by Zoe York
“Thank you.”
Wanda, Ginger’s grandmother, appeared from the back room with a large box. “Allison? I have those fabric scraps for you.”
“I’m making quilts for the Quilts of Valor Foundation,” Allison said. “I’m going to create something special in honor of war brides—a quilt made with bits of material from wedding gowns. A lot of women got married without a fancy dress during the war.”
“Speaking of which, Lily deserves a nice dress. There’s no war here.” Wanda gave Lily a big, hopeful smile. “And yes, I was eavesdropping as much as I could while rummaging about back there.”
Allison laughed good-naturedly. “You’re a good friend to her, but it sounds like she’s looking to elope.”
Ginger sighed, seemingly giving up her quest as Olivia assured Lily she’d find her the perfect sundress for her big day.
Lily nodded blindly, seeking the door. Standing in a bridal shop had made everything feel pretty real and it had been a busy twenty-four hours. From the ring to the prenup, but now family, too. Olivia was sticking up for her and soon they’d be sisters for a while.
And then they wouldn’t be.
And Lily would be alone once more.
Chapter 4
Ethan tapped the window’s button twice, sending it zipping downward as he called out of his SUV, “Hey, Lil!”
She was in front of Veils and Vows, looking slightly overwhelmed. Ethan knew he should get out of the car, show her some respect and not shout to her, but his leg was killing him from the weather swing. He guessed they’d have rain within an hour or two and had tossed a waterproof windbreaker into the backseat earlier.
Lily gave him a little wave, the wind opening her suit jacket, pressing her blouse against her distracting curves.
“Get in,” he said, knowing he sounded gruff.
Lily raised one eyebrow, but walked around to the passenger side. She climbed in, bringing with her fresh mountain air and a scent that was feminine and somehow familiar.
“Do you have ID with you?” he asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“You’ll need it for a marriage license.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” She leaned back in the seat. “They were trying to convince me to buy a big dress, so the sooner we’re married the easier it’ll be to hold my ground.” She gave a shaky laugh, fluffing her light brown locks with her fingers and sending them tumbling around her face, making her look delicate and beautiful.
“My family is planning a surprise engagement party,” he said.
“Oh.” She looked pleased, but taken aback.
“I think we should get married before it happens.”
“Okay. When is it?” She helped herself to a sip of the water he had open beside him―and left a ring of lipstick around the mouth of the bottle. It didn’t bother him, but it made his mind go utterly blank.
“Next week?” she prompted.
“Uh, tonight. At seven.”
She had been sneaking another swig and sprayed water everywhere. “Tonight?” She dabbed at her wet chin, then used her jacket sleeve to dry his dash. “That’s really soon.”
“Yeah.” And right now was a perfect time to wed. There was no catering to take care of, and Leif, the chef at Benny’s, had things under control leaving Ethan free to take care of things with Lily. And they had to strike fast, too. They’d been engaged for less than a day and the town was already diving into preparations like it was an emergency situation. They had to get married before things got out of hand.
Ethan had pulled away from the curb and hesitated, unsure which direction he should drive. “Are we getting married or what?” He chided himself for his gruffness.
She didn’t reply immediately and he took a better look at her. She appeared tired, uncertain.
“Are you dying?” she asked.
If he’d been drinking water it would have been his turn to spray it all over the dash.
“What?”
“Or sick?” She was eyeing him carefully.
“No.”
“Is there anything I should know about before marrying you?”
He felt taken aback. What had they been talking about in the bridal store? He was certain nobody else in town, aside from his doctor, knew about the chance he was developing severe arthritis. And whether he was or not, it wouldn’t impact their marriage.
He paused at a stop sign, one block off Main Street. “We don’t have to do this. We can figure something else out.”
“No,” she said fiercely. She reached over and turned down the music, sending “When Something Stands for Nothing” by Headstones almost to mute. “We both know what we’re getting into and this is the best way for both of us.”
He pulled away from the stop sign, his heart beating hard against his ribs as he said lightly, “Last chance to back out.”
“Do you want to?”
“I’m about to drive us the next town over so we can get married.”
Derbyshire wasn’t far, but there’d be less chance for anyone to interrupt their elopement—which was fairly likely in Blueberry Springs, with everyone wanting to be a part of the celebration. Awesome, but slightly inconvenient.
She gave a nervous laugh. “I didn’t get you a wedding band.”
“I don’t need one.”
“Then how will anyone know you’re mine?”
Know you’re mine...
That sounded good.
He found himself giving her a funny look. “Well, it’s not real…and rings can be expensive.”
“You got me a ring.”
Of course he had. It wouldn’t be right for her to have a bare finger.
The only other woman who’d ever worn his ring had given it right back again after she’d found out his crash had left him paralyzed, with a very slim chance of recovery. And he expected Lily to do the same once she could take over the businesses—leave him.
“So why can’t I get you one?” Lily’s eyes had narrowed and she looked borderline angry.
“Men rarely wear rings and there’s no reason for you to spend that kind of money on me.”
“Well, my husband wears a ring, so you can stop at the jewelry store or else I’m not marrying you.”
Ethan pretended to give a weary sigh as he attempted to hide his amusement. It was ridiculous for her to go to the bother and cost. Plus, he honestly didn’t know how he felt about wearing a wedding band. It felt like flaunting the lie, a constant reminder of how he’d never be a real husband to someone as wonderful as Lily.
“Lil—”
“I’m serious.”
He glanced over to confirm what he already knew. She was digging in.
“Fine.” He turned the vehicle in the direction of the jewelry store, dark clouds starting to knit together to the north.
“Good.” She crossed her arms.
“If that’s how you want to spend your money.”
“I also expect us to remain exclusive while married.”
He braked in front of the store with a jerk and Lily’s seat belt clicked, locking her tightly against the seat. His voice was shaky with indignation as he stated, “It may be a fake marriage, but I am an honorable man, Lily Harper. If I’m married, I’m married.”
“Good.”
“Good.” He threw the vehicle into Park with a snap.
“The same goes for me. And I’m glad you chose this store. I like the rings better here than in Derbyshire.”
Ethan swallowed hard, hoping his voice didn’t sound pained. “You’ve been ring shopping?”
“You’re not the only one trying to make this look real, buster.” She scowled at him as she climbed out of the SUV and slammed the door.
He sat in the vehicle for a moment, finding himself smiling. It was good to have someone dish it back. It happened so rarely it made him feel a little bit alive.
Human.
Like she wasn’t afraid of breaking him with her words or moods.
He liked it.
Sh
aking his head, he carefully climbed out, catching up with Lily, who was already taking charge inside the store. She was playing down the congratulations with a smile and wave, already choosing rings. His kind of woman. Dani had made such a huge fuss over her ring it had been embarrassing. Especially when she’d turned right around short weeks later and handed it back to him. Man, had he ever been a fool. He should have seen it coming.
“What do you like? White or yellow gold?” Lily asked.
Ethan had thought about that very thing years ago. He’d chosen yellow gold for Dani, thinking it classic. He’d placed the whole set on hold, ready for the special day when they would commit to each other for life. It had taken him several attempts to summon the courage to propose. He’d received a lukewarm yes that had turned into a no once the doctor told her there was a good chance he might never walk again and would likely live off a disability pension for the rest of his life.
“White or yellow gold?” Lily repeated.
“I don’t care,” he snapped. He wanted white gold and had bought Lily’s ring in white for a reason. Plus, they should match.
No, it didn’t matter. They weren’t wearing these forever. Just long enough for her to establish herself as the owner of Benny’s and the catering company. The rings could go to a pawnshop for all he cared.
But they should still match.
“White,” she decided. “It’s got to be bad luck to not wear a set, don’t you think?” She began skimming the cases of white bands. “Diamonds?” she asked. She glanced at him, adding, “No, too flashy,” before he could reply that it wasn’t to his taste.
They cruised the cases, Lily leading, Ethan pretending not to care. Wearing her ring for a year was going to feel like he was overstepping his bounds. His family was going to be mad when they broke up.
But he’d be able to give Lily what she deserved—her own restaurant―and that would make it all worthwhile.
Every once in a while her comments would draw him in and he’d find himself agreeing with her assessment.
“Do you like your engagement ring?” he asked, leaning against the case, allowing his leg take a break.
Lily held out her hand, taking in the ring as though considering it. Her long, slender fingers looked delicate with the simple, yet generous diamond. It pleased him, the way it appeared as though he was spoiling her. Buying the ring had pushed back his date for paying back his dad and Trish, but he felt it was worth it—especially when her cheeks flushed pink and she got that cute, shy look. “It’s nice.”
“We could exchange it. Get you something bigger.” It was only money, after all. And maybe a nicer ring would help take the social sting out of marrying a man who not only didn’t love her, but would soon divorce her, while all her friends were staying together, starting families. Plus he’d seen Lily’s rusted old car. This was likely the most expensive thing she owned.
She curled her hand against her chest. “No. I like it.”
Their eyes met and he made a point of checking his phone for the time as a flash of something that felt like a whole lot more than a guy sticking up for his sister’s BFF passed between them. It felt like a peek into the future. A future with Lily.
She returned her attention to the rings, hustling the selection process along and pointing out five different rings she’d like to see.
As the clerk lined them up on the case, Ethan realized they were all ones he’d have chosen for himself. And even though Lilypad was going to upturn his life soon, upsetting his quiet balance, he decided that might be a good thing.
Lily studied the rings lined up in front of them.
“Too expensive,” Ethan said, discarding an etched band.
“I’m choosing,” she said, pulling the ring back into the lineup. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the clerk watching them as though he didn’t quite believe they were a couple.
“I’m being reasonable,” Ethan said. She stepped closer to him, the heat from his body was pressing into hers, making it impossible to concentrate.
“And it’s my choice for my husband.” She could afford it—sort of—and it was one of her favorites. Plus, it wasn’t as though he’d skimped on her engagement ring.
The employee was still watching with skepticism. She needed to get Ethan to loosen up. She didn’t remember him being this standoffish as a teen. She needed him to warm up so they looked like they might actually be in love.
Not that he’d ever fall for her. He was using her to get what he wanted, then he’d leave her like all the others had. Only this time she was going in with her eyes open and her heart on ice.
Ethan’s ex, Dani, had been the only one to claim his heart, and the woman had had everything. Grace, beauty, smarts. Someone had mentioned she’d moved to New York and was modeling for Vogue. She even had her own line of perfume. Lily definitely wasn’t in that league. Or anywhere near it.
“I’m the one who has to wear it,” Ethan said, his voice low and gravelly. He was trying to nudge the more costly ring out of the line again.
“And I’ll be wearing its mate.”
Their eyes met and she felt a flash of something she didn’t want to resist, but wanted to explore. What was it? Longing? Lust?
“Maybe I picked out the entire set and paid for it when I chose your engagement ring.” Despite Ethan’s gruff tone, there was a telltale lilt of teasing there, too.
The clerk whispered something to a colleague who’d come out of the back room, both of them sneaking looks at her and Ethan. Lily found herself wishing Ethan would bend her over the display case and kiss her so hotly nobody would ever doubt they were a couple.
As if he’d ever kiss her. He’d probably look like he was kissing his sister if he did. And that was going to be a problem, wasn’t it?
“You didn’t pick any out,” she stated, pulling her brain back to the problem of rings as Ethan checked the time once again. Yeah, yeah, in a hurry. She got it already.
Get married before the engagement party, put the ball back into their court.
But rings were a big decision.
“You don’t know that I didn’t,” he said lightly.
“Yes, I do.” She stared him down and a smile began to play at his lips. Why did he always find their bickering so amusing? It was like he wanted her to fight a bit, wanted her to shove back.
“How do you know?” he asked, crossing his arms, leaning against the case even though there were signs saying not to. She pushed him off the glass, pointing to one.
“Because you would have marched in here with your bossy pants on and said it was what we were getting.” She shifted closer, allowing her chest to brush his as she acted the part of the fiancée getting her way. “And you didn’t. So I know.”
He cleared his throat and tapped a plain ring with a jagged edging. “Not that one.”
She pushed a similar ring that was cheaper by a few hundred out of the lineup, then gave Ethan a saucy glance. He leaned closer, her body awakening at the possibility of contact.
Instead of touching her, he reached past her, tapping the glass. “We’ll see these ones next.”
“Please,” she reminded him.
He met her eye, his breath warm against her cheek. “Please.”
“Much better.” She turned to the rings he’d chosen and choked. He had to be kidding.
“The ones I prepurchased.” Barely holding back a grin, he slid the chunky, gaudy wedding band onto her finger. “Mrs. Mattson?”
Mrs. Mattson. How many times had she written that in her journal, daydreaming about this moment? There wasn’t enough oxygen in the world to keep her standing upright at this moment.
She yanked at the ring, ready to set it back on the counter, remove herself from this charade before it got further under her skin. She didn’t care what rings they ended up with, she just needed to breathe.
The ring was stuck. She stared at Ethan in panic. He met her look with one of his own before he burst out laughing. Real laughter. Delight. Joy. Ha
ppiness.
He’d never looked sexier.
“I am not leaving with this ring!” she hissed, yanking on it.
He laughed harder, his expression open. His laughter sounded amazing. Free. Unlike the grumpy bear he’d been for the past day and a half.
“I’m serious.” She continued to pull on the ring. Tears flooded her eyes as she flipped between freaking out and giggling at the craziness of the situation.
“Mrs. Soprano,” he said, between shouts of laughter.
“Not funny! If I have to wear one, so do you!” She couldn’t hold back the panicked laughter, and Ethan, weak from his own, pulled her against him, his body shaking. He felt good wrapped around her and she hugged him back, her humor dying as she became aware of how good he felt, how right.
Her childhood protector, her idol, her crush. He was a man, and there was an undeniable heat building between them the longer they embraced. She glanced up to see if he felt it, too, and his own mirth faded as their eyes met. A hot current passed between them, fleeting but powerful.
Ethan stepped back, but she squeezed him tighter. “I don’t care if the world burns down, I’m not taking this ring home with me,” she whispered, tucking her head under his chin with a sigh.
He chuckled, smoothing her hair, hugging her so sweetly. Like friends. Like lovers.
When Lily went to move away, Ethan was slow to release her, his mood suddenly somber, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking and whether the embrace had felt as right to him as it had to her.
What had that been? Ethan was trying to pull himself together after the shock of yearning that had bolted through him in the jewelry store. The pull he’d felt to kiss Lily, to make it all real when she’d been in his arms, had been unsettling.
She was his sister’s best friend and had always had a crush on him. She wasn’t someone to mess around with emotionally. It was his duty to protect her.
But she’d felt so incredible, so right.
