A Perfect Bride For Christmas by Dyann Love Barr Read Free Book Online Page B

work as well, since Zoe wouldn’t be in the next room, haunting him like a ghost from the past. How strange to think of her as the woman he bedded and wedded for one night. Then he
    remembered—her nipples were rosy pink with just a hint of coral.
    He needed a drink. Dad usually kept a supply of bourbon or scotch in the den, in the credenza, unless Mom had cleared it out after the funeral.
    Alex looked through the cabinets until he found Dad’s stash, along with two glasses. He pulled out a bottle of scotch, blew the dust out of one glass, then poured two healthy fingers worth. Then another.
    After he fortified himself, he headed back to join the ladies. He wanted to see Zoe again, to talk to her. Somehow, within the last few minutes, it had become terribly important to him to find out if she had a good life in St. Louis.
    Once Alex came through the door, he wanted to
    turn right around and get another drink.
    His mother sat with a serene expression on her
    face, while Sydney looked ready to throw a hissy fit.
    Zoe had left. Disappointment set like a rock on his heart.
    “The country club would be much better for the
    reception. This caterer woman clearly isn’t up to the task. I mean, she didn’t want to give me what I requested.”
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    Dyann Love Barr

    “I think asking for made to order filet mignon
    for five hundred people is a bit much.” His mother flipped a page in the notebook resting in her lap and picked up a pen to scribble a note. “Besides, we are keeping the number for the reception down to two hundred people.”
    Sydney flounced to an overstuffed chair and
    plopped down in a huff. “This will never work.” Her hand waved around the room. “It’s so small and
    confined.”
    “I like to think of it as homey.”
    “But I’ve invited over five hundred on my own.”
    “Sydney, we originally agreed we could have no
    more than two hundred at the reception. If you want to accommodate more people, it will be up to you to provide a much bigger heated tent. The food will be simple appetizers, something easy for the guests to choose from. You will have to get together with your wedding planner to make the appropriate changes.”
    “Alex.” Sydney jumped to her feet when she saw
    him. A cloud of anger covered her beautiful face, but she put on her best give me what I want smile.
    “Explain to your mother that I want the reception at the country club.” She sidled up to him, rubbing her hand up and down his arm. “It’s my day after all.”
    Irritation itched along his spine. He would break out in hives caused by stress until the wedding was over and he and Sydney were flying to Paris. He’d wanted a few days of relaxing in the Keys but
    Sydney’s parents gifted them with the honeymoon.
    From the look on his mother’s face, she’d dug in her heels as well. Alex could feel the hives popping out. “We’ll order a larger tent. Mom is paying for the reception, Syd, let her choose the food.”
    “But.” Sydney’s expression turned mulish.
    “In case you forgot, I’m a part of this wedding.”
    He held out his hand for her to be quiet. “I’m sure Mrs. Bennett will do a fine job. We will pay for the 44
    A Perfect Bride for Christmas

    difference in the cost of the food as well.”
    “I want—”
    “You know, right now, I don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, it would be a hell of a lot easier to go to the courthouse and have Judge Parker marry us.
    Quick and to the point. I don’t give a rat’s ass about all this wedding…” He searched for the right word.
    “Shit.”
    Whoa. It had to be the whiskey piping up like a drunken sailor on shore leave. He hastened to soften his harsh words. “I love you, Syd, I really do, but there are times you make me want to sit on the floor of my closet with a bottle of scotch.”
    “Thank you, Alex.” His mother didn’t look the
    bit phased by his pickled backbone. “If Sydney wants more people, then by all means, order the tent. I’ll need a