Chapter 2 A Furious Undertone

Alexander Pierce glared at his attorney-even though said attorney was also his best friend.

Correction. His only friend. 'You assured me that you had the ability to have that condition in the will nullified,'" as he forcefully opened a majestic oak door displaying the sign, Sawyer, Sawyer and Richards, Law Firm.

Eric Jennings shrugged, practically jogging to keep up with his client. "I didn't expect your cousin to contest it. If it hadn't been for Jonathan the judge might have let the condition slide. But that's not possible now. I'm sorry, . I did my best."

"Your best, huh? Well, your best means that I have seven' days to find myself a

wife or I lose my inheritance." He thrust a hand through pitch-black hair and gritted his

teeth, struggling to control his anger. "Marriage. What a joke."

"It's not a dirty word. Marriage can be quite pleasant."

"It's a state of pleasantness I've managed to avoid for thirty-five years. Why spoil

a perfect record at this late date?"

"Come into my office where we can discuss it in private," Eric Jennings suggested,

opening a doorway leading off the plush corridor. "Can I get you something to drink?"

he asked, dropping his briefcase onto his desk.

"Only if it's a hundred proof. Dammit, Eric. What the hell am I supposed to do

now? What about a temporary deal? You know, one of those marriage of convenience

things?"

Eric poured two fingers of whiskey into a glass tumbler and handed it to Alex.

"Assuming you could find someone agreeable, there's still one other detail you should

keep in mind."

swallowed the whiskey and lifted an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"I believe your grandfather's exact wording is...'wedded and bedded,'" Eric

ventured to clarify as he crossed to sit behind the desk.

"I know his exact-" Alex ground to a halt, slamming his empty glass onto the oak

table top. "You can't be serious! Tell me you don't mean what I think you do."

"'Fraid so. I gather your grandfather must have anticipated you'd try to create a

loophole with a temporary arrangement. He hoped for a real marriage with a real wife

and real kids."

Alex waved an impatient hand. "I don't give a damn what he hoped. Just explain the specifics. How the hell are they going to prove the marriage is consummated? Don't tell me they're going to have a doctor-"

"No, no," Eric hastened to assure. "Though if your cousin had his way it might have come to that. The lady's word will be sufficient."

Alex balled his hands into fists, wishing he were still young and impetuous enough to give physical expression to his fury. "Any other details I should know about?"

"Not as far as the will is concerned, no. But I did suspect Jonathan might try something devious, underhanded and unfortunately legal. So I devised a counter measure." Eric smiled expansively as he pulled a thick, gold-embossed envelope from his desk drawer. "I believe this will help you find a temporary bride."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "What is it? A list of candidates?"

"Close." Eric patted the envelope. "I took the liberty of arranging for this the minute Jonathan fired off his first salvo."

"Get to the point, Eric."

"Sit down and I'll explain." He waited until Alex had complied before continuing.

"Have you ever heard of the Enchanted Gala?"

"No. Nor am I in the mood for fairy tales."

"This isn't a fairy tale. Not exactly." Eric grinned. "Though it is sort of sweet."

"Please. Spare me."

"You're such a cynic," the attorney observed, then held up his hands as though

hoping to calm a threatening storm. "Relax. Since you're not in the mood for a lengthy

explanation, I'll give you the short version."

"Smart move."

"I heard about this gala back in my college days. It would seem a couple by the name of Helena throws one of these affairs every five years because that's how they first met-at a gala. One look and they fell madly in love. They were married by dawn the next day and have,,according to them, lived in wedded bliss ever since. By holding this Enchanted Gala, they're hoping to give other couples a similar opportunity."

"Sounds like a bunch of bull," Alex stated bluntly. "I find it hard to believe anyone

would be interested in attending something so ridiculous."

__________________

"You'd be surprised," Eric replied. "There are a lot of lonely people in the world.

They want marriage and they want a partner who shares the same mind-set. All the

'guests' who request a ticket are investigated by a security company to weed out the

psychos and weirdos. Those that pass scrutiny pay a hefty fee to attend. That alone culls

the mix even further."

"So you sent in my name?"

Eric nodded. "If we hit a snag with the will, I thought this might be a viable alternative."

"Well, you're wrong." stood and crossed to the liquor cabinet, pouring himself another drink. "There has to be some other way. Find it."

"As your lawyer, I'm telling you this is the only alternative. As your friend, I suggest you walk away. Forget the inheritance. Let Jonathan have it."

Alex's expression hardened. "Not a chance."

"Then you must marry."

The words hung between them for a long moment. With a sigh, Alex nodded and sat down again. "Give me the details."

"By attending this gala, you're able to cut through all the usual first meeting nonsense and get right to the basics. Everyone who attends wants to marry, so it's just a matter of finding a compatible spouse, one who shares your interests. In just a few minutes you can discuss and settle all sorts of issues, from finances to children. And no one is offended by such frankness."

"They don't have time to be," Alex inserted.

Eric nodded. "Exactly."

"So I wander around this place canvasing women to see who'd be willing to marry me, sleep with me and then walk away. Is that it?"

"That's it, though I think I should warn you. The odds of finding someone who's agreeable are next to nil."

Privately Alex agreed. "And if I don't find myself a wife?"

Eric shrugged. "Then I won't make you reimburse me for the ticket."

Alex actually smiled. "Fair enough. But what about a prenuptial agreement?

There's not much point in gaining my inheritance if some greedy little viper's going to

snatch it away again."

"I can draw up a document. Getting her to sign it will be your problem."

A cold light entered Alex's eyes. "She'll sign it," he assured curtly. "Or she'll look elsewhere for a husband."

"Then let me also warn you that without her having a lawyer representing her interests, the legality of the document may be at issue. She could contest it."

Alex asserted with unwavering confidence that the woman in question will not indulge in such fantasies, as doing so would only lead to more difficulties than she can manage.

I will not marry a woman who has unrealistic expectations of a fairy tale romance and happily-ever-after. The woman I choose will be straightforward, sensible, and pragmatic. Once the conditions of the will are fulfilled, she will leave without any regrets. I assure you of that.