“Phoebe!” Riley called out.
The second she heard him, she turned, her smile disappearing and took off for the stairs.
“Phoebe, wait,” he yelled, but Ben grabbed him. “It was her, wasn’t it? She found the laptop.”
“Yeah, she said she wanted to do something to make it right,” he said.
“I have to talk to her,” Riley argued.
“She doesn’t want to talk to you. Let her go, Riley. Push too hard and well…” He trailed off. It was already too late for anything. “Come on, you have two weeks to find a bride.”
Riley sighed and tugged at his ear. “You know what? You find me a damn bride. I don’t want to meet her 'til the wedding. I’m tired of this, so freaking tired.” He rubbed the back of his neck and watched his employees gossip with each other over the latest events. Soon enough, William Yancey would be facing allegations for his role in all of this. Riley didn’t even care anymore. He’d saved his company. That was all he could hope for in this world.
Love and happiness had just run out the door and left him alone for a second time.
Chapter 25
Two weeks went by in a blur, and before he knew it, Riley found himself being driven to a small chapel outside of the city for an even smaller wedding. He tugged at his ear until Ben grabbed his wrist and told him to knock it off.
“You wanted this, remember,” his friend said. “You wanted complete detachment until today.”
“Yeah, well, never said I was going to be happy about it.” Riley sulked. “You said she was pretty, right? I’m not marrying a horse or something?”
Ben shot him a look. “Be happy I’m not that mean.”
“Heard from Linda at all?”
“Since I helped send her to jail?” Ben laughed sadly. “No, not a word.”
“I’m sorry, man, really.”
“Nah,” his friend said. “She used me. Enough said. Oh, look, we’re here. Are you ready?”
Riley groaned and wished he could disappear, but his last ditch effort to get out of the wedding had been met with his grandfather’s lawyers stonewalling him. The document was iron-clad. Nothing he did would get him out of this deal. Diane could still potentially get everything, even though she was in jail. His only choice was to marry. Today.
To a complete stranger.
At least this way, he hoped there would be less drama. He’d go in there, say his vows, go on a honeymoon, and hope that one day he might learn to love the woman who would be linked to him for life. Or at least for as long as they could stand each other.
Ben opened the door when the town car pulled to a stop and tugged at Riley’s sleeve when he didn’t seem ready to jump out. “The faster you get in there, the faster you can get this over with and go enjoy your honeymoon.”
“Fine, fine,” Riley said and climbed out. He adjusted his black tux jacket and nodded at several guests arriving to the chapel. It was a very small affair, with only a few friends and family from his side—Jim and Larry, and Bethany and Darcie. There was also a young woman pushing an older woman in a wheelchair he didn’t recognize. When Ben gave him a gentle shove towards the chapel, he started walking, trying to stay positive.
At least he wasn’t marrying Diane Chandler.
It didn’t take long for everyone to settle inside. Riley shifted on his feet, eyes focused on the beautiful stained glass images of flowers and rivers which changed the sunlight to intricate little rainbows reflected across the stone walls and floor. Candles had been lit behind the altar and lined the aisle. White flower petals created a walkway for the bride—tulips and roses, by the look of it. The minister cleared his throat then motioned to the violin trio to begin the music.
The young woman Riley saw outside the chapel started down the aisle. Her sage satin dress fit her perfectly, her long, blonde hair curled and pushed to one side, over her shoulder. She was smiling at Riley and Ben as she approached. Riley took a deep breath. If her friend was that attractive, then the bride had to be, too, right? He just hoped she didn’t laugh like a freaking hyena or try to take all his money. The music changed, and Ben nudged him with his elbow.
Riley stood straighter and tried to smile but found it hard. All last night, he’d dreamt of a face with gentle green eyes and auburn hair, laughing as she lay in his arms. If only that dream had been reality…
The bride appeared in the doorway, veil covering her face. Riley gritted his teeth. Figured she would hide from him. Her walk down the aisle was slow, and it gave him time to admire her taste in fashion. The dress was all lace, draped delicately over her body. The capped sleeves added a sense of elegance intensified by the long gloves she wore. He watched her walk and grinned at her bare feet sticking out from under the hem as the train trailed behind her. She had good sense, at least, not to wear five-inch heels.