Holiday Hoax: A Fake Marriage Billionaire Romance (The Cartwright Family Book 1)
Holiday Hoax: Chapter 15

We return to the house, and Sebastian’s quiet most of the night. When it’s finally time for everyone to sleep, I go into the bedroom, get ready in the bathroom, and crawl into bed.

He joins me, but unlike the night before, he doesn’t try anything. At four in the morning, I hear him get up, and I see the faint outline of him in his exercise clothes as he leaves.

I doze off until I hear the door creak again. I keep my eyes shut, hear him in the shower, and assume that he’s going to leave, but he doesn’t. He slides back into bed and scoots closer to me until his body is flush with mine. He secures his arm around my waist and takes a deep breath as if he’s trying to inhale me.

My heart beats faster, and my pulse races. I don’t move, keeping my eyes shut. I should tell him to return to his side of the bed, but I don’t. Sebastian’s body around mine feels right, yet I know it’s wrong.

I’ll elbow him if he tries any funny stuff.

Surprisingly, he doesn’t try anything. Within a few minutes, his breathing pattern slows, and I realize he’s sleeping.

When the clock hits six a.m., I gently pry myself out of his arms and sneak out of bed. I go into the bathroom, shower, and change. Then I prepare myself to tiptoe through the bedroom. I open the door and run right into him. I blurt out, ‘Oh, sorry.’

He drags his eyes over my body, stating, ‘Morning, Sunshine.’

Tingles pop up all over my skin. I reply, ‘Good morning. Did you sleep okay?’

‘Eventually,’ he answers, drilling his blues into mine.

We stare at each other in awkward silence. Ever since we went to the secret garden, things have been off between us. It’s as if he took my statement about how there’s no way he could ever give me my dream wedding personally. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings, but he wanted honesty.

Anyway, I’m not sure what Sebastian wants from me. He’s the one who wanted the fake bride and to annul the marriage on January 2nd. Yet my statement seemed to upset him.

I can’t deny it also upset me. Part of me regrets agreeing to this. I’m trying to keep the end goal in sight, but the more time I spend with Sebastian, the more complicated things seem to become. And I’m starting to think we’re both confused, yet he’s Sebastian Cartwright. I doubt he’s ever not one hundred percent sure about every situation he’s in.

He finally orders, ‘Don’t make any plans tonight.’

I arch my eyebrows. ‘Why? What are we doing?’

He hesitates, but then declares, ‘I’m taking you on a date, Sunshine.’

My tingles turn into intense zings. Then I remind myself that it’s not a real date. We’re fake. So I reply, ‘That’s not necessary.’

His face flashes a moment of hurt before he hardens it. He claims, ‘My family would expect me to take you on a date.’

I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, nodding. ‘All right. What time?’

‘Five work for you?’

‘Sure.’

He doesn’t move, and more time passes. He continues staring at me as if he wants to say something.

His intoxicating scent grows stronger, teasing my senses until I shift on my feet. I ask, ‘Is there something else?’

He opens his mouth, then snaps it shut. He slowly shakes his head, then steps back.

What is that all about?

I step past him, leave the bedroom, and relief floods me. Staying away from Sebastian might be the only way I’ll survive this month.

If only I wasn’t attracted to him.

I’m not a dumb woman. I realize there’s no future with him. Yet I never expected it to be this hard. The more I get to know him, the more I like him. Well, except for when he infuriates me.

I walk down the hall and into the kitchen. Ruby’s making breakfast, so I jump in and help. Soon, the entire family is seated in the dining room, eating.

Sebastian sits next to me, and the uncomfortable tension continues. I’m sure no one else notices it, but I can’t shake it. In some ways, I feel like he’s on his best behavior. Part of me is relieved. The other part wants to beg him to return to his normal grumpy, arrogant self so I know what to expect. Because this Sebastian Cartwright is throwing me off. I’m unsure what to make of him.

As soon as breakfast is finished, Ruby declares, ‘We need to leave. The wedding boutique will be opening soon.’

Sebastian takes advantage of our PDA clause, kissing me several times until my body is on fire.

‘Okay, you’re going to have to let her out of your sight for a bit,’ Ruby teases.

He only uses her statement to study me, making me squirm. He finally squeezes my ass, murmuring, ‘Have fun.’

‘Thanks,’ I manage and struggle not to run from him.

Sebastian’s sisters, mom, nieces, and I split up into two SUVs. We drive into town where the shops are.

The entire way, my nerves skyrocket. All the chatter in the car about wedding details means we’re closer to making our fake marriage official. It only makes the guilt around what Sebastian and I are doing grow stronger. Plus, I can’t get his kisses off my mind.

The more I get to know the Cartwrights, the worse it seems that we’re tricking them. But I signed a contract and agreed to this. The last thing I need to be is in breach with Sebastian. I’m pretty sure he’d sue me for everything I have—not that I have anything. Still, I don’t need to be in a legal mess.

Evelyn veers into a parking spot in front of a wedding boutique. She claims, ‘This is the best one in town.’

I force a smile, feigning my excitement, wondering again how I got myself into this. I declare, ‘The dresses in the window look beautiful.’

We all get out and go into the store. I glance around and freeze. The most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen is draped artfully on a mannequin. It’s white with an A-line skirt. It’s not puffy like a princess dress with tons of tulle, but it still has some flowy girth.

It’s sleeveless, has a heart-shaped bodice, and the back dips to the hip level. A satin underlay has an outer layer over it. Delicate lace flowers are scattered across it, and 3D petals give it a textured appearance. I reach out and touch one of them, surprised by the soft material.

The saleslady clears her throat, then I hear, ‘Well, if it isn’t the Cartwrights.’

‘Sally, great to see you,’ Ruby states, and all the women exchange greetings.

‘I heard Sebastian had a new fiancée in town,’ she says with a bit of haughtiness in her voice, as if I’m not even there.

Anger flares inside me like gasoline pouring over a match. Sebastian’s past relationships sound horrible, and the women he was with clearly hurt him. If this is what he has to deal with when he comes to town, then I can’t blame him for bringing me home. I’m about to say something but don’t have to.

Ruby’s voice turns sharp. She slides her arm around my shoulders and declares, ‘This is my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Georgia. We’ll be trying on dresses, so let’s keep your gossip inside your head and the spoken comments about lace and tulle.’

Sally’s cheeks heat. She forces a smile and replies, ‘Yes, of course. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.’

Ruby lifts her chin higher, tightening her embrace around me.

Sally changes the subject, informing us, ‘We just got that dress yesterday. Isn’t it divine?’

Trying to ignore her previous comment, I nod. This dress is everything I would ever want for my wedding dress.

What’s going to happen when I actually get married for real? I can’t wear this again.

There won’t be a dress better than this.

I should pick something average.

‘You have to try it on, Georgia!’ Isabella exclaims and points to the child mannequin next to it. ‘Emma and I can wear those!’

‘Isabella! This is Georgia’s choice,’ Evelyn scolds.

‘But, Mom! It’s so pretty!’ she states.

‘Yes, but it’s not your decision,’ Evelyn reprimands further.

Unable to disappoint Isabella, I cave. I reply, ‘Can I try this on?’

‘Yes!’ Isabella shouts and jumps up and down, tossing her arms around me.

I laugh, hugging her.

Sally replies, ‘Yes, right this way.’ She leads me to a rack, pulls three dresses, and shows me to the dressing room. She puts two dresses on a rack outside the dressing room and one inside it. She points to it. ‘I think that’s your size, but just in case you need a different one, and I got it wrong, here’s the next size up and down.’

‘Thank you,’ I reply.

‘Do you need me to help you get it on?’

The last thing I want is Sally telling the entire town what I look like in my undergarments.

She’s probably seen all of Sebastian’s other fiancées.

I can hear her comparing me now.

I firmly assert, ‘I can handle it myself.’

She gives me a disapproving look, exits, and I sit down on the bench, staring at the dress.

What am I doing?

Evelyn’s voice hits my ears. ‘Who are the bridesmaids? Georgia needs dresses for them too.’

I place my hands over my face and cringe. Sebastian and I have done a horrible job discussing the details of this shindig.

I’ll just have all of his sisters.

Sebastian said he only wanted his family and a few friends. I can’t have the entire family up there if it’s only a small wedding, can I?

I continue to fret, then grab my phone out of my purse. I text Sebastian.

Me: What are we doing about a wedding party? Evelyn’s asking questions about the bridesmaids, and I’m in the dressing room. She’ll ask me when I get out, and I don’t know what to say.

Sebastian: Just pick somebody. I’ll have my brother Alexander be the best man.

Me: Who should I pick? You have four sisters.

Sebastian: It doesn’t matter. Just pick one.

Me: That’s going to be hard. I don’t want to offend anyone.

Sebastian: Why don’t you invite one of your friends?

I think about Melanie. I would love for her to be here, even if this is fake, but that brings up an entirely different issue.

Me: I can’t exactly tell my friend I’m getting married but it’s fake.

Sebastian: Can she keep her mouth shut?

Me: Confidentiality clause.

Moments pass. He finally replies.

Sebastian: Just tell her in January that you made a mistake and we got it annulled.

I don’t respond, debating if I really want Melanie to be a part of this. If I don’t, she’ll never know what I’ve done.

He sends another text.

Sebastian: Don’t overthink this. It’ll be good for you to have a friend here. Just invite her.

Me: She has a husband, a four-year-old son, and a two-year-old daughter.

Sebastian: So? Invite them. There’s plenty of room. Plus, it looks odd you have zero friends in attendance.

The debate continues in my head until I decide he’s right. Plus, I’ve never wanted to see my friend so badly before. So I text her.

Me: Hey, girl. I can’t talk right now because I’m picking out my wedding dress with Sebastian’s family, but we’re getting married on Saturday. Can you guys come? I want you to be my maid of honor.

The phone rings. I send it to voicemail. I text again.

Me: I can’t talk at the moment.

Melanie: Are you pulling my chain?

Me: No.

Melanie: What is going on, Georgia?

I lie, adding the overwhelming guilt I can’t shake.

Me: I’ll tell you all about it later, I promise.

Melanie: You don’t even know him. How can you be getting married?

Me: I know it seems weird, but it’s fine. Can you all attend the wedding? You can come sooner rather than later, and we can hang out. There’s plenty of room for you and your entire family to stay.

Melanie: Of course we’ll come.

I blink back tears, not realizing how much I need my friend.

Me: Great. Send me your size so I can pick out your bridesmaid gown.

Melanie: Georgia, are you being serious right now?

I toss out more untruths.

Me: Yes, I promise. Everything’s good though. I’m happy.

Another moment goes by.

Melanie: You need to call me as soon as you can.

Me: I will, but it might not be until tomorrow. There’s a whole day of things going on. Picking out your bridesmaid dress now. Talk to you later. Bye.

I get another message.

Melanie: Georgia!

I don’t respond and stick the phone back in my purse. I step into the dress, and because of how low the back is, I can zip it myself. I stand in the mirror, assessing myself, blinking back more tears.

My grammy would’ve loved this dress. She would be crying, and I would be crying.

This dress is made for somebody who actually loves me.

I need to stop thinking like this. I signed a contract.

There’s a knock on the door. Sally chirps, ‘Georgia, do you need help?’

I call out, ‘No,’ and then I open the door.

‘Oh, sweet Jesus,’ Ruby chirps, throwing her hand over her mouth.

‘Dang, girl,’ Paisley says.

Ava just nods with a big smile on her face.

Evelyn points at me. ‘That’s definitely your dress.’

Emma and Isabella clap.

Willow steps behind me, then holds out the train. ‘Wow. Georgia, this is amazing. Sebastian’s going to go nuts with you in this.’

My stomach flutters burst to life again. I curse them, wishing they didn’t react so much over him.

‘I have some other dresses for you to try on,’ Sally states.

I lift my chin and pin my gaze on her. ‘No, I don’t need to try anything else on. This is it.’

‘Are you sure?’ she asks.

‘Yes.’

‘Okay. Let’s go look at shoes,’ she directs.

I follow her to another part of the store, where there are shoes worth more than my entire month’s paycheck. I’ve never had any designer shoes, and I blurt out, ‘These are really expensive!’

Ruby chuckles. ‘Don’t worry about it, dear. Everything’s on me.’

I gape at her. ‘No, this is too much.’

She gives me her no-nonsense expression. It reminds me of Sebastian’s. She declares, ‘I insist.’

Deciding I won’t win, I say, ‘Thank you.’ The guilt over tricking Sebastian’s family increases. I look at all the shoes and point to one that stands out.

It’s a beautiful white shoe with a glamorous, tall half-moon heel. There’s a single wide strap over the toes and a mix of floral crystals that twinkle and circle around the ankle. It’s complete with a tied blue ribbon.

‘Perfect. You’ve got your something blue,’ Willow proclaims.

I try on the shoes, and I have to admit that they’re amazing. I declare, ‘Okay, I’ll take these.’

‘You’re a really easy bride,’ Sally comments.

I shrug. ‘I guess when you know, you know.’

She lowers her voice and wiggles her eyebrows. ‘Kind of like when you first laid eyes on Sebastian?’

Her attempt to find out details about Sebastian and me only irritates me. I smile at her and stay quiet.

She takes the hint and adds, ‘Everything’s beautiful. You picked right.’

I go into the dressing room, take off the dress, and put my clothes on. I carry it to the checkout counter, and Sally takes it from me.

She notes, ‘I think you’re the first bride to come in here who doesn’t need any alterations.’

How can everything fall into place so perfectly when it’s not real? I ask myself, but there is no answer.

‘What about the bridesmaid dresses?’ Evelyn questions.

I force another smile. ‘I need one for my best friend, Melanie. She’ll be here later in the week.’

‘When will she arrive?’ Ruby asks.

‘She needs to figure it out with her husband. She has two children. Sebastian said it was fine for them to stay at the ranch. Is that okay?’

‘Of course. Our home is now yours. Any friend you want can stay with us,’ Ruby states.

I blink hard. This is all too much. How can the Cartwrights be this nice and welcoming to me when I’m a total stranger?

‘What color are you thinking for the bridesmaid dress?’ Sally asks.

I try to push my anxiety out of my head and go straight to a chocolate-brown satin dress that catches my eye. I hold it up, looking it over. I decide it’s perfect, then find one in Melanie’s size. I turn to Isabella. ‘Did you pick out your flower girl dress?’

Her face lights up, and she runs to the rack with the matching dresses. Evelyn joins her and pulls two off it.

Ruby pays for everything, and we eat lunch in town. When we return to the ranch, it’s early afternoon. Sebastian sends me a text almost the moment I get through the door.

Sebastian: Are you back?

Me: Do you have ESP?

Sebastian: Maybe where you’re concerned.

My heart skips a beat.

Me: Did you need something?

Sebastian: Don’t forget about our date tonight.

My chest tightens. I struggle to fight the excitement forming in my belly.

Me: I’m going to take a shower. What should I wear?

Sebastian: It’s on the bed.

Me: What is?

Sebastian: I got you a gift.

I cringe. Knowing Sebastian, he got me something over the top that won’t feel like me. I glance at my ring and wish I could appreciate it.

Me: Thanks.

Sebastian: You don’t know what it is yet.

I stroll into the bedroom and freeze. There are several boxes on the bed.

Totally Sebastian-style.

I prepare myself for something super expensive, out of my comfort zone, and flashy.

Slowly, I open the first box, then stare at the contents in awe. Brown suede cowgirl boots with several shades of blue and turquoise running through them, along with little streaks of orange. They’re the most beautiful boots I’ve ever seen. I’ve only imagined having boots like this. I try them on, and they fit perfectly.

I remove the boots and open another package. A pair of dark designer skinny jeans, a brown leather belt with a hammered gold abstract design on the buckle, and a form-fitting white V-neck shirt are inside. I place them on the bed with the boots over the bottom of the jeans.

What else could he have possibly got me?

I carefully open the last box. It has a fuzzy-textured, trim-knit cardigan shawl. There’s a heart pattern and a matching fur collar. It’s blue but has a tad of brown running through it.

Still in awe, I stare at everything on the bed.

My phone dings with another text.

Sebastian: Did I get it right this time?

My gut continues to flutter. I glance at everything once again, then answer.

Me: Yes, everything is perfect.