While I was waiting for Hermione to get ready, I spent some time with my nieces and nephews so she could have her privacy. Victoire was pulling on my arm when she asked me where my watch was, and I realized I'd left it upstairs in my room. I rarely went anywhere without wearing it, so I excused myself from the kids and went upstairs to grab it.
I usually placed it on my nightstand, but it wasn't there. Racking my brain for where I might have left it, I remembered placing it on the counter in the bathroom when I was getting ready for bed last night. I walked over to the bathroom door and listened. It didn't sound like the shower was running, so I knocked.
"Hey, Hermione? Mind if I come in and grab something quick?"
I wasn't expecting her to say yes, but was surprised when she opened the door. "I suppose so. Just don't judge me too horribly for not being put together yet."
I slipped in through the door and was about to respond when the sight of her damn near took my breath away. How was she this gorgeous when her body was wrapped in a towel, her hair tied up on top of her head in a smart ponytail, and her face was only half adorned with makeup? If I didn't get out of there now, we'd end up picking up where we left off last night.
Remembering I should probably say something as I reached around her for my watch, I said, "You forget that I've seen you when you're sick."
"That was one time! And I didn't ask you to bring me soup," she scoffed, though I could see a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Who else was going to check on you?" I asked as I watched her finish applying the last of her mascara before returning the small tube to her cosmetic bag and zipping the case shut.
"I can handle myself when I'm sick," she reminded me.
When she noticed I was watching her she turned around and eyed me quizzically. "What?"
"Nothing."
She frowned, and was most likely disappointed when I didn't elaborate, but I didn't want to scare her away. "You look awfully nice," she observed. "Is our day out meant to be a date?"
I shrugged. "Do you want it to be?"
"I asked you first."
Despite my best efforts, my thoughts immediately drifted to whether I'd get to see her without the towel before she changed as I felt another part of my body react to how attractive I found her. Without thinking, I reached down and lifted her by her hips to prop her on the counter.
"I'm starting to think we should say sod it all and just stay here all day."
I couldn't help how forward I was being. Last night continued to play in my head on repeat, and maybe now was the best time to talk about it. Her lips parted as her eyes trailed down to mine, and I couldn't resist kissing her again. I'd long since lost control, regardless of knowing that this was all supposed to be fake. There was something about Hermione Granger that made me completely lose my mind in the best ways, and now that we were intimate, I wanted so much more.
Thankfully, she didn't pull away this time. In fact, she did the opposite as her hands reached around my neck and pulled me closer to her. A groan escaped my lips as her tongue slipped into my mouth. "Mione…"
Her hands drifted downwards, and I instinctively moved to undo my trousers. It didn't take long before I was thrusting inside her again. Small gasps and airy sounds were coming from her mouth, and that was enough to do me in right there. My intention had been to talk to her about last night, not that I was complaining about being in the same position again. I was quickly realizing that when it came to Hermione, there was an insatiable thirst that I couldn't quite quench.
My hand moved to her center to help urge her along as I knew I was approaching my own climax. Her nails dug into my back through my shirt as she kissed me even harder. Who knew my straight-laced, no-nonsense boss would ever be such a passionate lover? Or was it just for me? One could only hope… My thrusts became harder and more frantic, and I couldn't hold on much longer.
As if sensing my need, she said breathily, "Oh, yes, Ron, now!" And that was all I needed to let go.
I felt her own release pulse around my erection, which made my orgasm even more powerful. "Fuck, Hermione," I said as my body shook.
We stayed connected like that as we recovered from the heat of the moment. I reached above Hermione's head to grab a small towel to clean us up as she hopped off the counter.
"We should probably stop…" she mumbled quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"I appreciate that you're trying to help me make up for my lack of a sex life, and I—even though I'm enjoying this—I don't want to confuse things."
"Hermione—"
"You're already doing enough for me with this whole charade. I don't want you feeling like you owe me more than that."
She looked up at me, and I could sense the pleading in her eyes as she spoke. Was she trying to protect me? Or herself? I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came.
"If-if you don't mind meeting me downstairs, I'll just get dressed, and then we can get going."
"Er, right. Sure," I said, fixing myself before quietly leaving her to finish up her routine.
I walked right by half of my family downstairs and went outside to wait for Hermione. My thoughts were running faster than I could keep. If I had to hazard a guess, she was just as confused as I was. Neither of us was planning on having sex last night or this morning, but the more I was getting to know her, an undeniable attraction was blossoming within me.
There was more to her than what meets the eye, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I knew she was right, and things could quickly spiral out of control if we weren't careful. Maybe we were getting too comfortable with faking the domesticity of it all. It was alarming how easy it came to us, almost like there really was more between us than a simple arrangement to protect her from a life she didn't want. The lines were blurred, and I guess we needed to take a step back, even if I was realizing I didn't want to.
Less than a half-hour later, we were walking into Goldstein's. They were the local jeweler in town, and my family knew them personally. "If it isn't Ron Weasley!"
"Hey, Anthony!" I said brightly.
Anthony and I were classmates growing up. He was a good bloke, and I learned from my mum that he'd recently joined his dad in the family business. I introduced Hermione to him, who smiled sweetly.
"My, my, Weasley, you certainly know how to pick them," Anthony said to me before turning to Hermione. "It's a shame you're already taken," he said as he kissed her hand.
Anthony used to be known as the class flirt, and it was clear nothing had changed. Deep down, I knew it was innocent, but it didn't stop the surge of jealousy that flowed through me as I reached out and placed a hand protectively around her waist.
"We're here to pick out our wedding bands," I explained, drawing his attention back to me.
"Aren't you already married?"
"We eloped a few weeks ago and just haven't had time to pick them out. Mum's setting up a 'vow renewal' for us tomorrow so the family can be involved. Figured now would be as good a time as any, you know?"
"Sure thing! Our display is over there," Anthony pointed to his right to a long glass case. "Do you have an engagement ring I can help you match your band to?"
"Oh, I—" Hermione's face flushed at his question. "The decision to get married happened on holiday along with the elopement. So, I don't actually have an engagement ring, either," she admitted.
"I can help you pick one out if you'd like!" Anthony said happily.
"Oh, no, it's alright. I'm not much of a jewelry person to begin with, so I think the bands will be enough."
"Not to worry. I'll be around if you have any questions. Just say the word!"
"Thanks," I said as we walked over to the display case.
I started looking at the men's bands as Hermione looked through the women's section. She was peering through the glass at the various options that happened to be paired with various diamonds. Probably to give potential buyers an idea of what combinations would go together. I couldn't help but notice her gaze linger at a particular set.
I knew we were looking at bands, but I couldn't help but notice the diamond, too. The band was rose gold, which I knew wasn't as common, but Hermione wasn't your average woman, either. It had a twist in it, and the diamond that sat on top was modest and small but still managed to make a statement. I knew instantly that it would suit Hermione perfectly.
"That looks nice," I said, pointing to the wedding band that accompanied it.
"Hmm? Oh, yes. I know we're trying to find something practical and affordable, but my eye is drawn to this one."
I leaned in and whispered in her ear so no one else could hear. "Then get it. No one says you have to wear it on your left hand after this is all, er, said and done. If it makes you happy, then you should get it."
I hated having to suggest that, but an idea was whirring around in my head, and if that was the ring she wanted, I was determined to convince her to purchase it. Hermione was contemplating my words as her fingers touched the glass case.
"Maybe I will," she agreed. "Have you found one yet?"
I pointed to a tungsten band that had a brushed silver finish and a blue in-lay.
"I really like that," Hermione said as she eyed it.
"Anything you two want to try on?" Anthony asked as he walked over.
"Er, yeah. This one for me, and Hermione likes that rose gold band there."
"Excellent choices!" Anthony said as he pulled them out. "Let me get your sizes, and I can see if I have them available in the stock room."
Anthony disappeared to the back after measuring our fingers and we waited for him to return. "Well, you both are in luck that I have them in your sizes! Try these on."
I slipped the ring on my own finger, and it felt foreign at first. It looked like it fit on my hand, too. Hermione was watching me when I looked up to see how hers looked. She hadn't put it on yet, so I cocked my head to question why. I could tell there was some hesitation, so I reached over, took the ring from her hand, and gently pushed it onto her finger. It looked like it was meant to be there.
"Are you sure I can't convince you to try the matching diamond to go with it?" Anthony asked. Ever the salesman, he'd brought it out with him, thinking ahead.
"Oh, no, that's alright," Hermione said unconvincingly.
"It can't hurt to try," I told her, holding my hand out for the box.
I took the ring out and handed it to her. She hesitated before finally sliding it onto her finger. The set was stunning and looked like it belonged there.
"It's beautiful," she said in a hushed voice, though her face was etched with sadness. "But, it's not something we can really afford right now. We're searching for a new home together, and you know how expensive that can be."
It was scary how quickly she could formulate a lie and make it sound convincing. A lawyer through and through. "Y-yes, that's right," I agreed half-heartedly.
"We'll take the bands right now. But if we ever decide to complete the set, we'll know where to go," she said with a genuine smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Understandable! If you follow me, I'll ring you up, then," Anthony said as he nodded to the register.
"I'll take care of this if you want to meet me outside?" Hermione asked me.
"Er, sure," I responded. I knew she didn't want me to try and pay for anything, even though I wanted to help her with it.
I wasn't about to push her on the issue, so I said my goodbyes to Anthony and walked out of the shop. I was planning to take Hermione to lunch, and then I'd booked one of the boats on the lake to take her out on. It was always one of my favorite activities growing up, and I thought it might be a perfect place to talk about things without extra ears listening in.
"Hey, Ron!"
I turned to see Lavender walking up to me.
"Oh, hey." I wasn't expecting her to be around town today.
"I see we didn't scare Hermione off yesterday," she joked.
"Were you trying to?" I accused playfully.
"No, of course not! Though I thought she was going to run after Dave's lap dance," Lavender laughed sincerely.
"I would, too, if I'm being honest," I joined in with her laughter.
"You two look really happy together."
I looked up at the woman who I once thought would be my everything, only to have things fall apart because we wanted different things in life. At first, I was resentful that things fell apart, and I'd stayed close to home whenever I came to visit so I wouldn't risk running into her. I was glad that things had gotten easier, and we were on good terms now.
"Thanks. She's one of a kind, that's for sure," I responded.
"Well, I've got to get going," Lavender said. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I know your family's ecstatic that you agreed to let them do this." She leaned in to hug me, and I responded in kind.
"News travels fast, apparently."
For the first time since I'd known her, I didn't feel anything when we embraced, aside from friendship. What used to be young love, to resentment and longing, we'd certainly covered the gamut with our history. Now, I was perfectly content, and I had a feeling I knew why.
"See you tomorrow," she said as she carried on her way.
"See you!"
I turned to see how things were going through the glass of the shop and noticed Hermione watching me from just inside the door. When I caught her watching, she quickly came out of the door and handed me the small bag.
"How's Lavender?" she asked shortly.
"Fine," I shrugged. Was she jealous? "Excited for tomorrow."
"She was invited?"
"Yeah. Is there a problem?"
"No! I just didn't know how many we should be expecting, that's all."
I gestured for us to walk along the sidewalk, and we stopped to grab sandwiches at one of my favorite cafes growing up. Neither of us brought up the vow renewal until we were exiting the restaurant.
"Oh my god," she said suddenly.
"What?" I said, looking down to ensure I had the bag with the rings in it.
"What am I supposed to wear tomorrow?" Her face had gone pale.
I honestly hadn't given our attire any thought, but Hermione had a point. There were a few boutiques in town, but before I could make any suggestions, I saw Mum and Muriel walking toward us.
"There you are! We've been looking all over for you!" Muriel said.
"Sorry?" I said. Did they forget they could have just called me?
"Ron, I'm really sorry, dear, but we're going to need to steal Hermione away from you for a couple of hours," Mum said.
"But—" I started to interject.
"It won't take too long. She'll call you when it's done!"
I looked at Hermione, making sure she'd be okay with things. She returned my gaze with an unsure nod, and I knew we were thinking the same thing. They weren't going to give her a choice.
"Alright, just text me where you are. I've got something planned for us later, so don't go home without me."
She nodded while Mum and Muriel looked at the two of us, as if waiting for something. I leaned in and kissed Hermione's cheek to bid her goodbye, and that seemed to satisfy them. Watching them walk away, I figured I'd go over to the marina and change our reservation time. Then, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I'd gained a window of opportunity, and I wasn't going to waste it.
HermioneI was standing in a dressing room, staring at a variety of white dresses that Muriel and Molly had chosen for me. It was uncanny how they'd shown up as soon as I realized I had nothing to wear for this ridiculous renewal. I'd appeased them by trying on several of the dresses, but none of them stuck out to me as something I'd ever want to wear. Which was ridiculous, considering this was all for a made-up ceremony anyway, and none of it was real.
Then why did I desperately want it to be real? The more time Ron and I spent together, the more my heart kept begging for more, and it wasn't just because of the sex. There was something so kind and caring about his nature, and if I was being honest, the way we got on so well together outside of the office wasn't lost on me.
Maybe that was why I was imagining him proposing to me, for real, with the engagement ring that matched the band he'd convinced me to purchase. And that was also the reason I was staring at myself in the final dress I was trying on. The one I'd chosen, and the one that was perfectly me: A summery knee-length A-line skirt with a Princess V-neck bodice with a simple floral pattern.
"Hermione, is everything alright in there?" Molly asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Yes! Sorry," I said as I opened the door and came out to reveal the dress.
"Oh, wow," Molly exclaimed as Muriel began said,
"That's it! That's the one!" as she clapped her hands.
It wasn't even a true wedding dress, but apparently the sight of me wearing it brought tears to both of their eyes, and I couldn't stop smiling. The only person that seemed to be missing was my own mother, which immediately ruined my mood. Even if she was here, there was no way she'd be emotional or as happy as Molly and Muriel were. I couldn't believe how lucky Ron was to have a family like this, and I was beginning to wish they could be my family, too.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I imagined walking down the aisle for a real wedding, not just a fake one and was alarmed at how badly I wanted that for myself. What was more, the man I saw waiting for me at the end of the aisle was so clearly Ron that it startled me. Could I really go through this with him? Running through the motions and 'pretending' to be in love, only to have my heart broken when this was all said and done? Wasn't that why I needed to stop the casual sex? I was becoming too attached and far too quickly.
Plus, it didn't help that his entire family was being misled, and they didn't deserve this. They were sweet and kind and welcoming and would be devastated when they found out I was only using Ron to protect myself. It wouldn't matter that Ron had agreed to this scheme, and it could drive the wedge further into their strained relationship. What was I going to do?
"It looks like only a few adjustments will be needed," Molly said, once again pulling me out of my thoughts. "But not to worry, Muriel is a master seamstress!"
"Oh, thank you," I said appreciatively. "I don't deserve you all."
"Nonsense!" Molly said, waving her hands. "We're just so chuffed that Ron has found someone so wonderful. Now, if we could only get him to visit more often. Maybe Arthur and I will join you in London for the holidays this year."
Hermione smiled. "Or we could come here. I'd love to see the Burrow at Christmastime. It's been a long time since I've spent the holidays with family."
"Oh, honey," Molly said as she wrapped me in a hug. "We'll always be here for you. Ron mentioned your mum was a bit, well, difficult."
I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips. "That's one way of putting it," I said.
"Now, let's get you changed and find some accessories to go with this dress. Then you can get back to your date with Ron."
"Wait a moment," Muriel said as she dug into her bag and pulled out a beautiful hair clip. "I want you to have this. It matches the dress perfectly."
I was speechless as I looked at the beautiful clip. "I couldn't possibly—"
"Don't even start, young lady! You're going to take this from me whether you like it or not. I'm getting older, and who knows how much time I have left. If I want to give away my possessions, then I'll do so." There was an air of finality in Muriel's voice, and I didn't dare argue.
"Thank you," I said gratefully.
"Now, let's finish up here."
I stepped back into the dressing room and gave one last look at the dress before changing back into my clothes. As I hung the dress on the hanger, Molly called to me.
"Hermione, I almost forgot to tell you. We called up a special favor to the town clerk, Mrs. Bones, and had a marriage certificate drafted for you and Ron. I know that sometimes weddings in another country don't always supply one, and we wanted to make sure everything would be legal, considering the officiant was asking for one."
My bag slipped out of my hand as I froze.
"Everything alright, dear?" Muriel asked.
"Y-yes, I just dropped my bag, that's all."
"You two will just need to sign the document after the ceremony is over." Molly continued, but I stopped listening.
Did they know something was up? Was what she was saying even true? I had no idea how destination weddings worked. I just assumed the certificate was granted no matter where the wedding was located. I vaguely remembered a unit in one of our law classes on it, mainly because of Las Vegas and all the rash decisions that couples tended to make when on holiday there.
This wasn't going to be good. How was I going to tell Ron? Should I tell him? I had no idea what to do as I attempted to push the thoughts from my mind. Hopefully, the rest of our shopping would give me enough time to sort things out before I saw him again.
"You're awfully quiet," Ron said as we were sitting in a rented boat in the middle of a lake.
To say I'd never been comfortable with water was an understatement, but I could tell how excited he was to take me out here. I checked the straps on the life jacket for the tenth time as I looked back at him.
"I'm sorry."
"Did anything happen with Mum and Muriel?" he pressed.
"No! Of course not," I lied.
"Hermione, please don't shut me out. I'm sorry if we went too far this morning, but—"
"No! We didn't. Or maybe we did. I don't know." I was even starting to confuse myself. "Do you think that this is all getting too out of hand?"
"What do you mean?"
"I—I don't know! It's just that your family has been so kind and welcoming to me, and I'm basically duping them all. It's not fair to them. It's not fair to you! Maybe you're meant to be with Lavender or some other woman, and I'm being selfish by delaying that for you. Perhaps I should stand up to my mother once and for all. I don't want to make you go through this!"
"Whoa, Hermione, stop. You're not making me do anything, I've told you that already. It's all going to be fine, we just have to get through the vow renewal!"
I knew I should tell him about the marriage certificate, but I couldn't bear it. I was afraid I was going to lose him, and I didn't want that. Despite racking my brain for the last hour for a solution, I couldn't find one.
"Can we head back? I'm not feeling well." It was only half of a lie, as I was sort of making myself unintentionally sick.
Ron watched me carefully before obliging. "Are you sure that's all that's bothering you?"
How did he always know? "How are you so comfortable with all of this?"
"I don't know. I just am. No one suspects anything, and if it means protecting you from some sleazeball, then I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
He turned on the engine and began steering the boat back toward the harbor. "I don't deserve you," I said quietly as I watched the water.
I knew he didn't hear me as he stared ahead. Part of me felt guilty for ruining whatever he had planned for us out here, but maybe it was for the better.
"Thank you for taking me out here. I'm sorry if I ruined it," I said loud enough for him to hear.
"It's okay," he said with a smile. "There's a lot going on. Plus, I maybe should have asked first if you could swim. I can tell you're not comfortable right now."
I laughed nervously. "Yes, well, I wasn't going to say no. And I trust you enough to know you wouldn't let me drown."
"Even if I didn't like you, I wouldn't let that happen," he said with a mischievous grin. "What do you say we head back to the house? I could use a nap."
"That sounds like a brilliant idea."