The three sisters were silent for a long moment, until Caroline looked around and then smiled brightly.
“Hey, no long faces. We have a wedding to attend today! Aren’t you thrilled to death, Michelle?”
Remembering her role, Michelle threw herself into it enthusiastically. Neither sister would ever suspect the true reason. Time enough to explain everything after Caroline’s baby was safely born and the mock marriage to Josh had ended.
Dressing in the creamy-white silk suit, Michelle was delighted with the way she looked. Something caused her eyes to sparkle and her skin to glow with subtle color. She sat quietly while Abby fussed with her hair, pleased with the resulting cascade of curls that looked perfect with the jaunty little hat and veil.
“Here, this was Mother’s.” Caroline handed her a locket. “It’s old and borrowed.”
“Here, this is blue.” Abby handed her a ruffly garter. “And I know Josh will love removing it to toss.”
“Abby, there are only going to be about six people there. Not enough to fuss with such traditions.”
“If there is one bachelor, that's enough.”
When they walked into the living room, Brandon rose. Wearing a dark suit with snowy white shirt, he looked the epitome of a successful entrepreneur. Michelle smiled at him. He made her sister so happy, she’d always cherish him for that.
Would she ever find a love so strong one day?
“We're ready,” Caroline said. Her maternity dress was pure elegance—and not far different in style from the wedding gown she’d worn only a few weeks earlier for the renewal of their vows.
“Wait, we need a lucky penny,” Abby said.
“Allow me,” Brandon said, reaching into his trousers. He brought out a gold coin. “I’ve had this since I found it as a kid on the bayou. It’s brought me luck over the years. Let’s hope it does for you, too, Michelle.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes met those of every one filming over with tears. “I’m so glad you're my family.”
“And in a few more hours we’ll add another with Josh.”
“Oh, dear,” Michelle said. “I forgot to tell you about Penny.”
“Who?”
“Josh's daughter. Penny’s four. She'll be joining the family, too.”
“He has a kid? You’re going to be a stepmother? And you are only telling us now?” Abby asked.
Caroline shook her head. “Abby, you idiot, she’s in love with Josh. That he has a child is an extra bonus, but her mind’s on him. I can understand. Let’s go. I can’t wait to meet her. We don't want to be late. I wouldn't expect a lot of traffic on a Saturday, but you never know.”
The judge’s chambers looked crowded when Michelle entered. For a moment she almost panicked. Then reason took control. She went to greet two of her coworkers—both longtime friends. She’d invited them to allay any suspicions Caroline might have had. Then she greeted a man and woman she didn’t know, Josh’s employees. Glancing at her watch, she noted it was almost the agreed time.
Nervous, she spoke with the judge and checked the door. Where was Josh? He hadn't changed his mind, had he?
Just before noon, he entered, carrying Penny on one arm and a big bouquet of flowers in the other hand. The child looked adorable. Her hair was cut short as a pixie with a blue ribbon bow centered on the top. Her dress did make her look like a fairy princess, Michelle thought, smiling at the child with affection. She felt as proud of how sweet Penny looked as if she were truly her mother.
Then her gaze moved to Josh and she stood still. He looked fantastic. His charcoal gray suit and pale blue shirt fit as though they’d been made especially for him. They emphasized his broad shoulders, his height, and the darkness of his tan. She forced in a breath and moved closer, aware of only Josh in the gathering of friends and relatives.
“You made it,” she said inanely.
“Thanks to Mrs. Turner across the street. These buttons are too tiny!”
Michelle’s sisters immediately joined them. She introduced Abby and was surprised when Abby held out her arms to see Penny lean right into them.
“I’ll hold this pretty girl while the ceremony takes place. Then we’ll sit together at lunch. Want to do that, Penny?’’
“Wif my bear?”
“Sure thing, sugar.”
“Where are the bear and the cap?” Michelle asked.
“They’re both in the car. Penny gets to have them as soon as we leave here,” Josh said, holding out the flowers. “These are for you. A bride needs more than a corsage.”
As soon as she took them he reached out to draw her into his arms. Without another word, he kissed her long and hard.
Michelle was acutely conscious of every person in the room staring at them. She knew he was playing his role, but for a moment let herself float on the sensations that swept through her. And wished it were for real as she kissed him back.
“Dearly Beloved—” the judge began a few minutes later.
Josh stood in front of the man and tried not to let the words remind him of another time. This marriage would be nothing like his first one. He glanced at Michelle, disconcerted to find her standing rigid, her solemn gaze fixed on him. Slowly he winked, pleased to note the hint of color that flooded her cheeks. Gradually she relaxed. He wished he could.
But the situation was too fraught with problems. How could he have agreed to another marriage? Hadn’t the problems before been enough to ensure he never tried it again?
Michelle was different from Sylvia, a small voice reminded him. And the circumstances were totally different. He’d have to remember that.
Glancing around quickly, he looked at Michelle’s sisters. They didn’t look alike, except for the Talmadge blue eyes. Caroline had dark hair while Abby’s was a honey-blond. He liked Michelle’s rich auburn color the best.
How would they all take this mock marriage when the truth was revealed?
“Do you, Josh—”
He had to pay attention. Time enough later to figure out how he’d convinced
