Takes the Cake by Lynn Chantale Read Free Book Online

doesn’t want this wedding to happen.”
    “It does seem that way,” she agreed. Even though Liz didn’t believe the rumors surrounding her wedding cakes, the events of the last couple of days would be enough to convince her, if she were superstitious.
    * * * *
    “This is your fault,” Caroline accused.
    Keegan widened his eyes. “Mine? How is this my fault?”
    “If Dusty hadn’t spiked the soup, I’d have noticed my dress was missing last night.”
    He shook his head, still not understanding why his sister blamed him for last night’s fiasco. “What does Dusty have to do with me?”
    “He’s your friend!”
    Keegan shook his head. “No, my dear sister, he’s our cousin, and you wanted him in the bridal party to balance out your bridesmaids. Remember?”
    She shook her head, her blonde hair sliding around her shoulders. “You are impossible. I swear this is your fault. You’re trying to sabotage my wedding. First the cake, then you tried to fire the caterer—”
    “Caroline, you’re overreacting. I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation as to where your dress is.”
    His sister planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “This is my wedding. Not yours.”
    He glanced left and then right at the small crowd gathering. “I know and so does everyone else. Pull yourself together.”
    “Caroline Diane, stop this nonsense,” their mother, Gertrude, scolded.
    Caro whirled on her heel. “Well, he took my dress and did something to it.”
    “I sent it out to be pressed,” Gertrude explained. “All this wedding nonsense has marred your good judgment. I told you yesterday morning that I was sending it out to have it freshened before the big day. I pointed out the couple spots of lipstick smeared on the neckline.”
    Her jaw went slack. “I…I—”
    “Yeah, like I said, Caro, I had nothing to do with your dress.” He brushed past her and up the hall. Maybe he should’ve kept his mouth shut about the design, but part of him still felt like his sister deserved something ornate. He mounted the steps. Halfway up, voices drifted to his ears.
    “You need to tell her what’s going on.” The feminine voice was filled with tears and a bit of anger.
    “I can’t do that. Two hundred guests will be here to celebrate our happy union.”
    “How can it be happy when you’re not even marrying the woman you love?” she demanded.
    Keegan blinked. David? What the…? Keegan gripped the banister to keep from surging up the stairs. He still hadn’t placed the woman’s voice. Now he waited to hear the answer.
    “I do love Caroline, or else I wouldn’t have proposed to her.”
    “You can’t be in love with two women at the same time. I want you with me, not when you get time to sneak away.”
    “I’m not breaking things off with Caroline. We’ll keep the arrangement we’ve had.”
    “I will not be your mistress, David.”
    “News flash, Sandra, you already are.”
    Keegan swallowed. As he resumed walking up the stairs, David descended the steps. Keegan tried to appear as nonchalant as possible, even though he was seething inside. He stared at David when he passed. Keegan hoped David could see the knowledge in his eyes.
    David surprised him by stopping him. “I know you heard that.”
    Keegan inclined his head.
    “I’d prefer it if you keep this between us.”
    Keegan jerked away. “That’s my sister, and you expect me not to tell her you’re cheating on her?”
    “Try it. She’ll only say you’re trying to ruin her wedding. Think you can live with that accusation after this morning?”
    Keegan opened his mouth to speak, thought about his sister’s tirade, and closed it again.
    “Exactly what I thought. Mind your own business, and we can all get along, Keegan.” David bumped his shoulder as he passed.
    Keegan waited until David reached the bottom of the steps. “Hey, David?” The other man paused and faced him. “You’ve got until tonight to tell her. After that, I’ll