Page 2 of Fairy Tale Husband

“It’s only fair that I do.”

Laura planted her hands on Wynne’s delicate shoulders and turned her around. “Listen, my friend. I’ll go along with this crazy scheme. I’ll even help in any way I can. But there’s one condition.”

“Only one?” Wynne teased.

“Just one. You aren’t to tell him the truth until after you’re married.”

“But—”

“Look what happened when Brett found out. He ended your engagement.”

Wynne grimaced. “He obviously wasn’t the man I thought he was.”

“Nor was Jerry. Nor was Kevin. The minute they found out, they both dumped you, too.”

“All that means is that knights are in scarce supply these days,” Wynne insisted.

“My point exactly. Take my advice and pick out your knight. Wed him, bed him, then tell him the truth. That way he won’t have any choice but to help you.”

Reluctantly Wynne shook her head. “I can’t lie, Laura. You know I can’t.”

“Fine. Just don’t give him all the details. Be vague.” Laura glared. “You can be vague, Iknow you can. I’ve seen you do it often enough.”

Wynne peeked up at her friend. “I believe that’s thoughtful, not vague,” she offered.

“Trust me. Iknow vague when I see it and you’re vague.”

“Okay, but I can’t lie.”

“I’m not asking you to lie. Just be selective in what you tell him. I’m not joking, Wynne. Iwant your promise. Iknow how seriously you take promises. Swear to me that you’ll keep your mouth shut until the ring is on your finger.”

Wynne frowned, hesitant to commit to something so contrary to her nature. “I promise I won’t tell him until after we’re married... unless he asks.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Is that good enough?”

“I guess it’ll have to do.” Laura sighed. “Let’s just hope he’s so enthralled by big green eyes and white-blond hair he doesn’t think to ask too many questions.”

“It’ll work out, you’ll see,” Wynne consoled. “Why, with any luck at all, he’ll be vague, too.”

Chesterfield, Texas

Jake Hondo glared at his attorney—even though said attorney was his best friend. Correction. His only friend. “You told me you could get that stipulation in the will overturned,” he said in a furious undertone, yanking open a massive oak door reading, Dodson, Dodson, and Bryant, Attorneys atLaw.

Peter Bryant shrugged, practically jogging to keep up with his client. “I didn’t expect your cousin to contest it. If it hadn’t been for Randolph, the judge might have let the condition slide. But that’s not possible now. I’m sorry, Jake. Idid my best.”

“Your best, huh? Well, your best means that I have seven days to find a wife or I lose my inheritance.” He thrust a hand through pitch-black hair and gritted his teeth, struggling to control his anger. “Marriage. What a joke.”

“It’s not a dirty word. Marriage can be quite pleasant.”

“It’s a state of pleasantness I’ve managed to avoid for thirty-five years. Why spoil a perfect record at this late date?”

“Come into my office where we can discuss it in private,” Peter suggested, opening a door leading off the plush corridor. He dropped his briefcase onto his desk. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Only if it’s a hundred proof. Damn it, Peter. What the hell am I supposed to do now? What about a temporary deal? You know, one of those marriage of convenience things?”

Peter poured two fingers of whiskey into a glass tumbler and handed it to Jake. “Assuming you could find someone agreeable, there’s still one detail you should keep in mind.”

Jake swallowed the whiskey and lifted an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

Peter crossed to sit behind his desk. “I believe your grandfather’s exact wording is ‘wedded and bedded,’” he clarified.

---