Page 1 of Fairy Tale Husband

Prologue

Towson, Maryland

WYNNE Sommers sat on the floor of her apartment and cupped her chin, her pale brows drawn together in thought. “Do you know what I really need, Laura?”

Her friend snorted, folding clothes into a large moving box. “Sure I know. You need to have your head examined if you still intend to go through with this ridiculous idea.”

“No... What I really need is a knight in shining armor. Aprotector.”

Laura shoved the box to one side and threw her hands up in despair. “Oh, for crying out loud! Why don’t you just wish for Prince Charming, apalace, and a million dollars while you’re at it? It’s just as realistic.” She shook her head with a groan. “And listen to me talking about realism to you of all people. Awoman planning to marry a complete stranger wouldn’t recognize reality if it bit her on the—”

“Yes?” Wynne asked, amusement clear in her voice. “Bit me where?”

“Oh, forget it,” Laura muttered. “Why do I bother?”

Wynne smiled, not the least offended by her friend’s bluntness. “Because you care. And in case you’ve forgotten, Iknow all about reality and being realistic. It hasn’t worked for me, which is why I’m willing to give the alternative a try.”

“I know,” Laura said contritely. “But to marry a complete stranger...”

“My point exactly. Since I am going to marry a complete stranger, why not pick one with all the qualities I need?”

“Because it’s crazy. It’s just asking for trouble.” Laura’s gaze grew concerned. “Please, don’t do this. There has to be another solution.”

“You know there isn’t,” Wynne said with calm finality. “I’ve lost my job, my apartment, and I’m out of money. This is the only option left. It’ll work out, you’ll see.”

Laura frowned. “What do you mean you’re out of money?” she demanded. “What happened to your savings?”

“I spent every last penny on my ticket to the ball. Ihad to. It was the only way to find a husband by the end of the month.”

A long silence stretched between them. Wynne knew she’d upset her friend, but she had no choice. From the moment she’d heard about the Cinderella Ball, she’d known it was the answer to her prayers. It had been a fluke that she’d seen the advertisement at all—anewspaper left at the restaurant where she’d worked, agust of wind from an open doorway, pages of newsprint blowing to the floor and... And there it was. Asmall, elegant ad that had caught her eye and offered a chance of a lifetime.

The CinderellaBall

Where you’ll be married by Midnight!

You’re invited to a wedding . . . yourown!

Come to the Cinderella Ball single . . . leave happilywed.

And it had given a phone number, anumber she’d called that very night. Aticket to the ball had been exorbitant, the application form detailed and thorough. But she’d apparently passed the intensive investigative process they required and been accepted as a guest to theball.

Unable to resist, Wynne crossed to the scarred dining table at the far end of the room and stared down at the intricate gold-embossed box she’d placed on her best remaining china plate. It had arrived earlier that day, hand-delivered by a liveried messenger along with a card that read, “The Montagues wish you joy and success as you embark on your search for matrimonial bliss.” Taking a deep breath, she opened the wooden box again and removed the white velvet pouch inside.

Reverently she ran a callused fingertip over the pouch, then slid the surprisingly heavy gilt “ticket” from its nest. The metallic wafer caught the light from the overhead bulb and shimmered as though alive, flooding the drab room with a brilliant, golden promise. She’d made the right choice, she assured herself, made the only possible decision. Just holding the engraved ticket filled her with that certainty.

Laura came to stand behind her, peering over her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Wynne,” she said. “I didn’t mean to criticize. I’m just worried about you. You don’t always see people the way they really are, and I’m afraid one of these days someone will take advantage of you.”

“I guess that’s all the more reason I should get married. My husband can make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“What if he takes advantage of you?”

Wynne laughed. “I wouldn’t marry a man like that. That’s why I’m going to the Cinderella Ball. The man I find will be special.” She smiled with dreamy certainty. “He’ll be good and kind, patient and loving. Strong. Fair.”

“Yeah, right. Aknight in shining armor. Aprotector.”

A small frown creased Wynne’s brow. “I know women aren’t supposed to need protection. They’re not even supposed to want it anymore. Do you think he’ll mind? It won’t be for long. Just until Mrs. Marsh is taken care of. And then I’ll be happy to take care of him.”

“You aren’t going to tell him, are you?” Laura demanded bluntly. “Not everything?”

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