by Mia Carson
“As good as can be expected.”
“Wait— I’m confused. Why would there be a fake marriage?”
“I want to marry Jaylyn for real, and within the next few days. However, my father will never approve of me marrying my in-home cook or the chef from the restaurant he bought out,” Walker explained. “So the fake wedding would be more of a ruse to throw my father off the scent until he’s signed the lodge and restaurant over to me. Then we can announce who I actually married, and he’ll be bound by his own contracts, unable to do anything about it.”
Georgette stared as if he lost his mind. “You’re crazy. You must present your wife at the holiday party. That’s two months away. You want to keep this going for two months? How?”
He grimaced. “I hadn’t gotten that far yet, but don’t you want to be with the man you love?”
“Obviously,” she whispered and grinned. “I planned on divorcing you about a month after the wedding, to be honest.”
“The same thought crossed my mind as well, but if we do it this way, there’s no messy divorce.”
She drank her coffee as the moment stretched on and Walker waited for her to say no. But when she set her mug down, she nodded.
“Yes? You’re saying yes?”
“I’m saying this will go to shit if we’re not careful, but I like you, Walker, as a friend. And I think it’s time we put our parents in their places. We’re thirty, after all. Time to let us grow up, yes?” She held out her hand and he shook it.
“You are most certainly right about that.”
“If you’re going to marry her, the ceremony has to be done in secret. Your house?”
“I had the same idea. Would you mind terribly picking out a dress with Mariah Wilson? And I’ll get on all the other details?”
“It would help spread the rumors around if I’m seen buying a dress,” she agreed. “Call me as soon as you need me.” She giggled and covered her mouth when he glanced at her funny. “Sorry, I haven’t had this much rebellious fun since I was a teenager.”
“Welcome back to the rebellious age.”
He told her he’d text her soon and texted Jaylyn, but there was no response so he assumed she was still asleep. His next stop was to see Mariah and ask her permission to marry her daughter in secret. He’d barely gotten the words out after she invited him into the kitchen when she jumped up and down with joy and hugged him.
“Yes. You have my permission, and this secret wedding thing sounds exciting. What do you need me to do?”
He was blown away by her enthusiasm but saw the need for distraction on her face and was happy to oblige. “I hoped you and a friend of mine could pick out her wedding dress. And the flowers, too. I know she’s not a traditional flower type of woman.”
“Not even close. Leave it to me. When do you want to do this?”
“Do you think it’s possible in two weeks?”
She hugged him again. “Two weeks it is.”
He was getting close to her birthday but didn’t want to get married on the day. However, this was sort of a present for her. He hoped. Part of him worried she’d hate him springing a wedding on her, but she had an adventurous side. Either she’d smack him and call him an idiot or she’d run with it.
His next stop took him to see Hannah at the bar, where he texted and asked Frankie to join them. When he told them the plan, Hannah was all for it, but Frankie looked ready to deck him.
“Oh, stop being a hard ass,” Hannah muttered and hit his arm. “You’ll do it. We’ll be there.”
“Good. Jaylyn wouldn’t want to get married without either of you.”
Frankie’s face softened. “Do you need anything from us?”
“Do you know an officiant we can get in two weeks?”
“You’re looking at one.”
Walker thought Frankie was kidding, but he pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed over a card. “You’re an officiant?”
“My sister asked me to become one last year. Pretty easy.”
“Do you mind? I think Jaylyn would get a kick out of it.”
“I’ll do it—and Walker, this better all be for real.” He tucked his wallet away. “If you break her heart, I’ll break your legs, and that’s not an idle threat.”
Hannah rolled her eyes and set three beers on the counter. “Stop with the pissing contest. A toast—to Walker and the future Mrs. Allard!” They drank their beers and Walker checked his cell. There was a message from Jaylyn asking if he’d be back for lunch.
“I’ll keep you both posted,” he said and paid for the beers. “I have to get home before she suspects anything.”
He drove through town but stopped at one more place on his way out to pick up a bouquet of colorful fall flowers and a cute, stuffed puppy. Two weeks. He had to keep the wedding under wraps for two weeks and then he could officially marry the woman he loved. A woman he never expected to find hiding in the restaurant his father bought out. How life worked out this way was a mystery, but he was finished fighting it.
Jaylyn snuggled with the pillow and tried to go back to sleep. Walker’s alarm had gone off earlier than normal, but he told her to stay in bed. He wasn’t going anywhere but had to make some phone calls from the study. She smiled when he kissed her and the dogs traipsed out the door after him.
For two weeks, he’d acted weird, and she had yet to figure out what was going on. She tried talking to her mom about it, but Mariah was out of town for a week. Her friends decided to take her on a cruise to get her away from Woodstock. Jaylyn didn’t argue. A vacation was just what her mom needed, and she was happy to see her go and have a good time. It left her with Hannah to talk to, but she was busy at the bar or with Frankie every time she called. Jaylyn thought it was weird but didn’t worry about it.
What did drive her nuts was the fact that her old rundown truck had vanished from the drive a week ago. She hadn’t wanted to part with it, since it was Darien’s, and when she asked Walker what happened to it, he said she had to be patient. That was only the start. Then he started bringing her flowers—a new one every day—and seemed to judge her response to them. After that, it was cake, not baked by him, and yesterday, he spent the whole afternoon dancing with her in the living room to various songs until they finally found the perfect one for them both. She’d asked him what he was doing, but he grinned and told her nothing. He was losing it. The deal with his dad and the pressure of the restaurant was making him lose his mind. She decided to ask if they could go away for a weekend, get away from New Hampshire and have a few days completely alone.
A knock sounded at the bedroom door and she frowned. Walker wouldn’t knock and it was far too early for Douglas to be there. Sitting up and making sure she had at least a t-shirt on, she called out, “Come in.” The woman who stepped inside was not who she expected at all and she yanked the covers up to her chin.
“No need to be shy, dear,” Georgette said with a bright smile, carrying a garment bag over her shoulder. “I’ve known for quite some time.”
“I’m dreaming,” Jaylyn muttered. “Right? This is a dream?”
“Hmm? No, not a dream,” she said and hung the garment up on the closet door. “But on the bright side, this isn’t a nightmare either.”
“Why are you here? And why are you smiling?”
“Because this is a happy day, trust me. You will be blown away. I think we got your size right. Your boobs are bigger than mine, I think, but it should work.”
Jaylyn shook her head. “My boobs?”
Georgette nodded and bounded to the bed, holding out her hand. “Come along, my dear. We have a lot of work to do to get you ready for today.”
Jaylyn’s mind raced. “I’m sorry, I just… I don’t understand what’s going on.”
“You are getting married.”
Jaylyn’s heart stopped and her jaw dropped. “I’m sorry, what?”
“You and Walker are getting married—in secret of course. It’s all part of his plan to get the restaurant ba
ck, and for him and me and you to get what we want.”
“I’m getting married?” she breathed and grinned in disbelief. “To Walker? Today?”
“Yes! It’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“But aren’t you mad about me being here?” she said, confused, and waved her arms around the bedroom. “I mean, you and he were dating and supposed to get married.”
“It turns out I’m in love with someone else, like he’s in love with you,” she explained. “Walker found a way to remedy this situation. So, do you want to sit there and keep talking about it or do you want to get married?”
“But my mom—she’s not here, or my friends?”
Georgette tugged Jaylyn out of bed and guided her to the garment bag. “They will be soon. I’m in charge of your hair, your makeup, and your dress.” She reached for the zipper and unveiled the dress hiding behind it. “What do you think?”
Jaylyn was speechless. The dress was ivory and had a plunging neckline with an overlay of lace and delicate beading. It was strapless and had a sash ribbon at the waist that trailed down the front to a slight mermaid hemline.
“Georgette…this is perfect,” she whispered. “How did you know?”
“Your mom, of course. You really think she’s been out of town this whole time? Nah, she’s been with me. She’ll be happy to know you approve.”
“How did you get my sizes?”
She giggled. “Ah, you’ll have to ask your soon to be husband about that. Something about you sleeping and him taking a measuring tape to you.”
Jaylyn let Georgette drag her to the bathroom so they could get started on her hair and makeup. Walker had organized all of this so they could get married and have their happily ever after. The lengths he went to for her touched her deeply, and her love for him grew as the hours ticked by. Mariah showed up with Hannah, both dressed for the black-tie affair. Hannah told her Frankie was with Walker downstairs, getting ready, along with Douglas and the dogs.
“But how is this going to work? Leo’s going to want to know who he’s marrying before he signs the contract,” she said in a panic after she slipped on the dress.
“All taken care of. I’ve been around three cities, shopping for dresses, tweeting about wedding plans, and everything else I can think of. When Walker tells his dad he’s waiting to officially present his wife at the holiday party, Leo will assume that the rumors were true and he married me.”
“And you’re sure his dad can’t go back on the contracts?”
“Nope. We had four different lawyers look at them. Your restaurant will be yours again.” Georgette hugged her. “You’re saving me, too, you know. Walker’s meant to be with you and you’re giving me the chance I need to be with someone I love.”
“Will you stay for the wedding?”
“If you want me to, I’d be honored.”
Hannah hugged her next and then Mariah. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Your father would be too. You look fantastic.”
Georgette had done her makeup with the hand of an expert and her hair was piled on top of her head with curls trailing down her back. Mariah handed over the bouquet of orchids and Hannah helped her dab at the tears blurring her vision.
“I love you all very much,” she whispered. “Thank you for doing this for me—for us.” Music filtered up from the first floor and she trembled with nervous excitement.
“Ready to get married?” Hannah asked.
“More than ready.” She walked out of the bedroom and let Georgette and Hannah go down the hall first. They disappeared when they made the turn on the stairs. Jaylyn took a deep, shaky breath and smiled at her mom, who was escorting her to her groom.
Jaylyn forced herself to take the steps slow so she didn’t fall on her face. When she reached the platform and turned, the living room had been transformed into a scene from a fairy tale. The furniture was gone and a white runner led from the bottom of the stairs to an arbor covered in orchids. Frankie stood in a tux under it and Walker was beside him. Tears brimmed in his eyes when he saw her, and Jaylyn nearly sprinted to him. He stared at her dress, and his smile widened with each step bringing her closer to him and their future together. Mariah held out Jaylyn’s hand, and Walker accepted it, bringing her around to face him.
“Are you surprised?” he asked.
“A bit, yeah,” she replied, laughing. “I can’t believe you did all this.”
“I think we’re worth it.” He pulled a box from his tux jacket and sank to one knee before her. “I figured I should at least ask,” he added as those in attendance grinned. “Jaylyn Wilson, we met because of a horrible situation, but now we’ve come together to learn a love stronger than any I’ve known. Be my wife? Share my life with me?” He opened the box and her heart flipped over the beautiful diamond and amethyst ring nestled in velvet.
“What do you think?” she finally managed to say.
He took the ring, slipped it on her finger, and they embraced, kissing as if no one was there. Frankie coughed loudly and cleared his throat. “Do you think we can marry you two before you lose your clothes?” he teased.
Reluctantly, they pulled away from each other and gave the floor to Frankie.
“Now, we have come together today in secrecy to wed a very good friend of mine and a man I have come to not only respect, but call a friend.”
Jaylyn squeezed Walker’s hands, and as Frankie talked on, looked into his eyes, seeing everything she wanted in a home and a life laid out ready to be lived.
17
Walker tugged at his bowtie as the stringed band played on the patio. Heaters created a perimeter out onto the lawn so the festivities could be carried outside as well as inside. Leo had invited more people than was normal, and Walker’s nerves about tonight threatened to eat him alive. Jaylyn was hiding upstairs, for now.
When he’d seen her in her snug red gown, they’d stolen a few moments so he could show her exactly how hot she made him in that damn fabric. When the time was right, he would make the announcement.
Georgette was there as well, but they kept their distance, only sharing slight smiles and waves from across the room. A month before, Leo approved of Walker being married and said before his son could even tell him he knew he’d eloped with Georgette Tindal. Walker faked looking surprised, worried for the secrecy, but Leo patted him on the shoulder and brushed away his worries.
“If you want to have a good life, son, you keep your wife happy. I saw the tweets along with everyone else. She was excited about a small, private wedding.”
“Thanks, Father,” he’d replied, sighing inwardly with relief that his father bought the ruse.
“You have truly surpassed my expectations. The lodge and the restaurant are yours.” He’d signed the papers and handed them over without another word. “I do expect you to make the marriage official at the party, of course, but for now, enjoy the honeymoon phase before the rest of the world invades your life.”
And that’s exactly what Walker had been doing, but not with Georgette. He went home that day and showed the papers to Jaylyn. She’d screamed and leapt into his arms, thanking him profusely for what he’d done for her, but she didn’t seem to understand what she had done for him. When they’d first met, she’d called him a coward, and back then, he had been afraid to stand up to his father and take control of his life.
No longer.
The weeks with Jaylyn as his wife were the best of his life. They were so close to being finished with this scheme of his. He shifted from foot to foot, wanting to come clean right now, but he had to wait for his father to give his annual speech. Then he would announce Walker breaking away from the main company and entering a new phase with a new wife by his side to help build up the business.
“Walker,” Georgette said when she neared him. “How is she?” she added in a whisper.
The people around them smiled and turned away, most likely to gossip about the choice to elope. Let them. They’d have more interestin
g things to talk about soon enough.
“She’s good. Probably less nervous than I am.”
“Don’t forget why you’re doing this,” she reminded him. “It’ll all be worth it.” She kissed his cheek and wandered back into the party.
Walker considered ducking inside and speaking to Jaylyn one more time, but this was his plan. He steeled his nerves. After tonight, he would be free from his father. The lodge would be his and the restaurant would be hers. He meandered to the bar, downed a bourbon, and checked his cell to see a text from Jaylyn. She said she loved him and no matter what came next, they would work it out.
The night before, they sat down to have a very blunt conversation in case this plan fell apart. If Leo found a way around the contract, they would let him keep the restaurant, but Walker was leaving the family business for good. Even if they had to start over, move across the country, and open a whole new restaurant, they would do it.
He debated on a second drink when Leo raised his glass over his head and the music stopped. “If I could have everyone’s attention, please?”
The guests moved to gather on the patio and in the backyard for Leo’s speech. Walker migrated towards his father’s side and shoved his hands in his pockets so no one would see them shaking.
“This has been a busy year for our company,” Leo started. “Walker took on his first project, and it has been one of the most successful in the history of this company. Profits are up, and within a year, we’ll make back everything we put into making the Sparrow’s Nest Lodge and Jaybird’s Roost restaurant into what they are today.”
Polite applause sounded at his words, and Walker smiled and nodded at their approval.
“In other news, my son will be branching away from the main company and officially taking over and staying in charge of the lodge and restaurant property.” More applause sounded and Walker knew what was coming next. “And as I’m sure many of you have heard, Walker has made a personal change in his life, but I’ll let him tell you about that himself. Walker?”
He cleared his throat and held up his hand in greeting, stalling until he was sure his voice wouldn’t give away his nervousness. He spotted Georgette in the crowd, texting on her phone. She gave him a thumbs up and he nodded.
