Page 28 of One Sweet Match Up

“Your sister. She just walked in the front door. Who invited her?”

“I did.” Donovan slapped his pal on the shoulder and headed back for the kitchen.

“Why would you do that?” Will asked, following behind.

“I needed some help.” Donovan walked over to the stove, picked up the plastic spoon,

and tested his soup for a second time. “I ran out of cheese, so I sent her to the store.”

That sentence was all it took for Will to twist off his bow tie and throw it on the floor. “Rachel can’t see me like this.” He moved across the kitchen, yanking off his jacket. “I can’t marry Zoe.”

“News flash, buddy.” Donovan shook his head. Man, when did his friend become such a

drama queen? “It’s not a real wedding.”

“Doesn’t matter. I didn’t know Rachel would be here.” Will flung the jacket at Donovan, nearly missing the burner. “If your sister sees me even pretending to marry Zoe, that’s it. I’ll never have a chance with her again. I’m finished.”

“You didn’t think she’d hear about this little pretend wedding you orchestrated even if she wasn’t here?”

Will pulled his crisp white shirt out of his pants and rolled up the sleeves. “I guess I didn’t think it through. I’m not going out there.”

“You have to.” Donovan clutched the blazer. “You can’t leave Zoe at the altar,” he teased, but was sort of relieved. She deserved a man’s full attention, even if it was a fake wedding.

He watched Will pace the kitchen. His pal had had a thing for Rachel since they were kids. When Rachel had gotten together with Adam in high school, it had damn near broken the sophomore Will.

And adult Will seemed to be just as high-strung when it came to Rachel.

Donovan set his spoon down. Will was probably right. His sister would see this as a reason to never give him a chance. She was stubborn that way. “I’ll be the groom.”

Will stopped in his tracks. “Thank you, Jesus.”

“Dude. You need to grow a pair.”

“On it. I’ll see you later.” Will sprinted for the door.

“Not so fast, buddy,” Donovan shouted. “This is an exchange not a favor.” He picked up an apron off a nearby hook and tossed it to Will. “Rachel will show you the ropes,” he said, adding for Will’s benefit, “You can thank me later.”

Picking the bow tie off the floor, he slid on the jacket and headed for the door right on time to greet his sister. “About time you returned,” he said, adjusting the tie around his neck. “You remember the trick to my perfect grilled cheese?”

“Yeah, mayonnaise both sides,” she mumbled, her hard gaze on Will. “What’s he doing here?”

“You’ve been promoted to head chef, and Will’s your assistant.” Donovan began giving orders, something that came easy to him in his kitchen, or any kitchen for that matter. “Will, pour the soup into those cups on the counter and then Rachel will show you how to make the sandwiches. The trick is to grill until the cheese is halfway melted.”

“Where are you going?” Rachel made no movement to leave her spot.

Donovan kissed her on the cheek, grinning. “To make Zoe Mathews my business partner.”

Zoe gavea wave to an old man who’d introduced himself as Henry, telling him she’d save a dance for him. He’d come up to her all smiles and said she was the most beautiful bride he’d ever seen.

He also offered to sneak her into his room in the nursing home after hours, saying he’d leave the window cracked open.

Dirty old man.

She moved across the foyer, the long train of the dress hiding her satin white heels underneath. When she’d showed up this morning to the Belle Bridal Boutique, she didn’t realize that she’d get the full beauty treatment. Not only had Will assigned her to wear the most exquisite gown she’d ever seen, but he’d also arranged for Peggy, a beautician from the Spring Curls, to be there to do her hair and makeup.

In the gorgeous white dress with its satin and lace trim, her hair swept up and more eye shadow and lipstick than she’d ever wear on a normal day, she felt like a princess.

“Are you ready?” Bridget Reed bounced over to her in a short, pale pink gown, handing her a small bouquet of pink and white flowers, white satin ribbon flowing from the handle. The head librarian’s bubbly personality always showed through. She and her husband, Tom, had stopped into the Ice Heaven a couple of days ago, and Bridget shared she’d volunteered to be Zoe’s pretend maid of honor.

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