The Marriage Arrangement

by Jennifer Probst

  Presto.

  Yes, she thought to herself. Soon.

  "Are you ready?"

  She nodded at her father and followed him outside. The walk down the path was symbolic of the home she'd left and returned to, leading her to the future. The sun shone bright and hot in a cloudless blue sky. The vines and red barns shimmered in the distance against the backdrop of the mountains. A hawk lazily circled above, dipping gracefully, then rising back in flight. Her high heeled Louboutins tapped over the pavement until she reached the high archway and paused in the doorway.

  Her gaze lifted and met his. Time slowed. Stopped. Then pushed forward as it always did, bringing her closer. The music rose in the air but every step toward him was at her own pace and her own choice.

  Her father kissed her cheek and stepped away. She tilted her chin up and stared at the man she loved. A beautiful smile curved his lips and gleamed in his eyes. She repeated the words with everything she was. He repeated them back with the ring of truth and reverence in his voice.

  And then he kissed her like it was the first time, and to Caterina, it was.

  The first kiss for the beginning of their lives together as man and wife.

  They danced and ate and spoke with guests until the sun hovered in warning. She looked for Rip but he was talking to a large group, so she grabbed a glass of champagne and slipped away.

  She walked toward the highest hill which overlooked the winery. Ignoring the pristine white of her dress, she settled on the grass, kicked off her shoes, and watched the glowing orange disk sink slowly over the horizon. The rosy glow of sherbet pinks blended together in a perfect canvas. She sat in silence, soaking in the beauty around her, until she heard him draw near.

  She turned to him. He sat beside her on the grass. The elegant cut of his tuxedo emphasized his broad chest and shoulders, moving with each graceful step like a welcoming lover. Jaw cleanly shaven, hair neatly slicked back, he cut an impressive figure. The grin that curved his lips was devastatingly masculine and caused her body to hum. "You look beautiful today."

  His gaze traveled over the body-hugging lace of her dress, sweeping over the skin laid bare by the strapless top, the vulnerable nape of her neck exposed by her intricate updo. The naked male satisfaction in her appearance was all too obvious. She smiled back at him with pure joy. "So do you. Tuxedos should be illegal for you to wear. Way too sexy."

  "You're my wife."

  Her heart softened. "And you're my husband."

  The gold band around his finger glinted in the dying sun. He stared out at the valley for a while before he spoke. "When I was young, I never dreamed I could love anyone the way I love you. But more importantly, I never believed someone could love me just as much. Thank you, Caterina. For trusting me with your heart."

  Tears stung her eyes. This brooding, strong, defiant man had a heart so big he humbled her. She reached out and took his hand, leaning against his warm strength. "You're my home now, Ripley Savage. And I'll never leave."

  They stared out over the valley that belonged to both of them. The vines swayed in the warm breeze and the music drifted in the air, filled with laughter and chatter and celebration.

  They sat together, hands entwined, watching the sun set.

  Epilogue

  One month later

  Cat hoisted the box out of the back seat and trudged toward the Salvation Army store. Finally, she'd managed to carve out time and get rid of some old clothes and belongings since her father had moved. The cashier pointed her toward the back for drop-offs, and she chatted with the sweet young girl who helped her remove the items for tagging purposes.

  Toward the bottom, her hands closed around the fabric-covered book, and she pulled it out in surprise. Holy crap, she'd forgotten about the love spell. "Do you want me to take that for the book section?" the girl asked.

  Cat shook her head. "Actually, I'm going to keep this one, thanks." She slipped it in her purse, finished up, and walked back to the car. Alone, she took out the book again and flipped through the pages. Amused, she remembered how pissed she had been at Earth Mother when Rip had announced they needed to marry. Who would've thought he'd end up being her true soulmate?

  The image of her list danced in her mind, and she mentally recited the traits she requested. Huh. Interesting. Rip was everything she'd asked for. How odd.

  Even weirder? He'd shown up right after she'd cast the spell. Of course, it had taken her a while to realize he was the one, but was it coincidence he'd appeared in Italy hours after the spell? And what about the strong connection between them? It had been instant attraction, as if it was meant to be. As if Earth Mother had taken care of her but liked to play a few games first.

  A chill skated down her spine. She closed the book and tucked it back into her purse. Why did she suddenly feel like she'd dropped into one of her favorite movies, Practical Magic? And why did she have this sudden urge to pass it on to the next woman?

  Shaking her head at her silliness, she drove to the grocery store to grab a few things, then decided to stop in town and hit the bookstore. Rip had an eclectic taste for books, and she was dying to pick up the new Emma Chase novel. Chase's portrayal of heroes always made her laugh and swoon at the same time, nailing the male perspective with skill.

  The bell tinkled merrily as she walked into Bookcrazy and lost herself amidst the shelves of books. The store was well thought out, with interesting nooks and crannies offering readers different experiences. Apple green velvet chairs were comfortably set up, along with a small platform where a poetry night was held and catered to local writers. The delicious scent of paper and vanilla drifted in the air. She grabbed the new Ruth Ware thriller, a political memoir, and Emma Chase's Getting Schooled, then headed toward the register.

  "Caterina, I haven't seen you in so long! I also hear congratulations are in order--you got married!"

  The enthusiastic greeting made her smile as she turned to face the owner, Alexa McKenzie. With her black corkscrew curls and bright blue eyes, she radiated a warmth and energy that made everyone around her happy. Cat hadn't seen her since returning from Italy and missed chatting with her. She reached out and gave the woman a hug. "Yes, the wedding was last month. I'm sorry I haven't come in sooner; things have been crazy."

  Alexa rolled her eyes. "Boy, do I understand that. I'm just glad to see you. How's Winsor Winery? And your new hubby--Ripley, right?"

  "Yes, everything is wonderful. We're actually hosting weddings now, so let me know if anyone is in need of a new venue."

  Alexa squealed with delight. "Why don't you get me some brochures? I can leave them here in the bookshop. I'm so happy for you. You're absolutely glowing."

  "Thank you. Sometimes, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to get to Mr. Right." Alexa had known about her humiliation and heartbreak with her ex-fiance and had encouraged her to take some time away. It was amazing how things could change with time, patience, and the guts to take some chances.

  Alexa gave a sigh. "Unless you got the last prince," she said. "I swear, I've tried everything but I can't seem to find any man worth even a second date. I'm losing heart."

  Her friend's glum expression reminded her of the frustration of a nice single woman trying to find a worthy man. Almost on cue, her fingers tingled, and she acted on instinct. Cat unzipped her purse and removed the Book of Spells. "Are you up for a more creative way to find Mr. Right?"

  Alexa frowned, taking the book. Her fingers drifted over the purple fabric cover. "Cat, what the heck is this? Do not tell me you turned away from Catholicism to the occult?"

  She laughed. "No, I found this book when I was in Italy and did the love spell. Crazy, right? Anyway, I know it sounds ridiculous but I met Rip that very night."

  Alexa flipped through the pages. "Oh, my God, the fact I'm even considering this shows me I've reached my breaking point."

  "Listen, grab a bottle of wine one night and just do it for fun. But when you meet Mr. Right, make sure you get married at Winsor Winery."<
br />
  Alexa shook her head and laughed. "You have a deal. Here, let me ring you up. And thanks for the book."

  "My pleasure." She paused, considering how much to admit. "And, Alexa?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Don't be surprised if Mr. Right seems to be Mr. Wrong at first. I have a feeling Earth Mother is a complicated entity."

  Alexa quirked a brow, obviously confused, but nodded with her usual sunny smile. "Of course."

  Caterina bought her books, hugged Alexa goodbye, and headed back to the winery.

  Whether it had been the Book of Spells, or her father, or just plain old-fashioned luck and Fate, she was grateful to have met Rip Savage.

  She was grateful she'd never given up on love.

  The End

  Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Jennifer Probst, discover Somehow, Some Way and Searching for Mine.

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  Bolivar Randy Heart (aka Brady) knows exactly what he wants next in life: the perfect wife. Raised in a strict traditional family household, he seeks a woman who is sweet, conservative, and eager to settle down. With his well-known protective and dominant streak, he needs a woman to offer him balance in a world where he relishes control.

  Too bad the newly hired, gorgeous, rehab addict is blasting through all his preconceptions and wrecking his ideals...one nail at a time...

  Charlotte Grayson knows who she is and refuses to apologize. Growing up poor made her appreciate the simple things in life, and her new job at Pierce Brothers Construction is perfect to help her carve out a career in renovating houses. When an opportunity to transform a dilapidated house in a dangerous neighborhood pops up, she goes in full throttle. Unfortunately, she's forced to work with the firm's sexy architect who's driving her crazy with his archaic views on women.

  Too bad he's beginning to tempt her to take a chance on more than just work...one stroke at a time...

  Somehow, some way, they need to work together to renovate a house without killing each other...or surrendering to the white-hot chemistry knocking at the front door.

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  By Jennifer Probst

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  The Ultimate Anti-Hero Meets His Match...

  Connor Dunkle knows what he wants in a woman, and it's the three B's. Beauty. Body. Boobs. Other women need not apply. With his good looks and easygoing charm, he's used to getting what he wants--and who. Until he comes face to face with the one woman who's slowly making his life hell...and enjoying every moment...

  Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily College who's climbed up the ranks the hard way. Her ten-year-old son is a constant challenge, and her students are driving her crazy--namely Connor Dunkle, who's failing her class and trying to charm his way into a better grade. Fuming at his chauvinistic tendencies, Ella teaches him the ultimate lesson by giving him a special project to help his grade. When sparks fly, neither of them are ready to face their true feelings, but will love teach them the ultimate lesson of all?

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  The sizzling first book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire trilogy by "one of the most exciting breakout novelists" (USA TODAY) Jennifer Probst.

  A marriage in name only...

  To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother--the powerful man who once shattered her heart. Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn't believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his uncle's corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister's childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he's offers Alexa a bold proposition.

  A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn't be that hard to follow, right? Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans....

  CHAPTER 1

  She needed a man.

  Preferably one with $150,000 to spare.

  Alexandria Maria McKenzie stared into the small homemade campfire in the middle of her living room floor and wondered if she had officially lost her mind. She glanced down at the piece of paper in her hand which held all of the qualities she dreamed her soul mate would possess. Loyalty. Intelligence. Humor. A strong sense of family and a love for animals. And a healthy amount of income.

  Okay, she had most of her ingredients already cooking. One hair from a male family member. Her brother was still pissed she plucked the strand directly from his head. A mix of scented herbs, probably to soften his male testosterone and give him a tender side. And the small stick for ... well, she hoped that didn't mean what she feared. Let each item simmer in the fire and blend.

  With a deep breath, she threw the list into the silver bucket and watched it burn. She felt like an idiot for creating a love spell, but she had no options left and little to lose. As the owner of an eclectic bookstore in a trendy college town, she figured she was allowed some quirks. Like sending up a prayer to Earth Mother to bring the perfect man.

  Alexandria rose from her cross legged position and hobbled to the kitchen for a fire extinguisher. The smoke rose and reminded her
of the burnt pizza crust on the bottom of her toaster oven. She crinkled her nose, shot the spray in the middle of her carpet, and went to hunt up a glass of red wine to celebrate Saturday night.

  They would have to sell Tara.

  Her family home.

  Alex grabbed a bottle of Cabernet Savignon and thought about her dilemma. Her bookstore was mortgaged to the hilt. Her goal to expand the store into a cafe would take careful planning and there wasn't a dime to spare. Her gaze swept over the Victorian loft and easily calculated there was nothing to sell. Not even on Ebay.

  She was twenty seven and probably should live in a cool condo, with designer clothes and a date every weekend. Instead, she took in homeless dogs from the local shelter and bought a lot of trendy scarves to update her outfits. Alex sighed. She believed in living in the sunlight, being open to every possibility, and following her heart. Unfortunately, none of those traits were currently saleable to save her mother's house.

  Alex took a sip of the ruby red liquid and acknowledged there was nothing left to do. No one had the money, and this time when the tax collector came, there wouldn't be a happy ending. She was no Scarlett O'Hara. And Alex didn't think her last ditch attempt to make a love spell to lure the perfect man to her door was going to help.

  The doorbell rang.

  Her mouth fell open. My God, was it him? Alex looked down at her grungy sweat pants and cropped shirt and wondered if she had time to change. She got up to rummage through the closet, but the knocking sounded impatient, so she walked over, took a deep breath, and reached for the knob.

  "About time you answered the door."