Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold #19)(35)

A small import pulled up next to him and the passenger window rolled down. He walked over and saw Mayor Marsha behind the wheel.

“Mr. Blaze,” she said cheerfully. “Just the man I was looking for. Do you have a moment?”

“Sure.”

“Excellent.”

She motioned for him to get in. He did and fastened his seat belt. She started driving.

“Every year we have a Christmas Eve performance called The Dance of the Winter King. It’s a ballet performed by students here in town. The story is very meaningful and it’s all very lovely, as you can imagine.”

Kids doing ballet? “I can,” he said, doing his best to keep the irony out of his voice.

“There is a narration that goes along with the dance. Usually Morgan does it but he and his family are going to be traveling for the holidays.”

Jonny nodded slowly. Mayor Marsha wanted him to narrate the dance. He could do that, he thought. It would be fun. And having his name would be a big—

“I was wondering if you happen to know James Earl Jones,” the mayor continued. “He has a wonderful speaking voice and it would be very exciting if we could get him to come to Fool’s Gold for the performance.”

Jonny stared at her. “James Earl Jones?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“Not personally, but I can ask my agent.”

“That would be lovely. Thank you.”

She pulled up next to his SUV and wished him a good day. Jonny got out and stared after her. Then he started to laugh.

He’d wanted to be just like everyone else, he reminded himself. He had to remember to be careful what he wished for because it sure as hell had happened.

EIGHT

MADELINE SORTED THROUGH the veils. They were a tangle of lace and tulle, the result of three unexpected brides freaking out about accessories on the same day. Two had placed special orders, one had left in tears.

She rubbed her forehead, hoping the beginnings of a headache would fade rather than grow. Worse, she had to deal with Ted and Marigold that very evening. Because it was just one of those kinds of days.

The front door opened. Rosalind had escaped to the back, leaving Madeline to gather herself and smile sweetly at the—

Only instead of a hysterical bride, Jonny walked in the store. She hadn’t seen him since the previous day and she wasn’t sure if he would be back. But here he was, striding toward her, looking as sexy as ever.

She let the tingles wash over her. They were a welcome relief from bride stress. When he stopped in front of her, she thought longingly of a kiss. Because a little tongue would go a long way to setting her day to rights.

“I’m still in,” he told her. “For the date with Ted. If you’re interested.”

In having him protect her from Ted and Marigold? In spending an evening with him as his pretend date?

“Yes. I’m interested.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at six?”

“Perfect.”

“Where should I pick you up?”

“Here. I have to work until we close, then I’ll get changed.”

“See you then.”

Madeline smiled as she realized not only was she going on a date with Jonny Blaze, but that her headache had miraculously faded. Funny how that had happened.

* * *

“Don’t make me get shrill,” Isabel said firmly. “Trust me, with the pregnancy hormones I’m experiencing, shrill is just a heartbeat away.”

Madeline studied the beautiful dress her business partner held. It was midnight blue, with a plunging neckline and ruching in all the right places. She’d already tried it on, had spent three days lusting after it, and then had carefully put it back on the rack. The dress was stunning and way too expensive. Her money would be better spent saving to buy another share of Paper Moon.

Now Isabel held out the dress. “I’m serious.”

Because her friend was offering it to her for the evening. On a sort of borrow and return program.

“I’m going to mark it down in the morning, anyway,” Isabel added. “You know this is the perfect dress to dazzle nasty Ted and make Marigold sweat. Just put it on.”

They were standing in the nonbridal side of the store. Taryn and Shelby were sitting and watching the exchange with great interest.

“I’m thinking we should take bets,” Shelby said.

“I want to know which dress she’s wearing so I can flash some jewelry,” Taryn told them. “I brought sapphires, like Isabel said, but I also have diamonds and pearls.”

Because Taryn was nothing if not fashion prepared.

Madeline looked at her friends, then back at the dress. “Thanks,” she said, taking it from Isabel. “I owe you.”

“Yes, I know.”

Isabel took a seat and waved toward the dressing rooms. “Go on. Dazzle us.”

Madeline retreated to the dressing room and pulled off the plain black dress she’d worn for work. She changed out black tights for sheer stockings, then shimmied into a shapewear slip that kept things from jiggling too much. She stepped into the dress and pulled it up, then walked out of the dressing room.

Shelby was on her feet immediately.

“You look great,” she said, coming up behind her and doing the zipper, then the little hook and eye at the top. “The color is amazing on you.”