah Langston–my fiancé–interlocked his fingers with hers, looking like the happiest man on earth.
I asked calmly, “what about us?”
Micah replied, “I have to marry Lana. As for us…”
Lana cut in with a sugary smile. “Since you’re already here, why don’t you take a photo and post it on your socials? That way your friends will think you still got married today.”
Then she actually pulled out her phone, pointed it at us and chirped, “Say cheese!”
Micah tried to reassure me. “Don’t worry, Riley. I still love you. Lana’s like family. And the kid… I just feel bad for him. Growing up without a dad can really mess a kid up. I just want to be there for him. Let’s put our wedding on hold. When he’s older, we’ll explain everything. I promise I’ll give you the big wedding you deserve.”
And just like that, the three of them walked off hand–in–hand to get their marriage certificate.
I pulled out my phone and called Asher Lane–the guy who’s been chasing me for ten years.
“I’m outside City Hall and in need of a marriage certificate. Want to be my husband?”
“You’re asking me to marry you? You’re full of surprises, Miss Vaughn,” he said, stunned. “I literally just got off a flight. I’m out of the country right now.”
“Never mind then.”
But before I could hang up, his tone shifted–suddenly urgent. “Wait! Don’t move. I’ll be back before the place closes. Whoever bails is a chicken!”
After hanging up, I let out a long breath. Guess I’d better find somewhere to wait.
That’s when I heard someone call out sharply, “Riley Vaughn!”
I turned around. It was Micah. He must’ve already gotten their license. He had the kid in one arm and was holding Lana’s hand with the other. Picture–perfect little family.
He came up to me, looking irritated. “Why are you still here?”
“I’m waiting for someone,” I said honestly. “To get a marriage certificate with.”
He rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to be sarcastic. I already told you–I only just found out about the kid. Don’t you understand?”
I nodded. “I understand.”
Micah stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Then please, just go home. I don’t want to cause a scene in front of the child.”
11:23 pm GD
I brushed his hand off my arm. “I’m serious. I’m actually waiting for someone–to get married.”
His face darkened. “Riley, this is your last warning. Keep acting like this and I swear, I’ll start to really hate you.”
Lana stepped forward with a sweet, concerned look on her face. “Are you upset because you didn’t get your marriage certificate, Riley?” she asked gently.
She pulled hers from her bag and held it out. “Here. Take a photo with mine. The covers are all the same–no one will know it’s not yours unless they open it.”
I didn’t take it. The booklet dropped to the ground.
Lana crouched down, her eyes glistening as she picked it up. Her voice trembling.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come back with the child.”
