The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage

by Bree Livingston

  Ty waved her off. “Nothing. Just messing with him.”

  Gus yawned, rolled his shoulders, and sucked in a sharp breath between his teeth. “Ow.”

  “I think you should go lie down.” She twined her fingers in his and hugged his arm.

  “Yeah, actually, that sounds good. I’m exhausted, but it’s New Year’s Eve. I wanted to at least make an appearance during the last mixer.”

  Ty shook his head. “After saving someone’s life, you’ve earned the right to do what you want tonight.”

  “We could sit on the beach or hang out and talk. Either sounds like a great plan to me,” Peyton said. “Besides, if we want to watch the ball drop, we can find it online, I’m sure.”

  Gus nodded. “Honestly, I’d prefer hanging out at the bungalow. My head’s kind of hurting, and loud noise doesn’t sound like fun.”

  “Take him home.” Ty winked. “I’ll see you two later.”

  “Bye, Ty, have fun tonight,” Peyton said as they went their separate ways. “So what movie were you thinking of watching?”

  He shrugged. “You pick, because I’m probably going to fall asleep.”

  “All right, but give me some choices. That way you can have some say in what we watch.”

  They talked as they made their way back to the bungalow. Once they were dressed in their pajamas, Gus fired up the tablet, and they decided on Die Hard. It had always been a favorite of both of theirs. Well, at least she didn’t mind it.

  “Do you need to take something for your headache?”

  He shook his head. “No, I think I’ll be okay.”

  “All right.” Peyton propped her feet on the coffee table and patted her lap. “You may as well go ahead and lie down.”

  “I’d protest, but since I’m the one who said I’ll zonk out, I won’t.” He stretched out on the couch and laid his head in her lap. “This is what I call a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.” He chuckled.

  “Me too,” she said as she combed her fingers through his hair.

  “You keep doing that, and I definitely won’t make it long.” He smiled, and as he took a deep breath, his eyes slid shut.

  She brushed the back of her hand along his cheek and studied him. There was no way she could go on and not tell him how she felt. But did she have enough courage to do it? He’d already said he didn’t want to be stuck with her, but if she didn’t tell him, she’d regret it.

  “I’m in love with you. I love everything about you. I love your smile. Your humor. Your selflessness and kindness. The gentle way you hold me and the way you make me feel complete when you’re around. I have never loved anyone like I love you, and I never will again.”

  A soft snore answered her, and she nearly cried. Of course, she’d pour out her heart, and he’d be asleep. Well, she’d managed to do it once. She could do it again. Only next time, she’d make sure he had a fresh supply of Redbull to make sure he stayed awake long enough to hear her.

  Chapter 22

  The moment the plane hit the tarmac, it was an all-out hurry to pick up Peyton’s parents at the dock. They’d even had to leave the resort early that morning in order to make it on time to pick them up once he realized they were getting in at four in the afternoon. It had made for a harried morning and an even more harried flight as Gus called around for hotels, faxed in the marriage license application, and found a clothing store that would accommodate his height and Ty’s width.

  They’d picked up Lori at her apartment and barely made it when her parents disembarked from the ship.

  “Gus!” Jill, Peyton’s mom, squealed as she hugged him. “It’s so good to see you.” She patted his cheek and then hugged Peyton. “What happened to our awkward little Gus?”

  Lori chuckled. “I know, right? I think I said the same thing when they picked me up,” she said, taking turns hugging her mom and dad.

  Peyton grinned. “I’ve got no answers, but he sure is gorgeous, isn’t he?”

  “Whatever,” Gus said.

  Jill hugged him again. “I’m just glad I finally get to officially call you mine. Welcome to the family, sweetheart. Not that you haven’t been a part of our family for years, but now it’s official.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Burrows.”

  “How many times have I told you to call me Jill.”

  More than Gus could count, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. It didn’t ring as respectful in his mind to call Peyton’s mom by her first name. “I’m sorry. Old habits.” He smiled.

  He turned to Peyton’s dad, Nate. “Welcome home, sir.”

  Her dad nodded. “Thank you. It’s good to see you, Gus.”

  “Likewise, sir.” Gus turned to Ty. “Mr. and Mrs. Burrows, this is my business partner and good friend, Tyrone Reid.”

  Her parents shook hands with Ty. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Ty,” her mom said. “Gus has had nothing but good things to say about you.”

  “My buddy here can be gracious. I’m not nearly as great as he makes me out to be,” Ty said.

  Gus shook his head. “Don’t listen to him. When I first got to New York, sharks circled. Ty here showed me how to tread the water.”

  “I called Ted. He’s getting us a table at Trevino’s for an early dinner. We need to discuss so many things,” Lori said.

  Peyton tangled her fingers in Gus’s. “Yeah, I guess we do. You know, Gus and I are fine with how we got married. You really don’t have to throw a wedding for us.”

  Her mom waved her off. “I know we don’t have to, but I’d like to see my little girl get married, if you don’t mind.”

  “No, we don’t mind,” Peyton said and looked up at Gus, an apology written on her face.

  He bent down, putting his mouth to her ear, and said, “It’s okay.”

  “You really are special to me. You know that, right?”

  Special as in friend kind of special and nothing else. “Yeah, I know, and you’re special to me too. We’ll get through this together, and everything will be okay.”

  “Thanks.”

  They followed behind her parents and piled into the limo. Her parents chatted about their time on the cruise and how wonderful Jamaica was. Her mom even hinted that Gus and Peyton should try it for their honeymoon.

  When they reached Trevino’s, Lori and Ted were waiting for them at a table. Lori stood and hugged Gus. “It’s good to see you. It’s about time you married my sister. I’ve thought of you as a brother for forever.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  During dinner, the conversation drifted from Gus and Peyton’s quick decision to get married to hope that Peyton would be able to find a dress. It was so easy to get caught up in the excitement and joy of it. It was what he’d pictured when he thought of marrying her.

  “Gus, I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to steal Peyton for the next few days and have her stay at the house,” her mom said.

  He shook his head. “No, I don’t mind.” Which was true. Maybe if he got a little space from Peyton, it would make things easier.

  Mrs. Burrows leaned across the table covered his hand with hers. “You were always a sweet boy, and you’re an even sweeter man. I’m so glad Peyton has you. I know you’ll take good care of her. Well, you’ll take good care of each other.”

  “You know I’ll be moving to New York, right, Mom?” Peyton asked.

  “I figured as much, but I’ll miss you both. That means you’ll have to visit often, or we’ll have to visit you. I’ve never been to New York,” her mom said.

  “You’re welcome anytime, Mrs. Burrows.”

  Her mom smiled. “Such a sweet man. Peyton, why did it take you so long to figure out he was the one?”

  Peyton’s cheeks bloomed dark pink, and for a second, she was quiet. Then she caught his gaze and held it. “Honestly? I don’t know. He’s the kindest, sweetest, most wonderful man I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine being with anyone else.”

  Gus’s chest tightened. If only those words were true. Oh, how he wanted them to be t
rue. But they weren’t. How could she look him in the eyes and say something like that when he knew she thought of him as a friend? He’d overheard her saying it again while talking on the phone to Tracey on the patio. And what was he supposed to say in response? Nothing he said would be a lie.

  “He rescued a surfer while we were at the resort. I don’t think I told you that,” Peyton said as she pulled her gaze from his.

  Her mom gasped as her sister’s jaw dropped. “You did?” her mom asked.

  Peyton nodded. “He did. He even got twelve stitches in his shoulder.”

  “That only reminds me that I have another thing on my to-do list. Get the stitches out before Saturday,” Gus said.

  “Gus, that’s incredible,” Lori said.

  Ted nodded. “Yeah, man, that’s cool.”

  “It was crazy. Gus was pretty beat up afterward too,” Ty said.

  Gus’s cheeks warmed. “Okay, next subject, please.”

  “See? He’s wonderful,” Peyton said and took his hand under the table. She leaned in. “And you are wonderful.”

  “Peyton…”

  “Nope, can’t deny truth.” She smiled.

  After that, most of the talk centered around wedding details. Anytime it wandered too far, Peyton’s mom or sister would steer it back. There were so many things to do before Saturday that Gus was positive he wouldn’t be seeing much of Peyton until she was walking down the aisle.

  Even his own list of things grew as the evening went on.

  By the end of dinner, even Gus was caught up in the ruse. It wasn’t until he dropped her off at her parents’ home that it hit him again that it was all fake, and the deep ache he’d felt since leaving the resort settled back over him.

  Standing alone with her on the porch, he leaned his stitch-free shoulder against the wall next to her door. “Can’t say all of this isn’t a little overwhelming,” he said.

  “Yeah, it kinda is.” Peyton smiled. “And if I’m not mistaken, we’ve got an audience peeking through the curtains.”

  Gus flicked his gaze to the living room window. Sure enough, a shadow hid behind it. “I see that.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He cast his gaze to the floor. “It’s okay. Really.”

  In the next breath, her lips brushed against his, and he couldn’t stop himself from responding. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against him and deepening the kiss. His heart hammered against his ribs as she tangled her fingers in his hair, and it was as if there was no one but them.

  He had no idea how long they kissed, but when she finally broke the kiss, she said, “Gus, I need—”

  Oh, he knew what she would say. They were friends. But he’d beat her to it. No point in things becoming awkward this close to the end. “No, I know.”

  “But—”

  “We’re just friends, okay?” He smiled.

  She blinked and nodded. “Yeah, just friends. I guess I’ll see you later.”

  “Yeah, I’ll see you later.” He loosened his hold on her and took the steps down two at a time, trying not to make it seem like he was running from her.

  Somehow, he was going to make it through the next few days. He didn’t know how yet, but he was. He was going to push through this and marry her and then divorce her when she asked for it. Then he was going to find something that needed his energy and lose himself in it until he could find a way to get over her.

  Chapter 23

  A knock came at Peyton’s door, and she rolled to her side. “Come in.”

  “You sound exhausted,” her sister said.

  Because she was. Most of the night she’d tossed and turned, thinking about the kiss she’d shared with Gus. She’d tried to tell him she loved him afterward, but he’d said they were just friends.

  It had broken her into tiny pieces. She didn’t want to be his friend anymore. She didn’t even want to be his girlfriend. His wife had the best ring to it. And he only wanted to be friends? Could he kiss her like that and still see her as a friend? He’d tried out for a school play once―she’d witnessed it―and it hadn’t started well and ended even worse, so she knew he wasn’t an actor.

  Lori sat on the bed next to Peyton and brushed her hair back. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired, and I know the next few days are going to be busy.”

  “Yeah, they are. We have the cake tasting early this morning. It’s a good thing this wedding is as small as it is; otherwise, we’d be getting a few store-bought cakes with crazy icing. After the cake, we have to find your dress, the flowers, getting the church ready, and getting this house ready for the reception. Plus, rehearsals. Not to mention all the little things in between. But it’s going to be fun.”

  “And rushed. We could postpone it for a few months.”

  Lori shook her head. “Nah, this is the fun part. No point in postponing it. I mean, there are less than fifty people coming, and you never wanted a huge wedding to begin with, so it’s perfect.”

  Well, Peyton could say she tried. “All right. Let me get up, and I’ll get ready.”

  Lori stood. “That’s the spirit. Mom and I are ready, so just throw something on, and let’s go.”

  Peyton nodded as her sister left, and she pushed herself out of bed. The only way she was going to make it through the next few days was to press on and keep herself focused on the wedding. She could do that. Once she and Gus were married, then she’d work on showing him that they were good together. If and when he chose to divorce her, she’d deal with that then. For now, she had plans to keep and things to do.

  With renewed determination, she got going with a shower. Yeah, Lori said throw something on, but there was no way she was trying on dresses without showering.

  Once she was dressed, she was nearly pulled out of the house by her mom and sister.

  The cake tasting was first, and Gus was there for that, which was nice. Seeing him felt like he was lending her some of his strength to get through all the madness. After they picked a flavor, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, and she was off to a bridal store while he went to get the stitches out of his shoulder.

  She wanted to go with him, but he insisted he’d be fine and that she should concentrate on finding a dress. It was hard to do when she was worried about him. Not that the cut on his shoulder was a huge deal, but she didn’t like the idea of not going with him.

  The first bridal shop was a bust. Every dress she tried on felt too big or too poofy or too…something. The second shop had a dress that she thought was okay, but it was the last one she tried on, and it had taken hours to try on dresses there too. By the time they got back home, she was considering coming clean just so she didn’t feel so let down.

  She slept no better that night, only now instead of Gus kissing her every time she closed her eyes, she was wearing a wedding dress that made her look like a sequined cloud. It didn’t help that Gus would smirk at her.

  The second day of dress shopping was a little better, but not much. She found two dresses in the first shop that were decent and one in the next, but she didn’t have that feeling like they were the one. Which was silly. She should just pick one. It wasn’t like she was really, really getting married. Okay, yes, technically, she was getting married, but it wasn’t because Gus loved her. It was because she’d made a mess, and this was her way of keeping Gus from getting hurt.

  There was only one more bridal shop in Juneau, and if she didn’t find one, she’d be picking the one she disliked the least. In a way, it served her right for making such a mess of everything. She should look like a poodle cloud decked out in rhinestones for lying in the first place.

  When Friday arrived, they hauled her to the last and final bridal shop. All her hope was riding on the little store to have something.

  “Peyton?” her mom called.

  “Yeah,” she said as she grimaced at her reflection.

  “I think I found it.” A dress slinked over the edge of the dressing room. “Just try it on.”
>
  At least it wasn’t the last dress in the store in her size. If she hated it, there were about fifty more for her to try on.

  “Okay.” She took the dress and hung it up. It was organza, so it had that going for it.

  She peeled off the heavy satin dress she had on and slipped into the one her mom had found. The instant she put it on, she knew. She stepped out of the dressing room and onto the pedestal surrounded by mirrors. “It’s perfect.”

  The simple white spaghetti-strap dress felt weightless. There was no fancy beading or patterns. It was just plain white and the most perfect dress she’d ever seen.

  Her mom and Lori covered their mouths with their hands and gasped. “That’s the one.”

  “It’s the one,” Peyton whispered as tears pooled in her eyes. “It’s so perfect and me.”

  Suddenly, it felt like bricks were sitting on her chest. She was going to marry Gus in the perfect dress, and all he’d see was his best friend in a dress. Why did that realization have to hit right at that moment? Why did it hurt so much?

  Her mom walked up behind her and put her hands on her arms. “You look beautiful, and Gus won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.” She sniffed. “I know you’re already married, but it didn’t hit home until just now that my baby is married.”

  Lori stepped up next to their mom. “You look incredible, Peyton.”

  Their mom moved in between them and put her arm around their shoulders. “Both of you have made me so proud. My little girls aren’t little anymore. You haven’t been for a long time, but this kind of clinches it.”

  Peyton patted her hand. “I think we’ll always be your little girls.”

  “Well, that’s true.” She sighed. “Okay, let’s buy this and go find some shoes to go with it. I know you wanted bare feet, but this isn’t the beach.”

  Lori laughed. “No, but I doubt the church would care.”

  “No, she’s right. It wouldn’t work for a church,” Peyton said.

  Her mom looked at her watch. “If we’re lucky, we won’t be late for the rehearsal.”