Page 43 of Marrying a Billionaire

Reed made a disgruntled sound. “Is everyone here?” he asked, reaching out and hugging Cassie.

“If you mean Mason and that snake, Hannah, then no, they’re not here. And mom thinks that they aren’t going to come so we should be in the clear.”

Lillian watched as Reed nodded but then his tanned complexion paled. Before she knew what she was doing, she reached out and rested her hand on his forearm. “It’s okay. We are going to do this. He will not win.” She gave him a reassuring smile.

Reed’s gaze dropped to her hand and then back up to her. It seemed that her gesture had its intended affect. A wave of confidence passed over his face. “Thanks,” he said.

Lillian nodded, keeping her hand on his arm. Butterflies erupted in her stomach. She swallowed, hoping that would calm them.

“Okay, you two love birds, save the touching for tonight,” Cassie said as she pulled on Lillian’s arm.

Reed shot her an annoyed look. “Come on, Cas,” he said.

Cassie shrugged as she pulled Lillian away. “I gotta go dress up your bride!” she called.

Lillian allowed her to lead her through the house. Dark wood covered the walls, banisters, and floors. A deep red rug ran then length of the hallway that Cassie led her down. Their footsteps were muted by the plush material.

Cassie stopped at a door and turned the handle. “Let’s get you ready,” she exclaimed and pushed the door open.

Chapter Sixteen

Cassie ushered Lillian into the room and then shut the door behind her. After a quick scan, she pronounced that Lillian was a mess and she was going to have to start from scratch.

“Shower,” she commanded, pointing to the door along the far wall.

Lillian nodded and headed in the direction she motioned. Cassie had on a no-nonsense expression so Lillian thought it was probably best to do as she was told.

When she was clean, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body and her hair. She opened the door, letting all the steam escape in heavy wisps.

Cassie was waiting a few steps away with her arms crossed. “That took forever,” she said.

Before Lillian could respond, Cassie had grabbed her elbow and pulled her over to the chair that was in front of a lighted vanity. After drying, curling, and tugging her hair, Cassie managed to wrangle Lillian’s hair into soft ringlets around her face. Then Cassie moved onto Lillian’s face.

Ten minutes later, Lillian almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her. She looked sophisticated and elegant. Everything that Lillian had never believed she could ever be.

“Cas, you did an amazing job,” she said, turning to see Cassie’s beaming face.

Cassie shoved her shoulder. “It helps when I have a beautiful canvas to work on.”

Lillian’s heart swelled for her. Cassie had been nothing but nice to her. And yet, Lillian had kept the truth about the baby from her. What kind of friend did that to another? Pushing the thoughts of her betrayal from her mind, Lillian turned, forcing herself to focus on getting married.

“Let’s get the dress on. We’re wanted in ten minutes,” Cassie said as she walked over to the bed and lifted the dress cover.

Lillian nodded, taking the hanger from her and heading back into the bathroom.

After discarding her towel she started to slip on her bra and underwear. There was a knock on the bathroom door.

“I forgot something,” Cassie called.

Grabbing her towel, she wrapped it around her body and opened the door. Cassie was standing on the other side with an incredulous expression. In her outstretched hand was a white bag. “Something a little fun and maybe scandalous,” she said.

Lillian shot her a look as she grabbed the bag and shut the bathroom door again. Flashbacks of the swimsuit raced back to her. “What did you do?” she called through the door as she pulled out a pair of black undies and a matching bra.

“Just something for the wedding night,” Cassie called back.

Lillian choked as she pulled out a garter belt and thigh-highs. “Seriously?”

Cassie laughed. “Just having fun.”

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