A Matchless Romance (Aisle Bound) by Christi Barth Read Free Book Online Page A

gowns. And knowing Ivy’s romantic streak, it hadn’t taken a giant leap to predict she’d lean toward a huge princess-style ball gown.
    But…Tabitha sucked in a breath…this was beyond perfect. Beyond fairytale. You’d have to be missing every single girl chromosome to not appreciate the beauty of this dress. Intricate crystal beadwork covered the strapless, corseted bodice. The beads shimmered with every breath she took. Petticoats fluffed out the wide skirts of the tulle ball gown—like a prima ballerina’s skirt, but a thousand times bigger and better. The part that set this dress above all others, though, was the enormous draped organza bow. It cascaded all the way down the left side. Each panel almost as long as Tabitha’s forearm, and intricately draped into floofy, poufy perfection.
    Finally remembering to exhale, she said, “You look amazing.”
    “Thank you.” Ivy dipped a curtsey that belled her skirt out around her. “Are you going to introduce me to your client?”
    Daphne and Mira, stunning in full-length, A-line lavender dresses with a one-shoulder tulle bow, came out and helped themselves to champagne. A wet sniffle, then a slam of the bathroom door told Tabitha that Mrs. Rhodes was no doubt busy repairing damage from a crying jag brought on at the sight of her daughter in her wedding dress. Tabitha’s mom would probably burst into tears too, if that ever happened. But for an entirely different reason than sentiment and pride.
    “Ivy Rhodes, Daphne Moore, Mira Parrish,” she said, pointing to each in turn, “this is Drew Weston.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Drew gave a polite, if somewhat brisk nod. See? He wasn’t etiquette challenged. Even better, none of her friends were goggling at his outfit. Tabitha let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
    “I’m so glad you chose A Matchless Romance to help with your…uh…” Ivy toyed with the scalloped lace edge of her veil while searching for the right word to describe Drew’s problem. His own summation she’d shared with the girls of being “a train wreck around women” didn’t fit into pleasant small talk very well. “…well, I’m sure Tabitha will help you work through to a satisfactory solution.”
    “She’s helped me already.” He patted his pocket. “I’ve got notes.”
    “Terrific. I wish my clients took notes,” said Daphne. “Then they’d remember by the third appointment that I told them lilacsaren’t in season for their wedding at the first appointment.”
    Mira smiled encouragingly. “Sounds like you’re on the right path, Drew. Try to enjoy tonight.”
    Ivy bobbed her head, her excitement for the upcoming reception beaming off her like rays from the sun. “It should be loads of fun. Sorry I won’t get to spend more time getting to know you.”
    “Why not do it now?” Drew stepped closer. Took Ivy’s hand and looked straight into her eyes. “What makes you special?” he asked in a low, sexy growl.
    Oh my God. Tabitha couldn’t believe he was trying out her line on a woman less than two hours from the altar. His science side was showing. Nobody thought as literally as someone with a science background. And if she’d been on the receiving end of Drew’s question, with that look in his eyes, her panties would’ve dropped to her ankles of their own accord.
    Luckily, Ivy took the question as a joke. She shrugged off the question with a faint grin. And zipped her hand out of his. “Not much. Just getting married today, is all. What about you?”
    Drew paused for a minute. Tabitha would’ve bet twenty dollars that he was trying to remember her coaching, word for word. “I have two track medals from the Summer Games, one gold and one silver.” He put a hand to his chest, as if remembering the heavy weight of them.
    Yikes. Tabitha squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe he was truly as awkward as he thought. Because this little meet and greet was going downhill faster than an avalanche. Well, if