"Where exactly are we going?" Mark asked as he stole a look at the human ball of lace sitting next to him.

Calista spit out a bit of white material that had somehow lodged itself between her lips, "I don't know. I didn't really have a plan in mind. I sort of just winged it. Don't you have a plan?"

Mark frowned, "Why would I have a plan? As much as I love upsetting rich boy, this might not be your brightest idea."

"What do you mean? Mark, I don't want to be Calista Dover! That's what'll happen once we get married."

Mark gave her a disgruntled look, "You don't have to change your last name, and you know that. The only reason I went along with this was because you're my sister. What's really going on?"

Calista looked out the car window, not answering.

"Calista..."

She sighed and pushed down the bottom of her dress, "Fine. The truth is...I'm scared. I've been married before and you know how that worked out. It didn't! I thought he was perfect but all the while he was cheating on me. I love Sebastian and he said he loves me but how am I supposed to believe him? He's super rich, and handsome, and smart...why would he stay faithful to me? Especially now that I look like a whale and you know my body might never be the same after this. What if I'm making another mistake?"

"So it's not about you not loving him, right?" Mark asked, making sure he understood what she said.

"Of course not! I love Sebastian!"

"I don't understand what the problem is."

"The problem is that sometimes love isn't enough to make a marriage work."

Mark turned in towards a fancy hotel, "We're going to hide you here. I can't be too sure but I think one of those reporters followed us."

"Hide me?" Calista asked, looking down at her gown. "This isn't exactly camouflage."

"Just trust me," Mark parked the car and came around to help pull her out. He picked up her train and shoved it in her arms. They both ignored the stares they received while he reserved a room.

"Do you think Sebastian is very upset?" Calista whispered as the concierge handed Mark two room keys.

"You walked out on a wedding to a billionaire while you're pregnant with his baby and the press is watching...I don't know about Sebby, but I'd be pissed."

"That's not helping."

"Do you want me to lie to you? Fine. Of course he's not upset. He's probably happy right now. Oh and black licorice is delicious and when I fart, rainbows come out."

"Mark-"

"Listen, Calista. I get it. You had a crappy first marriage and you're afraid to get tangled up in another one. As someone who has never been married, I can't tell you how to make a marriage work. But I can tell you that Sebastian loves you and you love him. You both have a baby on the way. Will your marriage work out? Who knows? Not me. What I do know is that you'll regret this if you keep running. I also know that even if it doesn't work out, you'll have me on your side. More importantly, if that rich boy cheats on you or so much as steps out of line where you're concerned, you just need to let me know and I'll come kick his ass. He's big but so am I."

Calista giggled.

"Now take this keycard, go up to the room and wait for me. It's going to be awhile but I'm going to talk to Sebastian."

Calista nodded and hugged her brother, "Thank you and I'm sorry for putting you in this crazy position because of my nerves."

"You're pregnant. Besides, what are brothers for if not to help their sisters run away from their weddings?"

~~~~~~

Calista was sleeping when she felt warm lips pressed against hers. Her blue eyes opened to see Sebastian sitting on the bed, leaning over her. He didn't look upset or happy but his eyes were pink as though he had been crying. She lifted a hand and pressed it to his cheek. Sebastian turned his face and kissed her palm.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's okay," he held her wrist and leaned over to kiss her lips, "Are you okay?"

A tear trickled down her cheek, "You're being so nice to me and now I feel worse."

His lips tugged upward and he settled next to her on the bed, pulling her into his arms.

"Calista, if you don't want to change your last name...you don't have to. If you don't want a giant wedding, we can have a small one."

"Sebastian-"

"I love you, Calista."

"Oh Sebastian, I'm so sorry. You know I love you too, right? I just went crazy for a moment and looking like a snow beast didn't help."

"Mark explained to me what happened. It's okay. I understand," Sebastian said. "The most important thing is that you're okay and you know I love you."

"Sebastian-"

"I know you're worried about whether or not I'll be faithful. I'm not like Adam. I'll only carry you in my heart. I admit, it may be tough on you. I'm very demanding but you already know that, don't you?" he kissed her neck.

"Sebastian-"

"I still want to marry you, Calista. Don't you want to marry me? What about our baby?"

"Of course, but-"

"Then it's settled," Sebastian grinned. "We'll get married by the Justice of the Peace if you don't want a big marriage."

"That's fine, but Sebastian...there's something important I have to tell you," Calista sat up.

Sebastian also sat up, "What is it?"

Calista pulled up her dress with a groan, "My water just broke."

-TO BE CONTINUED-

PS: I also posted a bonus chapter to Dream Catcher today.