Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

Caroline looked around the shop. She was the only one there. Kirsty watched her closely. “Magenta is on her break. It’s just us.”

Caroline took a deep breath. “I’m getting married to Josh McInnes.” The words came out on a rush of air. “He isn’t into romantic relationships. He thinks marriage should be arranged for mutual benefit, like they did in the past. Apparently he’s been looking for a wife for some time and thinks I fit the bill.”

Kirsty didn’t move a muscle. Caroline began to fidget with the strap of her handbag.

“The wedding is in two weeks and I’d like you to be my maid of honour.”

Kirsty continued to stare. Caroline’s mouth went dry.

“So, the press have gotten wind of the wedding and the fact Josh is here. The meeting tonight is to discuss how we’re going to handle everything. We’d like to keep them away from the wedding if possible.”

Nothing from Kirsty. In fact, she looked more like one of the mannequins in her shop than the famous model she used to be. Caroline let out an exasperated sigh.

“Oh for goodness’ sake, say something. It’s not that shocking. It’s not like I’ve outlined a plan for world domination.”

Kirsty shook herself. “You may as well have.” She threw up her hands in exasperation. “What are you thinking? You can’t marry a man you don’t know and don’t love. An arrangement for mutual benefit? What the heck does that even mean? Have you lost your mind?”

“Keep your voice down.” Even though they were the only two in the shop, Caroline didn’t want to take any chances.

“Keep my voice down?” Kirsty’s voice rose an octave. “My best friend has lost the plot and you want me to keep my voice down?”

The door pinged as a customer came in.

“Sorry.” Kirsty rushed towards the woman. “I have to close. Family emergency. Someone is having a mental breakdown.”

She ushered the poor woman out of the shop, locked the door and flipped the sign to closed. Turning back to Caroline, she put her hands on her hips and glared. “Explain, Caroline Patterson. Right now.”

Caroline flopped down onto the stool beside the counter. “There’s nothing to explain. He asked me to marry him last Monday. I said yes. We’re getting married the Saturday after next.”

“Have you been dating? When did you meet him?”

“No, we haven’t been dating. I met him for the first time about an hour before he proposed.”

“Tell me it was love at first sight? That there were fireworks?”

“More like a business contract. We shook hands.” She found it hard to look Kirsty in the eyes.

“What have you gotten yourself into?” Kirsty let out a heavy sigh.

“You know me, Kirsty—when was the last time some guy asked me out, let alone proposed? Opportunities like this don’t just fall in my lap.”

The look of pity in Kirsty’s eyes made Caroline blush. “No, they don’t, but this isn’t you. You’re the romantic one. You’ve got a house full of romance stories all about women being swept off their feet. You, more than anyone, should wait until you fall in love. You deserve that.”

“And how long do I wait? I’m thirty-one. I’ve met pretty much every man in Invertary now. Surely if Prince Charming was here I’d have found him? This is a good opportunity for me. It’s a chance at having a family of my own. How could I pass that up?”

Kirsty crouched down in front of her and put her hands over Caroline’s. “You were always the one with dreams about weddings and falling in love. I was the one who didn’t believe.”

“And now you have Lake and you’re happy. And I have Josh. It may not be hearts and roses, but it’s not exactly a hardship. There are women all over the world who would kill to be in my shoes.”

“It doesn’t matter how many women would like to be in your place. It doesn’t matter how he looks or how wealthy he is. All that matters is that you make a life with a man you love. A man who loves you. And you’re not doing that. Caroline, can’t you see how wrong this is?”

Caroline felt her stomach turn over. “I want a family before it’s too late. Josh seems nice enough and he wants to be with me. He seems committed. He’s in it for the long haul.” She tried for a light-hearted grin. “Plus, he’s letting me restore the castle.”

Kirsty sighed, but returned the smile. “You deserve better than this.”

“You’re the only one who thinks so.”

“Fine.” Kirsty stood and straightened the skirt of her dress. “So what do you want me to wear as maid of honour?”