Becoming Mrs. Lockwood Read online

  The sound of the splashing water filled my ears, and I felt another soft kiss before all was silent again.

  I awoke a little while later and Weston’s side of the bed was cold. I rolled over, soreness from the night before making itself known via pain in my abdomen. Everything was so silent as I lay there, and after a few minutes staring at the ceiling, I was ready to get up. Rolling to the edge of the bed, I expertly tumbled off and onto the hardwood below, a slight twinge catching me. It was then that a small, dark red stain on the sheets caught my eye.

  Blood. My blood.

  I stood there, staring at it, asking myself if I felt any different . . . besides the pain. Wasn’t there some switch to make you feel like a woman afterwards? If there was, I didn’t feel it. What I did feel was lonely and in need of Weston.

  Running back to my room, I tossed on some clothes and headed down the stairs. As I searched from room to room, I was left wishing the house had a paging system . . . or a tracking device. There were a lot of places to hide in a house that large, but my sleepy brain vaguely remembered something about working out.

  A light tapping drew my attention, and I found Julia sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter, typing away on her laptop.

  “Oh, hi,” I said, startled to see her. It wasn’t even seven in the morning.

  “Good morning, Wren,” she greeted with a pleasant smile, before her attention returned to her computer. “I’ve got yours and Weston’s schedules done for the day. You have one hour left to eat, shower, and get dressed before we head to get your name changed with the social security office and then your license before heading to see Sophie.”

  “S-schedule? I have a schedule? W-why?” I stammered.

  Julia smiled sweetly. “Because you’re not in Kansas anymore.”

  “I’m not sure I like these Wizard of Oz analogies I keep hearing,” I grumbled, frowning.

  Julia blinked at me before breaking out into laughter. “Well, you might as well get used to it because it is one of Weston’s favorite musicals. He tends to quote it without really knowing he’s doing it. I’m sure I’ve picked it up from him.”

  A memory of something he’d said about an actress popped into my head. “So, that’s why he said ‘if she only had a brain’ at the wax museum!”

  Julia giggled. “Oh, yes, he has a strong opinion of some actresses, or those claiming to be. Did he happen to do a little jig after? You can sometimes catch him doing that just like the Scarecrow would.”

  I leaned against the counter. “I need to see that.”

  “It’s been a long time since I last saw it.”

  “How long have you worked for him?” I asked. Based on their conversations and their relationship, which seemed to hold a lot of friendship and a sibling-like aspect, I guessed quite a while.

  “I started working for him about seven years ago.”

  “Wow, that’s a long time.”

  She nodded. “Tell me about it. I spend more time with him than anyone else.”

  “No wonder you picked it up.”

  She let out a little laugh. “We have to be in sync or things fall apart, which is probably how Oz references weaseled their way into my vocabulary. When I told him I didn’t like the movie because the monkeys freaked me out, I thought the interview was over, but he hired me.”

  “And that’s how you met his brother?”

  A blush spread on her cheeks, and she nodded. “About a week in, Miles bumped into me, spilling the stack of papers in my arms all over the floor. He was so apologetic and helped me clean up, but he didn’t ask me out for over two years.”

  The story she painted was so cute, but based on the conversation I overheard, my first meeting wasn’t going to be as nice.

  “Miles also doesn’t understand Weston’s Oz obsession.”

  I shook my head. “So odd for a man like him to love The Wizard of Oz.”

  “Well, I think it stems from when he was in junior high and played the cowardly lion. He was so cute!”

  “How do you know that?” I asked, my brow scrunching up.

  “His mother had it on video. I stole it when . . . well, let’s just say Weston and his parents aren’t on the greatest of terms right now.” Julia pursed her lips, seeming hesitant to say more. But I didn’t know if it was more about his parents, or more about him.

  “They don’t talk? That’s a shame. I hate that I don’t get to see my dad all the time . . .” I trailed off, my mind wandering to the fact that I was going to have to tell my dad, and what his reaction would be.

  “Wren?”

  “Sorry,” I said, waving the thought away. “I was just wondering what my dad was going to think about all of this. My mom was all for it, but they’re pretty different.”

  “Do I need to be concerned about security?” she asked half-jokingly.

  I nodded. “Possibly. Before he moved to Chicago, he had a full gun safe.”

  “Hmm, that actually does sound like it could be a security issue.” She pursed her lips and typed frantically away. “Please just let me know when your father is informed and if we might expect a visit.”

  “Will do.” While I don’t think she was brushing me off, I could tell her mind was on a million things and I didn’t want to disturb her any longer. “Do you know where I can find Weston?”

  “Oh!” Her eyes popped open wide. “He’s in the gym. Just go down that hall, take a left at the end, then a right, and it’s the glass door on the right.”

  “There really needs to be a map of this place,” I said with a shake of my head. I didn’t even know there was a gym. Apparently, I hadn’t been thorough enough in my exploration the previous day.

  After a few twist and turns, I finally arrived at a glass doorway and spotted Weston jogging at a steady pace on the treadmill. His head turned in my direction when the click of the door sounded my entrance. He smiled and hit a few buttons, the belt of the treadmill quickly slowed down to a crawl and then stopped.

  “Hi,” he said, breathing hard.

  Stepping down, he grabbed the base of his shirt and pulled it up to wipe the sweat from his face. As it lifted, his tight abdomen was exposed, and I fought the urge to lick my lips. He was so enticing, and though I felt him the previous night, I hadn’t really seen him.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked with genuine concern.

  “Umm . . . a little sore, but nothing too bad.” My weight shifted as silence fell over us and Weston’s gaze moved over my body.

  His hand moved up to my face, the back of his fingers caressing my cheek.

  “J-Julia said we don’t have much time to get ready,” I stuttered, his eyes burning into me.

  Leaning forward, he pressed his lips against mine, one arm pulling my body in line with his and wrapping around my waist. My fingers clenched in his damp shirt, and I rose to stand on my toes.

  His lips released mine with a groan. “We should go find her.”

  Grabbing my hand, we walked out of the room and back down the hall. Julia no longer sat perched on the bar stool at the counter and after calling out for her, we located her in Weston’s office.

  “Busy day?” he asked as we stepped through the doorway.

  “Not terribly, but you are quite packed while Wren is with Sophie. I managed for you and Carson to meet with the cast just after you drop her off, and then quickly shuttle off to meet with the guys at Universal, followed by another pitch meeting with Fox.”

  “What about Summit?”

  “They’re booked until next week.”

  Weston’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Guess they’re going to miss out on it.”

  I looked around as they talked more business, noticing all the movie posters that lined the walls. His whole office was filled with various movie memorabilia.

  “Okay, I’m going to go grab a bite before I jump in the shower. Have you eaten yet?” he asked, his question directed at me. I shook my head. “Come on, baby girl. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” br />
  Following him out of the office, I stopped at the movie poster by the door. I remembered the movie. A young angel fighting against the demons of hell to stop the apocalypse. The angel in the poster was dirty, beaten, bloody, his wings broken. He looked tired and defeated, but his blue eyes were bright and shone with inner strength, brown hair blowing in the breeze. I remembered the movie, but had only seen it on cable. A blockbuster hit that summer, breaking opening weekend records at a time before Harry Potter. Its CGI was beyond the time, making everything incredibly lifelike—so much so that even fifteen years later it was unbelievably realistic.

  I stopped at that thought and looked closer at the young man. He was thinner, and younger, not as filled out, but there was no doubt about it.

  It was Weston.

  My eyes scanned down to the bottom and, sure enough, his name appeared.

  Holy shit.

  I didn’t marry a movie producer. I married a movie star.

  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry or vomit. How did I not see it before? Was it because he was filled out now and much more manly than back then?

  Everything made sense. His conversations with Julia. Talk about press releases and worrying about paparazzi. My wonderful night in Las Vegas with a beautiful man had landed me right in the middle of a Hollywood life.

  “Everything all right, Wren?” Julia asked from behind me.

  I turned to look at her, my mouth opening and closing repeatedly, unable to speak. Pointing to the picture, she seemed to understand.

  “You didn’t know,” she said with a nod. “I had a feeling.”

  I shook my head violently. “No. I didn’t recognize him.” My eyes scanned around to the other posters that adorned the walls; more of Weston’s movie posters. “Julia, I don’t think I can do this.” My voice came out barely above a whisper.

  “Do what?”

  “Be married to a movie star.”

  She gave me a gentle smile. “He doesn’t act anymore, Wren.”

  That didn’t matter. The things they talked about already freaked me out, but I’d thought I could adapt. I wasn’t so sure anymore.

  “It’s still not a life I’m cut out for. I’m just a simple Indiana girl. We have a single story, three bedroom home on half an acre with a horse ranch behind us. There is an actual rooster that crows all day nearby.”

  Julia stepped around the desk and walked over to me.

  “Look, Wren, I’ve been Weston’s assistant for seven years, and I’ve never seen him as happy with anyone as I’ve seen him with you in the past twenty hours. He’s a good guy, and I think you two could really have a shot. It’s not going to be easy. I won’t lie to you. This business is cutthroat. But if you have each other for support, nothing can stop you.” She took hold of my hand and squeezed. “You’re in for quite a ride, but don’t worry, you have a large support system here. Starting with Weston. It’s obvious how much he adores you.”

  “Thank you, Julia. That means a lot,” I said with a smile and headed to the kitchen where my husband was calling my name.

  My stomach rolled, and I wondered if I’d be able to even eat breakfast. My heart was beating so fast it actually worried me, and I struggled to take a full breath.

  Weston blinked at me when I entered, his eyes widening as he stepped forward and wrapped his hands around my face.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I just stared at him, trying to take in a deeper breath. “You’re a freaking movie star!”

  He pursed his lips and glanced behind me before looking back. “I was.”

  I shook my head. “Weston, you weren’t just a guy who appeared in movies. You were the star. The leading man in huge hits!”

  “You’re really upset by this?” he asked, confusion etched into his features.

  “Yes!”

  “Would it have changed your mind about marrying me?”

  The way his tone dropped made my chest clench. Would it have? If I’d realized earlier, when we first met?

  “I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “But, fuck.” I shook my head back and forth. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

  He ran his hands up and down my arms and led me over to the table. After sitting on one of the chairs, he pulled me down to his lap.

  “Shh, calm down, baby girl.” His arms wrapped around me, and I leaned my face into his neck.

  It wasn’t until he spoke that I realized how worked up I’d become.

  “So, yeah, that’s my unconventional childhood.”

  My brows rose. “It’s more than unconventional.”

  He nodded. “It’s not like I didn’t know this was going to come out, but I was worried about how you’d react.”

  I knotted my fingers into his shirt. “Not good.”

  His hand continued moving up and down my arm. “Not how I was expecting either.”

  “I’m not going to fangirl you,” I said against his neck.

  He chuckled. “I think I like this reaction better.”

  “Better than fangirling you? Why?” I asked, my brow scrunching.

  “Because it just confirms even more that you’re not with me for the fame. You’re with me because of me.”

  My chest clenched. “It’s been about you since we met.”

  He pressed his lips against the top of my head. “I know the feeling.”

  “I do like your movies, though,” I said to let him know I was a fan.

  He chuckled. “That’s good. Do you feel better now?”

  I craned my head back to look up at him and cupped his cheek. “As long as you’re with me.”

  “I can do that.”

  “All the time.”

  He pursed his lips. “That might present a few problems.”

  “Like what?” I asked, my lips twitching.

  “Well, I can’t exactly have my wife following me into the men’s room, can I?” His lips slowly drew up, his eyes brightening. “Wait, let me change that.”

  I couldn’t hold my smile back any longer. “You were thinking something pervy, weren’t you?”

  He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. “See, you’re getting to know me already.”

  “Are there anymore secrets I need to know about?” I asked.

  It was just a flicker, but I could swear I saw the amusement fall from his eyes into something darker, but it was gone before I could dwell on it more.

  “Nothing you need to worry about.”

  My stomach clenched. “That means yes.” Oh, God, did I hope it wasn’t something big. I couldn’t handle any more big reveals.

  He swallowed hard. “Some things from my past are just hard to talk about, but I promise I’ll tell you. After all, we have so much to learn about each other.”

  Past. Now that was a pass I could give him, but I hoped one day we’d know everything about each other. Time would tell.

  After a bite and a quick shower, we were dressed and ready for the day. Weston took my breath away with the gray suit he wore, no tie, the top buttons undone. He chuckled as he approached.

  “Enough of that,” he said, kissing me hard before heading down the stairs.

  I must have been a little too obvious in my ogling.

  The three of us loaded into Weston’s Bentley and sped off. I felt like I was in a foreign country as we zipped through the lush green hills of California. Julia handed me a whole file worth of paperwork to fill out for my new social security card, license, and various other things, including medical history for insurance. I’d never even considered all of the red tape that went along with a marriage, let alone the added name change. It was all a bit staggering.

  Half an hour later we arrived at our first stop. It didn’t take long since I had all of the paperwork with me, and there wasn’t a line yet. I wasn’t sure if the lack of people was normal or set up using his connections, but we were off again a few minutes later.

  Upon arriving at the DMV, Weston stayed in the car, while Julia and I entered. It was there I met anoth
er of Weston’s assistants, Amy. She’d arrived when they opened and had been holding a spot in the packed office. It took about forty-five more minutes until I walked out with a new driver’s license with my brand new name: Wren Alexis Lockwood.

  It was official, more so than before. A strange feeling, almost like sadness, washed over me as I said goodbye to Wren Bradford. Something inside told me I might miss the days of being a Bradford. That being a Lockwood was going to be so much more than I ever imagined.

  I wasn’t sure if that more was good or bad, but I had the feeling that highs and lows would be part of my new life.

  Two hours after leaving the house, Weston and I pulled up to a large building; with a sign reading Brooks Fashions out front. Julia had gone ahead with Amy to meet up with Mallory, Weston’s third assistant, to prepare for the day while he dropped me off.

  Inside the large warehouse was a bustling mess of fabric and people. They were running around with their arms full of clothing, each and every one greeting Weston with a smile, and I was surprised he knew them all by name.

  “Oh, Weston!” a small woman cried out, bounding over to him, her long aqua hair with purple accents trailing behind her. “I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve been thinking about the Oscars.”

  “Sophie, the Oscars are over four months away!” Weston protested, a smile lighting up his face as he shook his head.

  “Yes! We’re almost out of time.”

  I almost laughed, but didn’t because her stern face showed her utter seriousness.

  “Strange, strange, creature. It’s only a tux. How many ways can one be made?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Says the man who hasn’t bought his own clothes since the nineties. And it’s not about the style—it’s all about the name on it.”

  Weston’s eyes narrowed at her. “I bought some clothes at Old Navy in college. On sale.”

  Sophie’s eyes widened, a loud gasp coming from her small frame. “Weston! No! I thought I taught you better.”

  Weston turned to me. “See, I told you.”

  “I’ll forgive you that blasphemous act, but you have to come see what I’ve found you first. Oh, I’m so happy you came in today!” She clapped her hands together in excitement.

  Weston let out a sigh, his hands wrapping around my biceps, lifting me up before setting me down right in front of him. My eyes were wide in surprise as I stood, stunned, in between the two.