by Maggie Way
Had she been flirting? Zoey couldn’t believe it. She was usually so conscious of that kind of thing. Mitch had knocked her completely off her game.
She needed to talk to Mitch.
But it would be rude to refuse a dance. So Zoey let Mark draw her from the chair and lead her to the dance floor. She placed her hands on his shoulders, the action feeling all wrong. Mark placed his hands at the small of her back and urged her closer.
“Excuse me, but that’s my wife you’re dancing with.”
Zoey jerked back. Mitch’s dark face was pulled down in a scowl, his arms folded across his chest.
Crap.
Mark immediately dropped his hands, backing away. “Oh wow, I had no idea. I’m really sorry, man.” He gave a salute. “It was nice meeting you, Zoey.”
Awkward. Zoey watched him disappear into the crowd, then whirled on Mitch. “What was that all about?”
“I didn’t like the way he was...was...”
Zoey placed her hands on her hips, glaring. “Was what?”
“Was fondling you.”
A few of the guests turned to look at them. Zoey rolled her eyes and grabbed Mitch by the jacket. He seemed to understand her intention, so she let go and marched down the hallway to a sitting room that was empty.
She liked that he was angry.
“We were just dancing,” Zoey said. “Besides, it’s none of your business who does or does not fondle me.”
“It should be! I want it to be.”
Zoey’s arms dropped to her side, hope blossoming in her heart. “What?”
Mitch ran a hand over his hair, then threw both his hands up in the air. “You have me so frazzled I don’t know which way is up. You make me believe I can jump off a cliff and not only survive, but enjoy the ride down and make something good out of the disaster waiting for me at the bottom. You’re crazy and chaotic and spontaneous. You upset all my carefully laid plans and schedules. And I don’t care. I want you to convince me to leave work midday just so we can tour Notre Dame. I want to avoid the metro so we can dance in the rain. I like the man I am when I’m with you, and I can’t imagine life without you. I love you, Zoey. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone, and I so desperately want that wedding yesterday to be real. Because I want this—us—to be forever.”
Butterflies were flapping their wings in her heart, and her mouth was completely dry.
He wanted her for her. He didn’t want to change her—he wanted them to change each other, but only in the best possible ways.
And she wanted that too. She liked the way she was more levelheaded when with Mitch, the way she could think before acting and sometimes hold back. Mitch made her a better version of herself. He wouldn’t change her—he’d improve her.
“Mitch,” she began.
He shook his head. “I know this feels really fast. I know it seems insane. But I’ve been thinking about it all night, and at the same time, it makes perfect sense.” He reached into his jacket and withdrew a folder.
A folder? Well, that wasn’t what she’d expected.
Slowly, Mitch opened the folder and withdrew a sheet of cream paper that looked heavy. He walked over to a small table and set it down, then withdrew a fountain pen and placed it beside it.
“I want that wedding to be real,” he said. “I’m all in, Zoey.”
Zoey took a step forward on trembling legs. The document said Certificat de Mariage at the top, and had an official government seal just underneath. The butterflies in her chest beat their wings, and Zoey blinked, trying to clear her vision.
There, in thick black ink, was Mitch’s signature.
Tears sprang into her eyes, and Zoey looked up at Mitch, her hand at her throat. “You signed it,” she said.
“I meant what I said in our vows. Last night wasn’t pretend to me.”
He reached into his jacket and withdrew a small box, then flipped it open. Zoey gasped. Nestled inside was a rose-gold band with a large onyx stone, surrounded by little diamonds. “I know this is sudden, and maybe insane. But I’m asking you to take that risk. Be my wife.”
Zoey brought a shaking hand to her mouth. She couldn’t believe Mitch—pragmatic, levelheaded Mitch—was suddenly being so spontaneous. “You’re serious,” she whispered.
“I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.”
She folded her arms, looking at the floor. “We’re so opposite.”
“But we balance each other out.”
“I’m not going to be a different person just because we’re married.”
“Good. I love you just the way you are.”
Zoey scuffed her toe along the ground. “I might drive you insane.”
He took a step forward. “Yes. You might. We are different from each other, and I know that life together won’t always be easy. But nothing worthwhile ever is, and our differences are what make us strong.”
She looked up, tears filling her eyes, and quickly blinked. “I’m still scared.”
“Me too. But it’s a good scared. I want to make yesterday permanent. What do you want, Zoey?”
She stared into his eyes, looking for any sign of doubt. But all she saw was love, and a promise she’d be an idiot not to accept.
Slowly, she picked up the pen. She heard Mitch suck in his breath, saw him freeze in her peripheral vision. The pen felt heavy in her hands, like the comforting weight of a hug.
She set the pen on the only blank line on the page. Then she signed with a flourish.
Mitch let out a whoop and swept her into his arms. Zoey laughed, the pen clattering to the floor as her feet left the ground. She wrapped her arms around Mitch, clinging to him.
He set her down and slipped the ring onto her finger. “I love you, Zoey Carlson,” he whispered. “Now and forever.”
“It’s Zoey Harris now.” She linked her arms around his neck, and a tear trickled down her cheek. “I love you, Mitch. I’ve loved you for so long, but I was so scared you wanted me to be someone I’m not.”
“Never. I want you exactly the way you are.”
“Sometimes you drive me absolutely crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want this for forever, too.”
He wrapped his arms tighter around her, pulling her close. Slowly, his lips descended toward hers. And somehow, this kiss felt different. Better. There was no uncertainty, no wondering whether it was real or fake.
This kiss was the start of the rest of her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindzee Armstrong is the #1 best-selling author of the No Match for Love series and Sunset Plains Romance series. She’s always had a soft spot for love stories. In third grade, she started secretly reading romance novels, hiding the covers so no one would know (because hello, embarrassing!), and dreaming of her own Prince Charming.
She finally met her match while at college, where she studied history education. They are now happily married and raising twin boys in the Rocky Mountains.
Like any true romantic, Lindzee loves chick flicks, ice cream, and chocolate. She believes in sigh-worthy kisses and happily ever afters.
Mix ‘N Match is part of the No Match for Love series. Receive the prequel novella for FREE when you join Lindzee’s VIP readers club at smarturl.it/ClubVIP. You can find all the current books in the series by visiting her website at lindzeearmstrong.com.
Kentucky Bluegrass Wedding
by Lita Lawson
Chapter One
Cassi’s future mother-in-law, Bonnie Keller, read out loud from the headline of the Lexington, Kentucky, After Dark society blog.
“Austin Keller, heir to Keller Farms, engaged to Cassi Whitaker, an unknown in horse society circles.” The words were followed by a tsk, tsk.
“I don’t like gossip, especially when it’s about our family,” Bonnie said.
It would seem news of their engagement had gotten out. Cassi would lay odds that Annie Mae Ashworth had found out from her brother Don, Austin’s best friend, and ranted to the blogg
er.
Annie Mae had been involved with Austin until she had given away a horse he had given her. Being the recipient of that horse is how Cassi and Austin first met. And now she was getting married to Austin. Funny how life works.
Cassi wasn’t going to pay attention to anything the bloggers or society types had to say. Besides, they were at a bridal salon to pick out her dress—it was only a matter of time before more people knew. Cassi wished her best friend, Sandy, could have been here, but she had to care for her sick baby.
She leaned over her future mother-in-law’s shoulder to look at her iPad. The blogger had used the photo taken of Cassi and Austin when Foolish Gamble had won the Stakes race.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Austin’s grandmother Eleanor consoled. She was seated beside Bonnie on the couch. Cassi stood tapping her toe, too nervous to sit. “All that matters is you two love each other.”
Their romance had gotten off to a rocky start. Austin and Cassi had partnered to race Cassi’s horse, Foolish Gamble, in an attempt to win enough money for her to save her family’s farm. Unbeknownst to her, Austin had tried to sabotage Foolish Gamble’s ability to win by hiring a jockey to throw the race. If he’d succeeded, the farm would have reverted to him. She’d almost walked away from Austin forever after she found out. When he finally confessed he had done it because his step-father was pushing him out of his own family farm, she had been furious with him. But eventually they reunited after talking things out.
And now they were getting married. Eleanor was right. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t part of the horse racing social scene, or from a well-known or wealthy family. They were in love. And that was what mattered.
Cassi soothed herself with that thought as she nervously walked the bridal salon floor waiting for the sales lady to return with wedding gowns for her to try on.
“I wouldn’t exactly say that,” Bonnie replied to Eleanor. “There will be certain expectations of Cassi. She’ll need to become a member of the Lexington Ladies League to carry on the Keller family legacy.”
Cassi walked over to one of the mannequins dressed in an over-the-top ornate wedding gown with a bustier, trying not to get overwhelmed by the thought of what marrying into the Keller family would mean for her. She knew there were certain things she’d be expected to do as a Keller. She worried she wouldn’t live up to her future mother-in-law’s expectations.
“And Cassi, you’ll also need some proper outfits. We all love horses, but you can’t run around in jeans all the time.”
“Don’t worry,” Austin’s grandmother said. “Once we get the wedding gown picked out, we’ll all go shopping. When Keller Farms was started, we didn’t have much money. All you need are some good pieces you can mix and match.”
Cassi smiled at Eleanor. Since the first time they had met, the older woman had always been so gracious, so welcoming.
The saleswoman returned with several gowns, and Cassi followed her to a fitting room.
“I’ve picked some of the latest designer gowns we just received.” The saleswoman hung the three gowns on the rack in front of Cassi.
They were all beautiful, and since Eleanor had insisted on purchasing the wedding gown for her, Cassi didn’t want it to be expensive.
Hesitantly, she lifted one of the price tags and gasped. $8,000! Her hand trembled as she lifted the next price tag. $5,000 wasn’t much better. The last one was $10,000.
She thought it was crazy anyone would spend so much on a gown that would only be worn once.
“I’ll try the $5,000 one on,” she told the saleswoman. Cassi took in a few slow breaths to calm herself. “Could you bring me a few other options that are less expensive” The salesclerk nodded and left the fitting room.
The clerk returned with three more affordable options. Cassi tried them on, and rejected the two that were too ornately adorned with expensive lace and crystals.
She really liked the third dress and tried it on. And with it being just under $5,000, it made her feel better about liking it.
The gown was striking in its simplicity. It was a satin sheath gown with an empire waist, a modest scoop neck, sleeves that fell somewhere between a cap and short sleeves, and a belt with marquis shaped rhinestones sat at the waist. It made an impression without being too feminine or frilly, just like her. The satin fabric was luxurious and smooth to her touch, and the slight train that puddled behind her completed the look.
Looking at her reflection in the gleaming silver framed mirror, she felt pretty. Beautiful, even.
This was the one.
“The gown looks amazing on you,” the saleswoman gushed.
Cassi smoothed the gown down at her hips and waist while the saleswoman gathered a few inches of excess material at the back and clipped it in the back so it fit her like a glove.
Cassi’s fingertips pulled the gown up a few inches and she walked out to the showroom where her future in-laws waited. Walking onto the elevated circle in front of the three-way mirror, Cassi admired her reflection and then turned around for Eleanor and Bonnie to see. She worried Bonnie would think it too simple.
Eleanor smiled and Bonnie said, “What a sophisticated look. Good choice.”
Cassi exhaled with relief.
“Who’s the designer?” Bonnie asked the saleswoman, who had followed her out and was watching her as closely as if she were a prize horse.
“Rosa Anne.”
“Humph. Never heard of her. Any Vera Wang she could try?”
Cassi was about to voice her objection when Eleanor chimed in.
“Oh, Bonnie, it doesn’t matter who the designer is. Cassi looks exquisite, not to mention the fact she’s beaming.”
“I love it,” Cassi gushed.
“Shouldn’t you try more of them on?” Bonnie asked. “How can you be sure you won’t find something else you like better?”
She shook her head. “I tried several others on in the dressing room, but this one’s perfect. It’s simple and classy. I think Austin will love it.”
“He’ll love anything you wear,” Eleanor said. “We’ll take it.”
“Thank you so much,” Cassi walked over and gave Eleanor a hug. “And thank you for understanding what I like.”
“Oh, you remind me of myself when I was younger. The fancy things don’t mean a lot. It’s the farm and the horses and family.” She squeezed Cassi’s hand.
Bonnie just shrugged. “We’ll need to see if we can book the Anatheum building for the reception. That’s about the only venue that will hold all our guests,” she said to no one in particular.
Cassi grimaced. That place could hold several thousand people. She and Austin hadn’t spoken in detail about it yet, but neither wanted a great big affair; just close friends and family. Bonnie’s vision sounded like the exact opposite of the intimate gathering they wanted. Cassi only hoped the wedding wouldn’t become too much of an issue between her and her future mother-in-law.
In no hurry to get out of the gown, she turned a few times in front of the mirror to look at the back and side views, her heart fluttering at the thought of wearing it for Austin. She could put her hair up in a bun and get a matching rhinestone headband to wear. Stepping down, she made her way back to the fitting room to change back into her jeans, blouse and boots.
Driving home from the bridal salon, Cassi’s pickup bounced down the lane to her farm. She and Austin had decided they would fix her place up and live there once married. She smiled, wanting to pinch herself.
The first time they met, she’d thought him arrogant and egotistical. But that wasn’t who Austin was deep down. Proud, yes. Self-confident, definitely. Arrogant, no. As far as egotistical, well, with a man who looked as good as he did, who was the catch of Lexington, she could understand how he could be a bit full of himself.
Austin stood at six feet, a full six inches taller than herself. She liked that height difference because when he held her in his arms, she felt totally protected. With jet black hair that curled at the collar, a t
awny golden gaze, and a strong, square jaw, he radiated sensuousness. And his broad lips were pure heaven when they kissed.
But while the spectacle and pull of Austin Keller affected her just as they would any red-blooded woman, it wasn’t that side of him that appealed to her the most. She loved the Austin the public didn’t get to see: his sense of humor, and how he worked with his own horses rather than delegating the work to others, and the fact that he was willing to live a simpler life with her.
Parking the truck near the front porch of her modest two-story home, Cassi jogged up the steps and opened the screen door, letting it slap closed behind her.
She dropped her purse on the kitchen counter and opened the refrigerator to get out a carrot for Foolish Gamble. After an afternoon stressing about Austin’s mother’s expectations of the wedding—and how they most certainly did not line up with hers—the only thing she wanted to do was to go for a ride on Foolish Gamble. Any time she was down or worried, a ride with him always cleared her head and gave her some peace.
Bounding down the porch steps, she walked to the eighteen-stall horse barn. It needed a fresh coat of paint and some maintenance, but had held up well through the cash-strapped years. She loved it. It didn’t matter that it couldn’t compare to the grandeur of the Keller Farm stables. This was her home, her legacy, and now she and Austin would build one together.
Entering the barn, Foolish Gamble immediately stuck his head out of his stall and whinnied his greeting.
“Hey, fella. Ready to ride?” She patted his chestnut colored neck.
She made quick work of saddling him, and soon they were riding past the corral, through the field, and to her favorite spot by a creek almost a mile away. The wind blew back her hair as the horse sped along, and her stress fell away with each gallop.
Foolish Gamble slowed as they neared the creek. She dismounted and looped his rein through a sapling. Snapping off some small pieces of the carrot, she fed them to her prized horse. She loved the feel of his velvety muzzle on her hand. He kept chomping until the whole thing was gone.