Chapter 2: The Day I Beat Colton

That hit my dad’s sore spot, since I was his only child.

Same old, same old. The two of them started arguing right there on the sidewalk.

Go, Dad. I hid behind my dad, cheering him on.

Poor kid. Not really. I watched as Colton was led inside by his mom to get patched up.

As he stepped over the porch, he turned back to look at me.

Serves him right. His face was covered in splotchy bruises, his eyes swollen and red from crying. He looked totally ridiculous.

I couldn’t help it—I burst out laughing right there.

“Colton, you’re so useless. Every time I see you, I’ll beat you up!” And I meant it.

Mr. Blake’s hands trembled with anger. “Such a wild kid! Who would ever dare marry you in the future?”

“That’s none of your business, Mr. Blake. Who knows what could happen between a tortoise and a green bean!” (Honestly, I don’t even know what that means, but it sounded good at the time.)

“That’s all that counts. Right now, what matters is that I beat up Colton!”

Honestly, it felt awesome.

I puffed out my chest, feeling like I’d just scored the winning touchdown. Who cared what Mr. Blake thought? At that moment, I was invincible.

But who would’ve thought that ten years later, the mayor would send out an official order, marrying me to Colton. (I know, right? Only in this town.)

I couldn’t hide my disappointment.

“Dad, is the mayor doing this on purpose? Everyone in the city knows you and Mr. Blake can’t stand each other.”

“If I marry into their family, will I ever have a good day?” Probably not.

He was so stressed, he broke out in cold sores.

Stepmom came over and held my hand.

“Sweetie, you know your dad loves you best.”

“He’s worried sick. Because of this, he hasn’t slept well for days. He’s even more anxious than you!”

No contest—there’s no doubt my dad loves me most.

He needed someone. After that dog-chasing fight, I tried to convince my dad to remarry and have a son to keep him company.

He just wouldn’t do it.

He loved my mom, but she passed away young, right after I was born.

Old-fashioned, maybe, but that’s how folks around here see it: ‘having no son’ is considered the worst luck.

I didn’t want my dad to be bullied.

Even more, I didn’t want him to grow old alone.

Stepmom was someone I found through a friend. At first my dad was reluctant, but she could handle anything.

With my efforts to bring them together, I finally got a little brother.

Now, after only a couple of good years, I’m about to be sent to the wolves.

I wailed, pouting.

“Is there really no way out? Colton and I have been enemies since we were kids—how can we be husband and wife!” It made no sense.

Figures. I heard that when Colton got the news, instead of getting angry, he laughed.

He made harsh remarks, saying that after I married him, he’d find every way possible to make my life miserable. “Just wait, Savannah. I’ll make you regret this every day.”

I was nearly in tears from anxiety.

Dad kept sighing.