Tickled Pink by JT Schultz

couldn’t erase the wedding kiss from her mind. Never had she been kissed where her knees had actually weakened. She chalked it up to the moment, to the fact that they found each other attractive. There was no way could she allow herself to think it meant anything else and refused to set herself up for disappointment and heartache.
    This is a sentence—not a relationship.
    Her mind returned to the balcony in Vegas where they had sat working on their tablets and catching up on work. They had a drink, casual conversation and comfortable silence.
    Since they had turned their phones off—both agreeing to leave a message that told callers they were getting married—the father’s had blown up their voicemail. Apparently, in the three days they were gone, an exchange of gifts had occurred, thanks to her friend Felix—event planner extraordinaire—and the brother of one of Richards clients.
    “Do you think your father will show up at the office?” Toni finally asked, since Richard had gone back to being quiet.
    The moment they stepped on the plane to head back to California everything had changed. She figured the reality of the situation had set in and their sentence was in full swing.
    “I doubt it.” He glanced over at her and shook his head. “The man lives at court, the golf course and caving to my mother’s wishes and whims.”
    The elevator stopped and the door opened into the lobby of Stewart Locke Investments. Mona was right. The place was dreary and outdated. Thus, Toni had been called into service. Actually, she figured it was guilt because Toni had not only cancelled her buying trips but a couple out of state jobs.
    “Good morning Mr. Bryson and Ms. De—”
    “Bryson—the last name is Bryson.” Toni corrected. “But just call me Toni. Mrs. Bryson is my mother-in-law.”
    Richard halted and turned to her. “You’re taking my last name?” His voice was a mere whisper, but she didn’t miss the surprise in his tone.
    “Yes. That’s how things are done in my family. Besides, your mother might have a fit if I don’t and go back to her threats of selling.” She sighed and offered a smile. “I’ll get my driver’s license changed this afternoon at the DMV after I drop the papers and photo evidence off at Andrew’s office for good ole Judge Masters.” She too whispered. The last thing either of them needed was anyone knowing the details of   their new life.
    He studied her a moment and a range of emotions crossed his face. “Thank you.”
    Though his tone was sincere, there was something off. For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what. She nodded, since words failed her.
    “I mean it. Thank you—you’re right about my mom.”
    “I figured,” she breathed.
    “Antonia Louisa Deluca!” her father called. The only time he used her middle name is when she was in trouble.
    She spun on her high heel and faced her father. Oh yeah he was pissed. “You forget yourself. I’m a Bryson now.”
    His eyes widened slightly as her father-in-law walked up and bounced his gaze between the two. “Richard why don’t you take your pretty wife into your office so we can have a word with you kids.”
    Richard darted a skeptical glance and she forced a smile. “After you, honey .”
    He turned and walked toward his office. Toni followed him in and both fathers followed. Her dad shut the door then turned to her and her husband. “What the hell were you two thinking with that stunt?”
    “Gee, Daddy, which stunt would that be? The one in front of the Elvis wedding chapel, the one where we actually got married or the one where we thought your lives should be as uncomfortable, just for a fleeting moment, as ours have been since you both decided to meddle?”
    Richard nodded his head. “Toni is right, there is some clarification required.”
    “I had livestock show up while court was in session,” his father exclaimed. “It was disruptive, and set the hearing back due to uncooperative