Page 14 of Fairy Tale Husband

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “I’ll treasure it forever.”

“You’ll treasure it for the brief length of our marriage,” he retorted in a hard voice.

She shook her head, leveling him with another of those bewitching smiles as sensuous as it was innocent. “No. I’ll treasure this ring for the rest of my life because it’s given me everything I’ve always wanted.” Then her brow wrinkled in concern. “But what about you? Where’s your ring?”

“I don’t need one.” Their marriage was a temporary measure, not worthy of a ring to symbolize the event.

Understanding dawned in her eyes and with that understanding came a terrible sadness, one that totally devastated his defenses.

And as the minister pronounced them husband and wife, Jake realized he was in deep, deep trouble.

Wynne knelt on the carpet, eyeing the hotel door in disgust. For the tenth time she stabbed the card into the locking mechanism and for the tenth time a red button flashed its rejection.

“Whatever happened to keys?” she muttered. “I liked keys. And keys liked me. At least they unlocked the—” The door opened and she practically tumbled into theroom.

Laura stood there, dressed in a nightgown and robe. “Oh, thank goodness! Ithought I heard you. Iwas getting worried.” She frowned in concern. “What are you doing on the floor?”

“I’m trying to get this stupid thing to work,” Wynne said, holding up the card key as she struggled to herfeet.

Laura froze, staring at Wynne’s hand. “You’re wearing a ring! You did it, didn’t you? You’re married.”

“Yes, I’m married.” Wynne smiled, wriggling her fingers so the light flickered across her wedding band. It slid off her knuckle and she hastened to push it back in place. “Oh, Laura, I’m so glad you came with me. Now I can tell you all about him. He’s wonderful. He’s everything I’d hoped.”

Laura grinned, tears leaping to her eyes. “I’m so relieved. I’ve spent the night worrying that some fast-talking rat would take advantage of you. Who is he? What does he do? How old is he?”

Wynne stared at her blankly. “I’m not sure. But, his name is Jake... Jake... Good grief. Considering we’re married, you’d think I’d remember his last name,” she muttered, then quickly corrected, “Our last name. Oh, never mind. His name’s not important. It’s Jake something-or-other.”

Laura’s tears evaporated, along with her smile. “Jake something-or-other? You can’t remember your own husband’s name and you don’t think that’s important?” she questioned ominously.

“No. What is important is that he’s perfect. Absolutely perfect. And he’s the sweetest man in the world.” She hesitated. “Well, to be honest, Isuppose he isn’t all that sweet. No, sweet’s the wrong word.”

Laura groaned. “What’s the right word?”

“Tough. Strong.” Wynne smiled cheerfully. “Hard as nails would be a pretty accurate description. Mrs. Marsh doesn’t stand a chance against him.”

“Hard as nails, huh? That’s good. Iguess.” Laura’s voice held a marked lack of enthusiasm. “Where is he from?”

Wynne shrugged. “I never thought to ask. Someplace further down south, Ithink. He has an accent. Or rather a drawl.”

“I don’t believe this! You don’t remember his name, never bothered to ask where he’s from, or what he does for a living. Nor do you know how old he is. Is it just me or is there something wrong with this picture?” She tightened the belt of her bathrobe and glared at Wynne. “What, precisely, do you know about this man? Why does he need a wife?”

Wynne smiled in relief. “Now that one I can answer. He needs a wife in order to keep his inheritance.”

“And what’s his inheritance?”

“I... Idon’t know. Does it matter?”

“Of course it matters! What if—” Laura paused, her eyes narrowing. “There’s something you’re not telling me. What is it?”

Wynne peeked at her friend from beneath her lashes. “I’d really rather not say.”

“I’d really rather you did.” Laura folded her arms across her chest. “Please. Tell me. What are you hiding?”

“Just wait until you meet him. You’ll think he’s perfect, too,” Wynne hastened to assure. “And he’s a good man, though I suspect he wouldn’t agree.”

“He wouldn’t agree? Wynne! What sort of person did you marry? Tough, hard, strong. He sounds like some sort of brute. And you still haven’t answered my question. What have you left out?”

Wynne cleared her throat. “Not much. And he’s not a brute! He’s the kind of man who can take care of Mrs. Marsh. He’s more than a match for her, even if he only wants a temporary marriage.” She could see this latest piece of news didn’t go overwell.

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