Page 42 of Undercover Billionaire

Somehow, Kaitlyn didn’t gasp, faint or demand he send a search party for his mind, which had clearly left the premises. Of course, she couldn’t appear surprised about the wedding – she was, after all, the bride. Everyone else acted like they had announced they were moving to the moon, but there was no turning back now. If a pretend marriage followed by a pretend annulment was the only way to save the ruse, then so be it. Thus, Kaitlyn gave the only possible response, "So are you coming to my wedding?”

But the real question was, was she?

Had he actually proposed?

No, his impromptu statement couldn’t be considered a proposal. That would have included a question and an answer of agreement from the lady in question. No, he’d given a declaration, an announcement, a notice of upcoming events. He had shocked everyone, most of all himself.

Cameron had said it on a whim, doubting they’d believe the one thing that could silence her cousin. Yet among the shock and surprise, disbelief was strikingly absent. They didn’t think he’d lie about such a thing. He must have appeared in control, yet inside he’d been reeling. Eloping. It was impossible.

Or was it?

He’d never believed in love at first sight, but then he’d never met a woman like Kaitlyn. She was sweet and spirited, clever and kind, everything he could ever imagine or desire. She challenged him, and every moment with her was an adventure. Although they’d only known each other a short time, their connection was undeniable.

It was like their souls knew each other.

An elopement. It sounded crazy, and beyond risky, yet those were the decisions that brought him success for so many years. Of course, he could hire a fake officiant, and then Kaitlyn could claim to have an annulment later. Only what if it wasn’t pretend?

What if it was real?

He wanted forever with her. Wanted a marriage and a future and all it entailed. Wanted endless conversations, a million smiles and a forever worth of tomorrows. As certain as he’d ever been of anything, he wanted a life with her.

Of course, it wouldn’t be legal without a marriage certificate. Yet that could be another way they proved to Cynthia it was real. They could stop by the government office and procure an authentic one. Of course, it wouldn’t take effect unless they actually went through with the ceremony.

He would have to tell Kaitlyn, or rather,askher to share the life he envisioned. Yet he would wait until after the ceremony and her cousin departed. He would simply ask the justice of the peace to wait for his confirmation before filing the paperwork. Thus, he wasn’t truly marrying her…

But he would.

Was this a dream?A hallucination? Kaitlyn stood in front of the mirror, staring at the reflection that couldn’t be her. What had begun as an innocent prank had turned into a surreal fantasy world. Now she was in the bridal suite of Greenfield's finest hall, garbed in her grandmother’s white wedding gown, about to walk down the aisle with a man she had only known for a few days.

This couldn’t be happening.

Everything had progressed swiftly. After a round of congratulations, they had rushed to finish the special order, and just managed to get it to the ecstatic client in time. Then they set out in full wedding planning mode. She figured they'd do it at home, but her mother had called Greenfield’s only hall, and it was actually available because of a late cancellation. A nearby restaurant was accommodating the catering for the small wedding, and the local florist had enough wildflowers for half a dozen simple displays, as well as a cascading bouquet of purple orchids for the bride. Her aunt had rushed here with her grandmother's gown, and ta da, a wedding was made!

As for the cost, Drake said he'd take care of it. Kaitlyn still didn't understand how or why, since a fake wedding should definitely be part of her expenses, but he pointed out it wasn't in the original plan. Of course, there were differences between this and a real wedding. Drake hadn’t said where he found the officiant, but she assumed he hired an actor to conduct the ceremony. Obviously, it was not legal, even though Drake had insisted on getting a real wedding license to fool Cynthia. The move had been effective, as the suspicion ever-present in her cousin’s eyes finally wavered.

Even though Caitlyn knew it was a ruse, it seemed so real. She still wore the dress, was still walking down the aisle and her family was still here.

This couldn’t be happening.

So many emotions tangled at the sight of the blushing bride in the mirror, garbed in winter white. A simple yet elegant creation, the gown featured a fitted bodice, crystal embellishments and a silky skirt. A princess neckline and cap sleeves of wispy chiffon accentuated a simple updo of soft curls. Her features glimmered with shimmery makeup.

She should at least enjoy the rare chance to dress up, yet instead ice pierced her heart, shattering dreams she neither understood nor admitted. Emotion so sharp it burned her chest, sadness that made her eyes heavy with tears. A forged wedding presented the perfect solution. Her plan had succeeded.

So why was she so miserable?

And yet deep down she knew why. With her family’s leaving, another would go. A man she had come to care for. A man who delighted her, even if she would never admit it.

A man she loved.

She loved Drake. Wasin lovewith him. He had come into her life shrouded by secrets, yet she saw the true man beneath the mystery. He was kind and considerate, giving and so very smart. She loved being with him, whether they were talking or going on a hundred mini-dates, and she wanted nothing more than a million more. Yet that was impossible. He was an employee, not really her fiancé. Today they would walk down the aisle.

Tomorrow he would leave.

"It's almost time," her mother called.

She stepped back from the mirror, from the reflection of a would-be bride celebrating a new life. Her imagination conjured a thousand images of a real wedding day. They would say their vows proudly before family and friends, ready to embark upon a lifetime of happiness. He would pledge unconstrained love, and she the same. Then they would leave together and stay together – forever.

She breathed deeply, taking a step toward the aisle and the would-be future it represented. Although the wedding had been planned a day in advance, a fair group of people had amassed in the small hall. Waiting at the end of the aisle was Drake.

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