by Rita Herron
But she wasn't getting married and they would hate her when they found out the truth!
"I'm sorry." Austin slumped onto the side of the bed, propped his elbows on his knees and hung his head between his hands. "But they didn't give me a chance. They were so excited and already planning things, and..."
"What are we doing to do?" Kimberly sighed and dropped down on the bed beside him. "I feel terrible leading them on like this."
Austin raked his fingers through his hair. "So do I. I've been trying to think of the best way to handle this situation."
"The truth would have been the best way to handle it," Kimberly said quietly.
Of course, she still hadn’t told him the truth about who she really was.
Austin's dark gaze searched her face. "Maybe, but I told you I don't want to ruin Marilyn and Josh's wedding."
Because you're still in love with her? Kimberly wondered, her throat tightening.
"Look, Kimberly, I never meant for things to get so out of hand. But since they have, maybe we should just go along with the plans."
Kimberly's heart slammed against her chest. "You mean you think we should get married?"
Chapter 7
She didn't have to look so horrified, Austin thought as Kimberly paled before his eyes.
She wobbled sideways and he caught her, trying to steady her while he willed his own heartbeat to return to a normal rate.
"You're serious?" she asked in a squeaky voice.
"I don't know... no... well, maybe."
"Maybe we should get married today?" Her voice rose an octave. "Have you lost your ever-loving mind?"
Austin winced. For some odd reason, the idea of marrying Kimberly wasn't quite as upsetting to him as it obviously seemed to be to her. "It would just be for the day," he said in a rush, hoping to alleviate her panic. "We could go through with the ceremony, pretend to rush away on a honeymoon, then drive back to Atlanta and have the marriage annulled."
Kimberly's blue eyes turned a strange shade of violet. He wasn't sure if she was angry or insulted. Or suffering from shock.
"What will you tell your parents then?"
"I'll give them time to settle down, then phone them and explain we realized we'd rushed into things, that we were simply infatuated with one another." He swung his hands out, emphasizing his words as his plan gained momentum. "I'll say we got carried away with all this wedding hoopla, that we'd decided we weren't right for each other, and we'd dissolved the marriage. No hard feelings or messy divorce."
Or maybe he'd write them a letter, he thought, suddenly imagining his mother having a heart attack at the news. He would be the first McDane in the past forty-five years to get a divorce. Every relative in Sugarloaf, Virginia, and every cousin south of the Mason-Dixon line would be calling to counsel him.
Kimberly's perfect rosy lips tightened into a thin line. "But won't your parents be even more upset over a divorce than they would over a fake engagement?"
Of course they would. But he contemplated the idea of sauntering in the kitchen and confessing that he'd actually hired Kimberly to play his fiancée and his stomach roiled. He couldn't divulge the news of his conniving scheme to his family on the day of his best friend's wedding. Especially in person. "I have to think about Marilyn and Josh. They've been planning their wedding for months, Kimberly. I can't ruin their day. Knowing them they might postpone the ceremony."
"So you're willing to marry me in order to make them happy?" Kimberly asked in a voice tinged with anger.
He chewed the inside of his cheek, not certain exactly what he had said wrong. But he had a gut feeling he had royally screwed up with Kimberly.
He had to try and make her understand. "Look, Josh and I grew up together. We were always best friends. Then in college, Marilyn and I were an item. We were pretty serious for a while, even talked about getting married someday."
Kimberly twisted her hands in her lap. "You were engaged?"
"Not formally, but she'd hinted." His shoulders sagged as he recounted the humiliating tale. "When I went for that interview in Atlanta and came back, the two of them had gotten together." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "The worst part was that Marilyn lied to me. For a while, she kept pretending to still care about me while she was sneaking around seeing Josh."
"Oh, Austin, I'm sorry."
He shrugged away her sympathy. "It's over now. Except Marilyn and Josh and my mother think I never got over it."
"Did you?"
He nodded. "I want them to be happy, if that's what you're asking. And I certainly don't want to dredge up ancient history. Besides, my mom is scared to death we're going to elope on the way home and she'll miss it and my grandmother's coming..."
"I know," Kimberly said in a strained voice. "It's a mess."
Austin gave her a pleading look. "I realize it's a lot to ask. I mean, for us to actually go through with a fake wedding," he said, resorting to a businesslike tone. "But at least if I call them from home and tell them it didn't work out, they won't think it had anything to do with Marilyn."
Kimberly sighed. "I suppose that makes sense."
He nodded emphatically. "I'll pay you extra if that's what you want."
Kimberly's face seemed to go blank. "That's not necessary."
He glanced out the window at the rope swing he'd played on as a kid, the rolling green grass where he'd run and played ball, the apple tree he'd helped his father plant when he was five. He was proud of his business accomplishments, but he missed his home, the small town sense of community, the big, boisterous, crazy family.
Above all, he missed having a special woman in his life.
He closed his eyes, wishing for a second that this marriage was real, that Kimberly really loved him, that they could go off on a fabulous honeymoon and make a little boy or girl of their own.
But Kimberly was totally appalled at the idea of marrying him, he realized sadly. And the only way he knew to convince her to marry him was to promise her a quickie divorce when it was over.
* * *
Kimberly blinked back tears, battling the onslaught of emotions Austin's suggestion had stirred up. He wanted to pay her to marry him, then he wanted to divorce her before the ink had even dried.
What a fool she’d been. She'd thought he might actually be attracted to her.
Now she knew he'd been engaged to Marilyn, it explained a lot. He'd gone to Atlanta and poured himself into his work, avoiding a relationship because he'd been hurt by the woman he'd planned to marry. And now he'd obviously given up on the idea of a real marriage, or else he wouldn't be going to such extremes to fabricate this relationship with her.
After all, he'd been honest from the start; he'd said he'd chosen Marci because she was out for fun, no strings.
She stared at the rope swing in the backyard, her mind imagining a dark-haired little boy running and playing in the yard. Austin's son.
Closing her eyes, she willed the image away and concentrated on playing Marci for one more day. Then she could walk away from Austin with her pride intact.
Sure, she'd be lonely and heartbroken, and Austin would never know that Kimberly was Marci's twin. He'd also never know she'd fallen in love with him and he'd broken her heart.
"Kimberly?"
She cleared her throat, inhaling a calming breath as she faced him. His brown eyes looked rich and sultry, and the side of his lip was quirked slightly, giving him that little boy look that stole her heart.
"Okay—"
Someone pounded on the door, cutting off her words, then the door burst open and Philip stuck his head inside. "Hey, bro. Josh is here. He said to get moving if you want to be back in time to get dressed for the wedding."
"Tell him I'll be right there," Austin said. Then he swept her into his arms, and whispered, "Thanks, Kimberly." His breath brushed her cheek, his hard muscular chest pressed against her breasts, his thighs molded in between her legs so his arousal rubbed her belly. The kiss that he planted on her mouth was so
hot her legs nearly buckled.
Then he whisked out the door and blew her another kiss, grazing her body with a blatant look of raw desire.
She felt like a silly schoolgirl with stars in her eyes.
Then she realized, more confused than ever, that he'd kissed her after his brother had left the room, so there'd been no one to witness the moment but the two of them.
* * *
"What kind of wedding ring do you want to buy?" Josh asked as they loped into the jewelry store a few minutes later.
Austin shrugged, his mind still on the erotic kiss he'd shared with Kimberly right before he'd left. "I don't know, something simple, I guess."
And something I can return when she divorces me.
He and Josh had already obtained the marriage license, although he'd left it at the courthouse for Kimberly to sign. His mother was supposed to take her by on the way to the beauty salon.
Austin glanced at the counter, scanning the wide assortment of engagement rings and wedding sets. Diamonds and emeralds glittered through the glass case, sparkling and twinkling and practically screaming make-a-commitment.
"What about her birthstone?" Josh suggested. "You could get her a sapphire or ruby, or some kind of precious gem with diamond nuggets."
If I knew when her birthday was, Austin thought dismally. "I... I think I'll stick with diamonds," he said, leaning over the glass counter to study the contents.
"Probably wise," Josh said. "After all, they say diamonds are forever."
Austin swallowed. Except this marriage wouldn't be forever. It would only be for a day.
He probably wouldn't even get to the honeymoon, and that would be the best part, he thought, remembering the fiery kiss they'd shared before he left the house. Had he imagined the passion in Kimberly's response, or had it been his own wishful thinking?
A tall, well-dressed black man approached the counter. "May I help you, sir?"
Josh slapped Austin on the back. "Yeah, my buddy here wants to find a wedding ring. He's getting married today."
Josh's words reverberated through his head, sending a wave of panic skittering through him. Whether it was for real or whether it would last, he was actually going to walk down the aisle, join hands with a woman and promise himself to her forever, right in front of his family, for the whole world to see.
But it would all be a lie.
Sweat broke out on his brow and his vision blurred. He'd probably go straight to hell for putting his family through this. Josh spoke up, telling the clerk about his own wedding and the sudden decision to make it a double one.
Part of Austin imagined Kimberly walking down the aisle in his mother's antique gown, and he wanted it to be real. She was undoubtedly the sexiest woman he'd ever met. Plus he'd seen a sweet, tender side of Kimberly on this trip he'd never known existed. She seemed to like his family and seemed genuinely concerned about his mother's feelings.
But tomorrow they'd head back to Atlanta, and he would return to work. And Kimberly would return to her waitressing job, flirting with other men, and showing off her body to anyone who wanted to ogle her.
What if word got out at his company that he'd married her before they had a chance to divorce? And what if old man Cummings, the conservative president of the company he was trying so hard to impress, found out he'd paid a woman to be his bride?
He might lose clients over this fake marriage.
And what if you decided to stay married to Kimberly? Could you possibly make her fall in love with you?
"Sir, you wanted to see a ring?"
"Oh, yes," Austin said, jerking himself back to reality.
"Do you have anything particular in mind? Engagement ring and band, a matching set, a specific carat?"
He shook his head. "No, just show me something nice."
Josh laughed. "I've never seen you like this, Austin. You're so lovestruck you can't even think."
Wrong. I've totally lost my mind.
The clerk opened the glass case and set several different styles on the counter. He liked the gold band circled with diamonds. A matching man's band sat beside it. Hmm, it was a possibility.
He glanced at the next choice. Small emeralds flanked each side of an unusual pear shaped diamond. It was nice, but big and a little flashy. Of course the wild waitress side of Kimberly would probably love it.
Then his gaze rested on a teardrop diamond with a stunning white-gold band. The engagement ring was simple, but elegant, similar to the one he'd given Kimberly. It had a wide band lined with diamond baguettes that reminded him of his mother's anniversary ring. Definitely sophisticated.
"This is pretty," he said quietly, picturing himself placing it on Kimberly's slender finger.
"I bet Kimberly will love it," Josh agreed.
Austin nodded absentmindedly as he remembered the engagement ring he'd bought. He'd planned to take it back to the store when he returned to Atlanta.
"That's almost two carats," the salesman said in an approving voice. "A very nice selection."
"I say go for it," Josh said. "After all, you only get married once. At least, that's what we hope. Right, Austin?"
Right.
"Do you want to buy the matching man's wedding band to go with it, sir?"
His fingers trembled as he tried to place the ring back in the velvety case. Might as well; he could take all three of them back later.
He nodded again, but his hand was shaking so badly the ring slipped, bounced off the counter with a clink, then rolled toward the heat vent on the floor. Austin dove for it and rescued it just before it slipped through the metal grates.
* * *
Kimberly twisted her hands in anticipation as the McDane women examined the French knot in her hair. Loose curly tendrils floated around her face, giving her the romantic look, the hairdresser had said, the perfect hairstyle to complement Mrs. McDane's antique dress.
The women gushed and oohed and aahed when they saw her. "You look sensational," they all agreed.
"Come on, let's go get lunch." Becca guided her out of the salon and across the walkway to a small French cafe.
"Your nails look fantastic," April said as they took their seats.
"I do like the French manicure." In fact, she'd never been so pampered in her life.
She settled herself in one of the rattan chairs, admiring the artwork on the whitewashed walls.
"I've never seen my brother so taken with anyone before," April commented once their wine arrived.
"When he sees you tonight, he's not going to be able to stand it," Becca exclaimed.
Kimberly's throat felt thick. If only that were true.
"Dear, you are going to be the most beautiful bride in the world," Mrs. McDane said.
"Yeah, if Austin hadn't already proposed, I bet he'd take one look at you and drop to his knees," Suzanne said with a giggle.
The waiter interrupted to take their orders, quickly returning with salads and seafood croissants for everyone.
"We've been so excited, Kimberly, we haven't even asked you about your own family. Have you called them about the wedding?"
Kimberly swallowed a sip of wine, almost choking. She quickly dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Actually, I tried to reach them," she hedged. "But my mom's out of town."
"How about your father?" Becca asked.
"He's... I'm afraid he's not around anymore."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did he pass on?" Mrs. McDane said sympathetically.
Yes, to another woman about twenty years ago. "No," Kimberly said, trying to remember what she'd already told Austin’s mother. "He and my mom were divorced when I was young."
The table grew silent, and Kimberly hated that she'd made the women feel uncomfortable. After growing up in a single family home and working in the children's center, divorce had been a natural part of her life.
"Do you still see him?" April asked, her expression concerned.
"No," Kimberly said, unaccustomed to having people actually worried about her. "He
sends a card every now and then." What was one more lie to the mountain they’d already made?
"I know we've all gotten carried away. Do you think your mother will be hurt that you and Austin went ahead with the wedding without her?" Mrs. McDane asked, looking troubled.
Kimberly shook her head. Her mother was one of the least sentimental people she'd ever known. But she didn't want to upset Austin's mother, so she said, "I don't think so. Mom's kind of spontaneous herself."
Like Marci.
A seed of worry nagged at her when she remembered that she still hadn't been able to reach her sister. What if Marci hadn't canceled her Monday appointments? And what if Marci got the message, showed up to take her place for the day, and botched things big time the way she had the last time she'd covered for her?
"Maybe you could have a big party back in Atlanta to celebrate like Austin mentioned," Becca suggested.
"You could renew your vows there, too," April added.
Kimberly nodded and sipped her wine, guilt eating at her. Maybe she should just admit the truth. If she explained here with only the women around, she could surely make them understand.
She opened her mouth to speak, but clamped it shut when the waiter approached with a bouquet of balloons that said CONGRATULATIONS.
Each of the McDane women clapped and cheered, pulling gifts from their shopping bags and placing them in front of her.
"What's... this?" Kimberly asked, her mouth dry.
"We didn't have time to organize a big shower," Mrs. McDane said apologetically.
"But we had to get you something special for your wedding night."
Kimberly opened the first gift, her neck growing hot with embarrassment. It was a silky white teddy, completely see-through.
Would Austin like it?
* * *
Austin popped two more aspirins. The tense day with Josh had triggered another headache and now the countdown had begun.
Only two more hours until nuptial time.
He strode through the house and up the stairs, anxious to find Kimberly and see what had happened in his absence. The last thing he'd heard April say before he'd left with Josh was that they had a surprise planned for Kimberly.
