The Matchmaker Bride (The Bride Series)

by Richards, Shadonna

  “Damn! Let me answer this call. I’m expecting a call from my lawyer.” He answered the phone and Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. She could not help but over hear the anger in his voice and frustration. When he was finished it was her turn to ask him what was wrong.

  He leaned back in his chair and swiveled around to the window to gaze outside, clearly perturbed. He was hot one moment and cold as ice the next. She got the gist of the phone call but was a little confused.

  “Carlos is…is everything okay?”

  He turned to her and leaned forward in his chair. “Actually, beautiful, that depends.”

  “Depends on what?”

  “On you.” His voice and tone was serious and his expression distant.

  Carlos explained everything that was going on with the battle over his half sister, Bria.

  Sophie listened attentively and in shock as he opened up to her about Bria’s biological mother and her sudden interest in the child after learning about the inheritance. For some strange reason, Sophie’s defences went up over Bria. She was her client and she was very protective and had a vested interest in the well-being of her clients. Especially Bria, they had a connection that was magical. She didn’t want to see anything happen to that child, especially being in an unwelcome environment. She knew all too well with most children with autism spectrum disorder, any trauma can undo and reverse progress. The last thing she wanted was for Bria to close up communication again.

  “I see. So that’s why you were so desperate to have a wife to prove you can be an effective guardian. To dispel the rumours of you being unsuitable as a guardian.” Sophie bit down on her lip. She hated that society placed pressure on guardians to be the perfect family to prove their worth. The perfect family being mom, dad and child. It didn’t always work that way in the real world. There were wonderful two-parent families out there and she’d also known some fabulous one-parent families whether by their choice or due to circumstances, loss of a spouse to death or divorce.

  “So, your stepmother was really a surrogate mother. She was paid to give birth and stay married for a year to your father?” Sophie had to clarify that part to be sure she heard correctly before she proceeded. She wanted to make sure that Bria’s mother really didn’t want to have anything to do with her, though she’d known some surrogates change their minds after.

  “You got it. It was part of the deal. And when the old man died, she reluctantly took on the child but then neighbours complained about Bria being neglected so I took her on and hired a series of part time nannies to figure out what I was going to do. That’s when I noticed that she’d seemed withdrawn. I thought she just wasn’t used to me but then she didn’t have eye-contact and would constantly line up her dolls and do other gestures consistent with the autism.

  “You were very quick in your assessment. The earlier it is detected the better, Carlos. Good going on your part. Bria is really lucky to have you.”

  “She’s also very lucky to have you as her therapist.”

  “Volunteer,” Sophie corrected as she felt heat rush to her cheeks.

  “I want to help. I…I’ll do it.”

  “You will? Are you sure about this Sophie? I really don’t want you to feel obligated.”

  “I want to. For Bria.” And for us.

  He reached over and hugged her gently. “I really do appreciate this, Sophie.” His aroma was irresistible as he held her from behind. They both looked out at the view from the window. He reached down and brushed his lips on her neck. She tingled inside and thought she’d go insane if she didn’t have him now but she reminded herself this was for Bria. Nothing more. Oh, who was she kidding? She was terrified of opening up her heart to Carlos. What if he got tired of her and broke her heart just like her ex? She didn’t want to raise her hopes up too high.

  “Right, well we should get down to business. When is the mediation?”

  “Well, it’s coming up soon.” He pointed to his agenda on the desk at the date in question.

  “Well that doesn’t leave us much time. Luckily in Ontario you can download the marriage licence form online and fill it out, bring all your ID to City Hall and receive the marriage licence on the same day.” She knew this because she’d read up on getting married for those clients who wanted a quickie wedding for the agency.

  “Good. I trust that one can marry the same day the licence is received.”

  “What?” Her heart pounded hard and fast. This was happening all too sudden.

  “Relax. We don’t have to do it today. But I do have a connection in Niagara Falls. He’s a JP. We can go tomorrow and be married on Wednesday.”

  “Wednesday?” She felt the lump climb higher in her throat. “Niagara Falls?”

  “Is that too soon for you? Or does the location frighten you?” He teased.

  She could not believe she was having this conversation. She could not believe the most deliciously handsome man she’d ever laid eyes on wanted to marry her—even if it were for convenience.

  Never mind just that, he was taking her to one of the most romantic cities on the planet to get married. The breathtaking natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls. The beautiful, powerful waterfalls with all the glowing different coloured lights at night. She felt surreal.

  Her legs felt oddly weak for the moment. She was in love with him and he wanted to make an honest woman of her. She could not believe this was real. Everything seemed surreal. She must be dreaming. Her stomach squeezed when he went over the details and her requirement. It would only be temporary. Deep down in her soul, she desired to have him permanently. There was nothing she didn’t like about him. His aura, his presence, even his mood that could flip like a switch when the situation called for it.

  Later that afternoon, after filling out Form 3 of the Marriage Act and both signing it, she obtained the licence from City Hall within an hour. The current licence fee in the City of Toronto was $140 paid by Carlos. The marriage licence would be valid for three months and would if expire if a marriage did not take place. Blood tests and medical certificates were not required to obtain a marriage licence in Ontario. That would be no problem. They would wed in less than three days. She’d overheard Carlos giving his secretary instructions to cancel all business meetings for the week and next week and to book the presidential suite at one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Niagara Falls. He made arrangements for Bria who was attending a special one week camp with her ABA therapist and the nanny where she’d be safe and in good hands interacting with other children. There would be sensory friendly showings of children’s movies and tons of activities and therapy to keep her good for the week while he was away.

  Sophie glanced at his passport picture. He must be one of the few men who looked sexy even when he was posing without a smile. And there was that bad-boy stubble on his face to give him a rough but sexy look. God, he fired up all kinds of pleasant emotions in her. Her heart pitter pattered in her chest. She was getting married. This was for real.

  She was going to be Mrs. Carlos Bradley III on Wednesday.

  Unbelievable.

  15

  The view of Niagara Falls was breathtaking! The thunderous roar of the force of water spilling over the Falls was an awesome spectacle.

  “You know there’s over 600,000 gallons of water every second spilling over the Falls. Awesome isn’t it?” he said holding her from behind and watching her gape at nature’s wonder.

  “Wow! How much is that in litres?”

  “Oh, I guess over two million litres a second.”

  “Holy cow, mother nature is…just…wow!”

  “First time at the Falls, eh?”

  “Yes it is. And How do you know so much about Niagara Falls? I’m impressed.” She was also impressed at how close they’d become in the last few days. Physically. One minute there were standing apart and the next he was cuddling her and it felt so…right. So comfortable. It was as if they were made for each other. As if they’d known each other forever.

>   “I use to come here a lot to gamble at the casino.” He grinned as he watched her expression fall like a ton of water hitting the bottom of a reservoir.

  “Relax,” he continued. “I’m just playing with you. I like to learn about places I visit, the history, the people of a location. That kind of stuff.”

  “Of course,” she said, smiling sheepishly. When will she ever get used to his straight faced sense of humour? He was gorgeous when he grinned though. His dimpled smile melted her insides. He was tall and charming and it felt so good to just rest her head in his muscular chest. The Falls was not the only awesome view she got to enjoy that day. Carlos looked so sexy in his dress pants and shirt with open jacket, no tie. No matter what he wore, he made the clothes look good not the other way around.

  The mist of the mighty water fall moistened the air around them.

  “I love it here,” she sighed, forgetting all the cares of the world as the waterfall roared in the background. It was just this past Monday that she was fired and one wouldn’t be able to tell by the expression on her face. Carlos knew how to pick romantic, breathtaking locations. Of course, he always loved to be close to nature. Nature had a calming effect on them both. She knew a lot about him thanks to the matchmaking screening process. She tried to quiet the tinges of guilt that surfaced as she remembered the agency. Enjoy the moment, she thought to herself. It’s over and done now.

  “The view is…spectacular,” she continued, caught by the awesomeness of the scenery. There were other couples there taking pictures. They, too, had taken pictures earlier on their smart phones but now they were taking mental pictures to store in their memory of their time there. It was picture perfect.

  “You’re right, the view is beautiful,” Carlos agreed, his silky, deep voice slid into her heart.

  When she turned slightly, she caught him gazing lovingly at her hips, not the Falls.

  After a good time enjoying the view of one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, Carlos said it was time for them to enjoy the cuisine of one of the finest restaurants in the area near the plush five-star hotel where they had booked.

  “You ready, future Mrs. Bradley?” he said raising a brow.

  The moment struck her. This was going to happen, wasn’t it? Tomorrow she would become his wife. Regardless of the circumstances. It both thrilled her and terrified her at the same time. The change. The vows.

  She drew in a deep breath. She loved him to death but could she really go through with the vows knowing it was not supposed to last?

  16

  Later that evening, the eve before their nuptials, Sophie spent time in the luxurious bathroom with the Jacuzzi tub. She was nervous. The presidential suite was housed with a huge king size bed, a cosy fireplace in the living area of the suite, a two-person whirlpool tub and tall ceiling to floor windows capturing a breathtaking view from the 23rd floor of both the Canadian and American Falls. It was impressive!

  Earlier while overlooking the waterfalls they had enjoyed a scrumptious dinner of lobster, roasted shrimps and mixed vegetables topped off with a glass of expensive red wine to wash their palette.

  So why was her heart thundering a mile a minute? Why was heat rushing to every area of her body? Carlos.

  The large beautiful tub was filled with inviting bubbles yet she was nervous to undress and be naked in front of him. It was a good thing she’d bought new lingerie just in case. Let’s face it, the chemistry between them was unstoppable. The likelihood of having a passionate week was high. Carlos was no doubt physically toned from top to bottom.

  “You know, I could bathe after you.” Carlos watched her gaze at the whirlpool tub filled with bubbly white bubbles.

  “No, that’s silly. It’s a tub for two. We’re both adults (on the verge of marriage). Besides, it’s better for the environment. Why run two baths?”

  Carlos lips curved into one of his sexy grins.

  “Are you ready for tomorrow? You seem a little jumpy tonight.”

  “Jumpy? Are you kidding me?” she laughed nervously. “Why would I be jumpy?”

  He leaned in closer to her as they both stood in the suite near the marble floored bathroom. He brushed his hands against her arms and she shivered a thousand times inside. How could she resist Carlos’s charm? His irresistible cologne? His sexy aura? Oh, this would not be easy. Inside she begged for him to make love to her. She craved his touch.

  “I don’t know. You tell me,” he said leaning closer to her face. His dark, sexy eyes penetrating her.

  She wanted to tell him that she didn’t want to do the fake wedding vows thing. She didn’t want their nuptials tomorrow to end in divorce or annulment. She wanted their vows to be forever. That was the way she had always envisioned being married. She’d always thought that if she were lucky one day to tie the knot with a soul mate, her soul mate, it would be forever. Not for convenience. She sighed and turned her head briefly to look out the window. The sky was black and the beautiful waterfalls lit up several shades of colours. They had the best view in the hotel from their floor. This would be the perfect place for a honeymoon but what could she call it?

  “Carlos,” she sighed.

  “Yes,” he said, as he brushed his fingers along her face then moved his smooth hands into her gorgeous mane of voluptuous dark tresses. She could tell that he loved her hair. He complimented her on it several times. Her hips, the way she moved when she walked. Her large dark eyes and high cheek bones. He never missed a chance to pay her a nice compliment. As he moved his nose in closer to her freshly shampooed hair enjoying the scent and massaging her scalp as his face rubbed gently against hers, Sophie thought she would melt. It was oddly erotic. He really knew how to turn a woman on in all the right places. The Falls wasn’t the only entity gushing right now.

  He inched closely to her and their lips brushed together. Sparks flew. It was like perfect chemistry. How could he have been right for someone else when he was so right for her? Gosh, he was a good kisser.

  “Carlos….I”

  “I’m in love with you, Sophie.” He continued to run his fingers through her silky ebony hair.

  “I…think I am in love with you, too.”

  He slowly nibbled on her ears. She felt shivers dance down her spine. She felt as if she were on cloud nine.

  “Oh, God! I love you, Carlos. I’m in love with you. I know we haven’t known each other long but…I…I want you.”

  “How much?” he whispered as he inched closer to her kissing her cheek and moving his lips to hers. The tingle and the pleasure of his delicious lips made her veins course with pleasure.

  It was as if nothing else in the world mattered except she and Carlos and their hot attraction for each other. So this was what it felt like to be in love? To find your soul mate?

  “Let’s go into the tub together,” he whispered in a deep silky voice.

  “Yes,” she moaned in her throat as a sense of urgency drove through her body. She’d never experienced this type of blazing desire for any other man before. Her heart jolted and her pulse pounded. She’d thought that her heart and soul were closed for business where love was concerned but he’d managed to unlock the door to her heart.

  As they entered the marble ensuite bathroom waves of excitement shot through her body.

  Again she shivered with delight as he whispered in her ear. “I’m in love with you Sophie.”

  She moaned with pleasure as he nibbled on her neck and kissed her throat gently. Her heart hammered against her ribs.

  “I love you, too, Carlos.”

  He captured her lips with his as he slid his tongue into her mouth exploring the delicious taste of her lips. It didn’t take them long to undress.

  “Are you ready for this?” His deep voice was breathless.

  “Yes. Yes, Carlos, I want you now,” she cried with pleasure.

  He smiled as he leaned in closer to her brushing his lips against hers. Slowly they both undressed each other, seductively peeling off layers and b
ecoming more aroused as their nakedness appeared. They slid into the whirlpool together caressing each other’s body. Sophie’s heard of water sex but she had never considered it before. Heck, she didn’t care either way right now, she just wanted Carlos. Charming, sexy, husband-to-be Carlos. She desired every inch of him. He took the sponge and soaped it up and gently caressed her skin as if giving her a gentle wash and massage in one. It was erotic. She returned the favour drawing them closer together. She never thought she could experience this kind of intimacy. Never in her wildest imagination. All this while in the background, gentle music played to the tune of a Kenny G classic. It was soothing. Seductive. They kissed almost every area of each other while in the tub. His tongue slid over her skin and caused her to reach erotic heights. He held both her hands up and slid his tongue down her neck and reaching to her nipples, teasing them into arousal as she moaned in her throat.