Page 2 of First Bride to Fall
Her mom rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing ‘geeky’ about Aidan anymore. He’s all grown up and a real catch, according to Jane.”
Nell smirked. Nothing like a mother’s love.
Misty was already running a search on her phone. “If he’s so hot, why isn’t he on social media? Hot, rich guys love to show that kind of thing off.”
“Jane says he’s very private.”
“He’s abajillionaire.” Charlotte took out her phone, and Nell used her computer. “He’s got to besomewhere.” They all typed with rapid-fire fingers, each in a race to find Aidan first.
Nell located him on the Bearberry Coffee corporate page. There was contact information for him as CEO but no photo. “You didn’t get a picture of him?”
Their mom’s smile wavered as she settled into the seat across from Charlotte. “He never technically stopped by, but Jane assured me he’s very handsome,” she quickly added. “That’s why he keeps a low profile and pays techies to keep it that way. The women are all after him.”
“Uh-huh,” Charlotte said, sounding just as doubtful as Nell felt. Adult Aidan was likely as awkward as his kid self.
Misty rubbed the side of her nose that wasn’t pierced with a silver stud. “Why are we talking about Aidan anyway?”
Nell was wondering the same thing. Her mom had walked in here bragging about great news and marriage, then suddenly switched to—
Oh noooo.
Her mom shifted in her chair. “Actually…quite a lot.”
The sisters exchanged freaked-out glances.
“When John died and left his business interests to Aidan, he created a provision in his will that Bearberry Coffee has to stay in the family. It can’t be sold or subdivided for a period of time.”
Misty braced herself against the counter. “What if Aidan doesn’t want it?”
“Oh, but he does. Andhe’s eager to share.” She motioned to the table where Nell was. “Misty,” she said. “Why don’t you sit with your sister?”
Misty’s big hazel eyes grew larger. Rimmed with her heavy eyeliner, they looked enormous. She clearly wanted to bolt. Instead, she obeyed her mom, stepping around the counter and inching her way across the room in tiny baby steps.
Charlotte leaned back in her chair and crossed one of her cowgirl boots over the other beneath the flouncy hem of her short peasant skirt. She had great legs and was proud to show them off. Unlike Nell, who lived in stretch pants. Which was okay with her. Comfort was key.
“So,” Nell asked warily. “Who exactly does Aidan plan tosharewith?”
Her mom’s face lit up. “One of you! Only…” She winced. “There has to be a wedding first. Without that, the merger can’t go through.”
Misty groaned up at the ceiling. “IknewI shouldn’t have come in today.”
Nell gawked at her mom. “You’re talking a marriage of convenience?”
“There’s no reason it can’t lead to love.”
“And every reason that it won’t!” Charlotte challenged. She anxiously stroked the crystal that dangled from a leather strap around her neck. Its calming properties didn’t appear to be working at the moment. “Mom. What were you and Mrs. Strong thinking?”
Nell blew out a breath. “Don’t forget about Aidan. He signed on for this, too.”
“Yeah,” Charlotte said. “Whyisthat?”
“He wants to make amends. Between the two families and the businesses. Instead of being off on its own, Bearberry Brews would assume its rightful place in the Bearberry Coffee universe.” She gestured to the chalkboard on the wall behind the register displaying their cute company logo and the list of berry-infused coffees that were signatures of their brand. “We’d be secure again, all of us, and your dad…” Her voice trailed off. “Your dad might become like his old self again.”
The room grew quiet at the mention of their father, the ocean’s sounds penetrating through the thick stucco walls. The roiling surf and seagulls’ calls cemented Nell’s sorrow. Bob Delaney had never fully recovered from being conned by John Strong. He’d had trouble acknowledging the betrayal at first, but once the truth had become inescapable, he’d fallen into a funk. He lost the spring in his step and his lighthearted smile. He still was a loving dad, though. He’d do anything for his girls. Just like they would for him.
Anything, except for maybe this.
Their mom backpedaled. “Nobody’s forcing anyone into this, girls. Jane and I are simply presenting an opportunity to you kids, and Aidan’s taken it. He’s not focused on romance right now anyway. He’s got corporate concerns on his plate, and other things to keep him distracted.”
