Hey everyone! I hope your weekend was wonderful! I'm about to head to bed, but wanted to deliver this chapter to you all before I did!

Reading your reviews truly helps me continue!

Hahaha Malcolm is a baka! Completely and utterly! But, maybe their will be some redeeming qualities? Maybe? =)

We won't be diving into Malcolm's thoughts until the next chapter-so I hope you all enjoy this one!

Sweet dreams and I hope you all have a lovely Monday!

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So now I guess
This is where we have to stand
Did you regret
Ever holding my hand?
Never again
Please don't forget
Don't forget

00

Thursday Evening

Turning left and then turning right, Mina eyed the more conservative style she had. She kept her make-up neutral, only foundation, mascara, and light eyeliner. Long sleeves encased her arms and entire upper body in black lace which traveled down to her waist, from there, a pencil skirt, black in color, dropped down to the top of her knees. Her hair was piled in a high pony tail, her bangs swept to the side. Peep-toe ankle strapped heels completed the outfit. Smiling for a second, Mina almost giggled at her reflection until a little flash on her finger caught her attention.

Sighing, she sat down on her bed and eyed the massive rock which had taken up residence on her left ring finger. Why was he doing this? She was nothing but a child to him. Was his sense of duty so much that he would risk both of their happiness to make sure their child had both mom and dad in the same household? Would he even be happy married to her? Would she be happy married to him?

Mina frowned at her last thought: Did he even love her at all?

Hearing her mother welcome Malcolm, Mina glanced at the mirror one more time; grabbing her black clutch, she made her way down stairs.

"Fred was telling me you sealed that multi-million dollar client. Congratulations are in order."

Mina stepped into the kitchen as her mom stood making dinner. She eyed Malcolm in his black pant suits and dark blue button up shirt, sans tie. His shoes were even perfectly shiny.

"Ah, there she is! I don't want you two to be late."

Mina swallowed lightly as Malcolm turned his icy blue eyes towards her. When his expression changed to something she couldn't identify, she wondered if she was wearing an inappropriate outfit.

"Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?"

Mina frowned as she looked down. Her mother had worn similar outfits to greet guests.

"No, you look beautiful." Clearing his throat, Mina snapped her head up at his compliment.

"We had better get going. Mrs. Gregorsen."

Mina watched her mom smile as Malcolm made his way towards her. Feeling his hand on the small of her back, Mina felt a slight pressure as he moved forward.

"Have fun you two!"

Mina could only roll her eyes. This wasn't a date. It was a dinner meeting. How much fun could she honestly have?

00

Mina sighed as she climbed into the passenger seat of Malcolm's range rover once again. She wasn't sure where they were going or exactly how she was supposed to act. She was never good at paying attention when her mother entertained clients at their house. She probably should have asked for advice, but with everything going on, Mina felt inadequate enough.

"We'll be going to Scarpetta- I hope you're in the mood for Italian."

Mina felt her stomach, trying to see if the idea of Italian food made her gaga. When nothing happened, she gave a slight smile, "Sounds fine. The baby doesn't seem to mind."

As she eyed Malcolm pull the car onto the freeway, she wondered what his real thoughts were about, well, everything, especially why he felt the need to marry her. With her courage slowly returning, Mina decided now was the time to ask.

"Malcolm, can I ask you something?"

He seemed to tense by her tone but he offered a, "Sure" anyways.

She cleared her throat, "I want to know why. Why are you doing all of this?"

When he switched lanes, Mina swore she saw his hands tighten around the steering wheel.

"It's the right thing to do."

Mina huffed, "The last time we talked, you told me I was a child. Now all of sudden its "the right thing to do." Really?"

She watched his icy blue eyes glance her way, his closed demeanor making it difficult to understand anything.

"We didn't really talk the last time. We had sex. I reacted when I realized what I had done. This isn't up for discussion right now. What's done is done."

Mina felt the tears prickle her eyes again, "I didn't make lo-" she cleared her throat, "Have sex with you, expecting to get pregnant."

"I know."

Mina cleared her throat again, "I don't want to trap you into anything-"

"Mina, this conversation doesn't need to happen. What's done is done. You're carrying my child. We'll be married tomorrow."

His clipped tone reminded Mina of all their previous encounters, his annoyance ringing through. His body posture told her that he was done with the conversation all together.

But she wasn't.

She didn't want to marry a man who didn't love her-but what would happen to her baby.

Since she found out, she had been talking to her baby every night, the only real comfort she felt throughout all of this. Her father had made it clear: she was to marry Malcolm or deal with everything on her own. Her own brother continued to ignore her. Turning towards the window, Mina felt like crying as she watched the cars drive by.

00

"Ah! Mr. Gunner! I see you brought along a lovely date this evening!"

Mina smiled at the older man, whom Malcolm had whispered in her ear, as he approached, was Mr. Kent, his multi-million dollar client.

Her smile widened when he took her hand and gave a fatherly kiss to her knuckles, "Lucky man!"

Mina couldn't help the soft giggle that escaped her lips, "Thank you, Mr. Kent."

The jolly man laughed as he pulled out her chair for her, "Please, call me William."

Mina nodded as she sat down, her feet already killing her for her choice in shoes.

She glanced to her right to see Malcolm take the seat beside her, as William sat on the opposite side of the table, "Drinks are in order! They have a house wine that is superb!"

Mine grimaced. While her parents had always allowed her a few sips, her current state wouldn't allow her to even touch it. She eyed Malcolm, wondering if he even wanted to present the news to such a client, worried it may tarnish their company.

She gasped lightly when Malcolm's large hand tapped her still flat stomach gently, "The misses will sadly have to pass, as will I."

She saw a confused expression run across William's face before it seemed to dawn on him. His grin increased, "Why! Congratulations are in order!"

Mina blushed lightly, "Thank you."

Without missing a beat, William grabbed her hand again, "I should have guessed, you are indeed glowing. Water then!"

With a quick lift of his hand, a waiter appeared to take their order.

00

Mina couldn't stop laughing as William told another story about his childhood.

"That couldn't possibly be true!"

Williams brown eyes seemed to glow with mirth, "It is! I dare say I had them drinking mud and thinking it was a chocolate milkshake!"

Mina again chuckled then covered her mouth as a slight yawn took over, "Excuse me."

Mina eyed Malcolm for any disproval as William waved his hand, "No need. It is late and a growing mother needs her sleep. My wife, Eleanor, gave me six beautiful children. They gave me fifteen beautiful grandchildren already. Malcolm, you take this beautiful lady home and make sure she gets plenty of rest. And make sure to make more babies when you can." With a wink, William stood.

Mina couldn't stop the blush from rising across her cheeks as Malcolm stood as well.

"It was a pleasure, William. I will have the final paperwork ready to be signed on Monday."

Mina watched William nod, "I look forward to introducing your lovely lady to my Eleanor. I know they'd get along."

Mina smiled again, "I'd love that!"

With a few more goodbyes, Mina smiled lightly as William made his way out.

"Thank you, Mina."

Snapping out of her musings, she turned towards the man who had kept mostly silent throughout the evening.

"For what?"

Malcolm accepted his credit card from the waiter and motioned for her to follow, "You charmed him."

Before she could speak, he spoke again, "I need to get you home. We have an appointment at the courthouse by eleven tomorrow morning."

Mina felt her heart sink at the thought. Her wedding was an appointment. Feeling the joy of the evening slip, Mina followed her platinum man out of the restaurant and into the chilly May air.

00

Friday Morning

"Raye, are you sure this is necessary?"

Mina eyed her friend in the vanity mirror, watching her hair be twisted around the curling iron.

"Mina, I know this isn't ideal, but I'm going to make the most of this. Your hair will be beautiful. Your dress will be gorgeous. You will be a Cinderella."

Mina felt her eyes fall to her lap where her fingers continued to twirl her ring around her finger. She hardly slept- her mind racing.

"Raye, this isn't a fairytale."

Mina glanced up when her raven haired friend refused to respond. Instead, a look of pure concentration graced her features as she curled the remaining piece of hair.

"No, it's not a fairytale. But we're going to make the most of the situation. There."

Mina looked over the work. Her hair was in soft waves down her back. A silver clip pulled just a little back from her face on her right side. Her bangs were side swept.

She eyed the make-up Raye had applied earlier as well. A soft gold color surrounded her eyes as a thick layer of mascara brought out the blue. She had to hand it to Raye, she at least looked ready for a wedding. She just wished it wasn't her own.

Sighing, she stood when Raye pulled her dress out of its sealed bag.

"Now, the dress!"

00

The Los Angeles courthouse stood proud against the sunlight as Mina glanced out the window.

It was happening, as she noticed her brother standing with his hands in his pockets, his legs encased in a dark pair of khaki pants. His lips were still set in a scowl as Malcolm stood a few feet from him.

Mina eyed him from her hidden vantage point. He stood tall, his hair freshly cut. His black shoes shined when the light hit them and the black slacks he wore only made his legs appear longer. He had on a white shirt and ice blue tie that, from her point, she knew would match his eyes-eyes that were currently covered by a pair of dark sunglasses. He opted out of a suit jacket, but his overall appearance was still breath-taking to her.

"Ready, Mins?"

Mina eyed her friend then looked down at her knee length white gown. Her mother had brought her the dress last night, a 'gift' from her mother and father-though her father refused to be present when she received it.

It's three quarter length lace sleeves wrapped around her arms with elegance as the v-neck scooped down into a sweetheart dip. Beneath the bust, a wide band helped accentuate her still small waist. The dress flowed freely from there to the top of her knees. It was gorgeous-she couldn't deny that. The top half seeming to copy that of Kate Middleton's dress.

She sighed as her father tapped on the glass: a silent reminder that he still wasn't talking to her. She glanced back up at Raye, "Yeah, ready."

00

"We should be next."

Mina could only nod at the casual way Malcolm had gone through all the motions. He seemed so sure as he sat beside her. She wanted to look back at her family-to see her mother's slight tears as she dabbed away at them with her handkerchief. See Raye smiling slightly, a 'I'm here if you need me' smile that Mina knew all too well. She even wanted to see her dad or brother's faces. But instead, she sat perfectly straight, watching another couple say "I do" and kiss before everyone.

Mina's eyes widened for a moment. Was he going to kiss her? Should they kiss? Then her mind wandered further- what about tonight? It would technically be their honeymoon. Would he expect a typical honeymoon?

She hadn't even thought about this, so when the court secretary called her name, Mina sat frozen.

"Mina?"

Feeling a tap on her arm, she glanced into the icy blue eyes of the man she had always wanted to be with. Yet, a part of her felt like everything they were doing was wrong. She gasped slightly when his hand wrapped around hers and pulled her forward, her feet moving on their own accord.

"Malcolm Edwin Gunner, do you take Mina Josephine Nicole Gregorson, to be your lawfully wedded wife…"

Mina stared at his tie. It really did match his eyes. She eyed Raye and noticed a quick thumbs up.

She turned her attention back to Malcolm. His hands felt warm against hers as she eyed the judge, continued on. She felt a soft squeeze and looked up.

"I do."

The judge turned to her, "Mina Josephine Nicole Gregorson,"

Mina felt the bile form in the back of her throat. Her stomach had twisted into knots. Could she go through with this? Should she? She eyed her parents again-her mother's soft smile, her father's stone face. She swallowed lightly as she looked back at the judge.

"For as long as you both shall live?"

Mina felt her heart speed up. For a moment, she felt like she would pass out.

Her voice felt small, "I do."

The judge nodded, "The rings."

His hand slipped her wedding band on smoothly, while she felt clumsy and unsure. She breathed a sigh of relief when the judge spoke again.

"By the power invested in me, by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Mina looked through her lashes at the big hunk of man before her. Was he going to kiss her? She saw him lean down and sucked in air. When his lips barely graced her own, she felt a heart wrenching twist.

He moved back as quickly as he had come and they turned to face her family.

00

She couldn't eat. Not really. Her stomach had refused to allow her too, not because she wasn't hungry. She stared at the delicious food before her and pushed it slightly away. She glanced around as she grabbed the ice water before her. No one seemed to notice anyways.

Her father, brother, and Malcolm seemed to be discussing Mr. Kent, while Raye and her mother conversed about something else that she hadn't paid attention too.

She had asked from something simple for their wedding lunch. The Old Spaghetti Factory being an all-time favorite had been her pick. Yet, nothing seemed appealing anymore.

She jumped when an arm slipped behind her.

"Are you feeling alright?"

Mina turned her head slightly towards Malcolm, his body posture calm-collected. She felt like a bag of nerves.

"Yes. My stomach is just upset, that's all."

He nodded, his eyes dropping to her waist. "We will be leaving shortly. You'll be able to relax."

Mina nodded but inside that statement didn't help her relax.

True to his word, not even ten minutes had gone by before the bill was brought forth and paid for. Mina wiped the tears from her eyes as her mother and Raye gave her hugs-her father and brother had already moved towards the car.

"If it's not a bother, maybe I can come over next weekend and help you unpack everything."

Mina gripped her best friend tighter, "Not a bother at all! Maybe we can have a girl's night!"

"I think giving us a few weeks would be better."

Both girls turned at the male intrusion. Raye seemed to glare and Mina felt another soft sigh escape her lips, "We'll talk on Monday."

With another hug, Mina waved as Raye was ushered off.

"The movers should be done by now."

Mina lifted a brow as they made their way to his car. "All of my stuff was moved over?"

Malcolm nodded as he opened the door for her, "Your father arranged it."

Mina felt more tears sting her eyes as the door was closed.

00

Mina felt anxious as the elevator dinged away. She recalled what happened the last time they stood in an elevator together and while that experience had at first been an amazing experience, the aftermath still caused her heart to ache.

When it signaled for their floor, Mina allowed Malcolm to step off first, staying a few feet behind him.

"I have a key for you on the counter. I also added you to the list needed to get inside the building. When you change your name, it will be easier just to show an idea, but for now, you're down as Mrs. Mina Gregorson-Gunner."

Mina nodded as they moved down the long hallway, his shoes making little sound compared to her heels.

When he opened the door, Mina eyed him cautiously as he ushered her in first.

"I'll give you a tour."

Again, Mina found that all she could do was nod. She glanced when her bright orange suit cases, standing off to the side, caught her attention. It seemed her father truly did have everything moved over while they were at the courthouse.

"As you can see, everything here is self-explanatory. Living room, kitchen, and dining room."

Mina eyed the massive room which seemed to flow into the next. A bachelor pad a the finest level.

His large leather couch had its back to the door as it faced a large, dark wood tv stand that covered the entire length of the half wall. The tv was placed in the center-easily sixty two inches. Beside it, the dark wood paneling made out shelves that appeared to be covered with blue ray discs.

A matching dark coffee table, square in design, sat in the middle. There were a few pillows tossed about the couch. From there, she moved to the dining table which faced the all glass windows that stared out towards the ocean. The oak table could easily fit eight people. Two large candle holders with massive white candles, stood in the middle of the table, a good foot from each other. Turning to the kitchen, which was separated from everything else by an island in the center, Mina admired the stainless steel appliances and marble counter tops. The dark oak cabinets seemed to complete the look.

She kept her purse in front of her as she turned towards him, "It's nice."

She watched him nod as he moved his hand towards the hallway.

"This here is my office-you are welcome to use the computer in here" He moved to a second door, "This is my gym. And beside this is the guest bathroom."

Mina nodded and breathed a sigh of relief at the fourth door, "The guest room."

Coming to the end of the hallway, Mina swallowed gently at the dark maple double doors.

"And the master bedroom."

Mina glanced in, but wanted to refuse stepping inside. When his hand gently led her inside, by the small of her back, Mina felt a slight fear take over.

"There is a double vanity down that small hallway. As you can see, " He moved them closer, "on one side of the hallway is a walk in closet and on the other side is another."

Mina gulped when she realized one side was already holding some of her clothing, along with the boxes stacked up labeled 'clothes'.

Moving further into the bathroom, she eyed the double vanity, plus a seating area where she could do her make-up. Another door, that was left open, revealed to the toilet room. On the other side sat a walk in shower and a large Jacuzzi tub. The colors blended with the rest of the condo-light marble floors or counter-tops, dark cabinets.

She moved out of the bathroom, following Malcolm as they re-entered the suite.

Eyeing the king size bed, Mina quickly looked away and towards the double doors.

"You are free to add your own touches-I know this may not be to your exact tastes."

Mina nodded, her purse still clutched tightly in her hands in front of her.

She finally dared to ask, "Um, thank you. I won't do anything crazy, maybe just a tad of color around."

When she finally glanced up, she had to look away from the intensity of his stare, "Where…" she cleared her throat again, "Should I put my stuff in the guest bedroom?"

She eyed him sideways, unsure if she could handle him straight on right now-her emotions too out of whack.

She watched his brow furrow as he seemed to contemplate something.

"Mina, I don't expect tonight to be a honeymoon."

She swore he could hear her heartbeat at the moment as he continued, "But, we are husband and wife. While I don't expect anything from you, you will be sleeping here, in this room, with me."

00

Oh my!

So, we got to see Mina's thoughts in this chapter. What do you all think Malcolm is thinking?

The next chapter will bring to light some of Malcolm's thoughts, but will he continue to be the "baka" or will we find some other stuff out?

Stay tuned!

~LAla