The Wedding Truce Read online

  Could their ceasefire extinguish a secret attraction?

  They need to get along...

  For the sake of planning their best friends’ wedding shower, divorce attorney Xander Ryan and wedding coordinator Grace Harris are calling a truce. But Grace longs for her own happily-ever-after, and Xander doesn’t believe in them. So finding common ground might be a challenge. When an argument leads to a passionate kiss, neither plans to tell a soul. Because they’re all wrong for each other. Right?

  Grace rolled her eyes. “Is there anything you enjoy?”

  He enjoyed verbally sparring with her. Making that blush rise up from her ample chest, over her neck and onto her cheeks. If she was beautiful ordinarily, it was nothing compared to when she was angry. Her green eyes sparkled even more.

  Eyes sparkling? What the hell was he thinking? He shook his head and swept his arm for her to walk past him.

  “I enjoy a great many things, Grace Harris. Maybe one day you’ll find out all about me.”

  She stepped closer to him. So close that her scent made its way to his nose. He didn’t know if it was her shampoo or perfume or lotion. Not that it mattered one bit. Grace smelled absolutely delectable.

  “Oh, I think I know plenty about you now, Xander Ryan.”

  He didn’t back down. He leaned into her. “Astound me.”

  “You’re cocky and way too self-assured,” she said. “You don’t like weddings and think wedding planners are silly.” She took a breath. “If you weren’t Jack’s best friend and he didn’t vouch for you, I wouldn’t even waste my precious time talking to you now.”

  He pinned her with his best seductive stare and lowered his voice. “But you are talking to me now.”

  She gulped. “Not for long.”

  SOMETHING TRUE:

  Because the perfect fit is hard to find.

  Dear Reader,

  I’ve always loved “opposites attract” stories, which is why I’m so excited about this next book in my Something True series. You met Grace and Xander in The Dating Arrangement. But they didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts...

  See, Grace is a wedding planner who is absolutely in love with love. She’s optimistic, hopeful, and always sees the good in life. Xander, on the other hand, is a divorce attorney who plans to avoid marriage like the plague. He’s a cynic, for sure. The only thing they seem to have in common is an intense attraction to each other.

  So, what’s going to happen when they have to come together to plan their best friends’ wedding in only three short weeks? Will they fight all the way to the altar? Or will they be able to make some kind of truce? Better question: Will that truce extend beyond the wedding? You’ll have to read to find out!

  I hope you enjoy The Wedding Truce! I love to connect with readers, so please visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter at kerricarpenter.com, or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as AuthorKerri.

  Happy reading and glitter toss,

  Kerri Carpenter

  The Wedding Truce

  Kerri Carpenter

  Award-winning romance author Kerri Carpenter writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry. Visit Kerri at her website, kerricarpenter.com, on Facebook (Facebook.com/authorkerri), Twitter and Instagram (@authorkerri), or subscribe to her newsletter.

  Books by Kerri Carpenter

  Harlequin Special Edition

  Something True

  The Dating Arrangement

  Saved by the Blog

  Falling for the Right Brother

  Bidding on the Bachelor

  Bayside’s Most Unexpected Bride

  Visit the Author Profile page at www.Harlequin.com for more titles.

  For Carlene, my dear friend and fellow Mermaid. Thank you for always being there for me and for bringing your sunny San Diego sparkles into my life. That’s why you’re MY hero!

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Epilogue

  Excerpt from Fortune’s Fresh Start by Michelle Major

  Chapter One

  “I love you, Grace Harris.”

  Grace grinned at the words she’d wanted to hear her entire life. Of course, she’d been waiting for a devastatingly handsome and charming prince to utter them. Instead, she was hearing them from Katie Mason, a client engaged to her own Prince Charming.

  “I’m serious, I could kiss you.”

  Grace laughed. “I’m not sure how George would feel about that.”

  Katie shook her head. “I don’t think he would care one bit when he learns you’ve figured out how to finally make this wedding come together. I never thought our styles would mesh, but you came up with the perfect plan.”

  Blending family traditions at a wedding wasn’t a novelty—though it wasn’t always easy. Grace had worked on hundreds of weddings and there was often some negotiating involved, but everything was always resolved in time to give the bride and groom their perfect day.

  She rose from her desk. “It’s all in a day’s work, Katie. I’m just happy that you’re happy. The ceremony is going to be beautiful, and the reception will be extraordinary.”

  Katie stood as well and scooted around the antique desk to give Grace a quick hug. “And thanks for staying late to help me work all of this out. I know our appointment was supposed to end forty-five minutes ago. You’re the best wedding planner ever.”

  “What a great testimonial to add to my website,” Grace said with a wink.

  They began walking toward the door, a subtle move Grace hoped wouldn’t suggest she was running late due to Katie’s earlier meltdown about the logistics of her wedding. She had a date to get ready for, but at the same time, her business was important to her.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be giving you testimonials, bouquets of flowers, my undying love...”

  “All of which are unnecessary. I just want to make your special day amazing.”

  “I’ve already recommended you to two of my friends. They’re both newly engaged.”

  Grace stifled the happy dance Katie’s words incited. She’d started her wedding-planning business less than two years ago. Only recently had she begun to see a steady profit, so word of mouth between brides was definitely a boost she could use.

  The two women said goodbye, and Grace hurried back to her office to tidy up the space before calling it a day. She paused as she picked up a bridal magazine. The issue boasted Florida weddings, and the cover showed a bride wearing the most gorgeous princess ball gown at one of the Disney parks in Orlando.

  Two of Grace’s favorite things on the planet: wedding dresses and the town where she grew up. Of course, she also loved everything about weddings, too, but she’d always believed that a great wedding began with the gown. That’s why she’d loved working at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City one summer during college. She’d been a lowly intern dashing off on coffee runs, but at least s
he got to be surrounded by exquisite dresses every day.

  She took another look at the bridal magazine, paying close attention to the gown. One of her current clients was a traditional bride throwing a black-tie wedding. She would absolutely love this ball gown.

  She ran her hand over the glossy publication and allowed herself a moment to dream about her own wedding. Her own happy ending. Her own Prince Charming.

  Grace had wanted to be a wedding planner ever since she planned her first Barbie wedding when she was a little girl. Setting up her dolls’ special day had been a great way to drown out the real world. While she prepared her dolls to say their “I do’s” in the corner of her cramped bedroom, she didn’t have to think about her irresponsible mother, their cold trailer, or the unpredictable and scary life they lived.

  When yet another of her mother’s new boyfriends came by, she could escape into the happy world where people fell in love and got married. Even if her mother didn’t follow that path, Grace knew she would no doubt get the same happy ending as her dolls.

  She had to.

  And everything would be perfect.

  Luckily, later in life, she’d been accepted into Disney’s internship program, where she’d been able to learn how to plan their famous nuptials with real live people instead of plastic dolls.

  Grace shook her head, her long hair falling over her shoulder. She needed to stop daydreaming, so she threw down the magazine and quickly finished cleaning up the space. With a final glance to check that everything was in place, she shut down her laptop, locked her drawers and turned off the lights.

  Then she closed the French doors that led to her office and walked up the stairs to the second floor of the town house she shared with her best friend, Emerson. The first floor of the traditional row home had been converted to offices for both herself and Emerson. The second floor was their living room, dining area and kitchen, and both of their bedrooms and bathrooms were on the third floor.

  Not only was it the best commute ever, but Grace also loved living right in the center of Old Town, the historic and trendy area of Alexandria that welcomed tourists, families and locals. She loved the energy of the area with its cobblestone streets, plethora of bars, restaurants and shops, and proximity to the Potomac River and Washington, DC.

  Of course, she was also thrilled she got to live with her best friend. Emerson first suggested the arrangement after Emerson’s fiancé had broken up with her—and left her with a huge mortgage to pay.

  Grace shuddered as she remembered the pain her best friend had endured at the betrayal.

  The silver lining—and Grace always looked for the silver lining—was that the two of them got to live together. And the home office space was a perk they both loved.

  Grace entered her bedroom and threw her bag onto the frilly eyelet bedspread. She immediately stalked to her closet, rifled through the hangers and grabbed a dress. Then she crossed to her dressing table and began fixing up her makeup. She didn’t have much time to get ready for her date.

  She didn’t have much enthusiasm, either. Which seemed to be a habit with her lately.

  Grace Harris was in love with love. Well. The idea of love. She’d yet to experience it for herself, after all. In her line of work, though, she got to help others achieve that dream—which only made her long for it even more... The anticipation of a crush. The rush of first love. The enduring comfort of long-term love.

  Or, what she assumed would be an enduring comfort.

  “You’ll get there,” she said to her reflection.

  Yet, as she ran a brush through her long, black hair and applied her favorite matte red lipstick, there was a niggling thought in the back of her mind. Something that was warning her that she wasn’t quite as excited about her date tonight as she should be.

  A sigh escaped her painted lips. This would be her fourth date with Derek and if she was being honest with herself, she’d had to talk herself into seeing him again. Which didn’t make sense.

  Derek Whittaker was successful, handsome and driven. Any woman would kill to go out with him.

  She changed into her dress and shoes.

  He was also a bit egotistical, kind of full of himself and sort of a bore, too.

  She did a little turn in front of her full-length mirror. Her nose crinkled as she took in her shoes. They weren’t right.

  “Definitely the strappy ones,” Emerson said from the doorway.

  Grace nearly jumped out of her skin. “Oh, my god, you scared me! I didn’t know you were back from that meeting yet.” She took a minute to catch her breath. “Which strappy ones? It’s not like I only have one pair,” she said, laughing.

  Completely at home amid her friend’s things—which made sense, since they constantly perused each other’s wardrobes—Emerson walked to the closet, rummaged around and produced a pair of nude heels. Grace put them on, then did another spin for her best friend.

  Emerson whistled. “Grace, you look gorgeous.” She tilted her head. “Does Derek deserve this?”

  “I’m not dressing for Derek. I dress for one person only and that’s myself. If he enjoys it, too, well, that’s a bonus.”

  Emerson flopped down on Grace’s bed. “To be honest, I’m surprised you’re going out with him again.”

  “You know my rule.” Grace added her favorite pair of silver heart earrings.

  “I know, I know. You have to give every guy three chances. But if I remember correctly, you’re past three dates.”

  Grace held up four fingers. She faced Emerson and frowned. “To be perfectly honest, I didn’t really want to go out again. But he has this work thing and practically begged me to accompany him.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I felt bad not giving it one more chance, so I said yes.”

  “Of course you did.” Emerson rolled her eyes dramatically. “You are too nice, Grace Harris.”

  “As all wannabe princesses should be.”

  “Forget about Derek. We have more important things to discuss.”

  “We do?” Grace spritzed herself with her favorite perfume.

  “Yes. You may not be aware, but I am getting married,” Emerson announced.

  “What?” Grace played along. “You’re engaged? When did that happen?”

  Of course, Grace was aware of her best friend’s recent engagement to Jack Wright. The two of them were beyond perfect for each other. She’d seen the sparks flying from the first time she’d witnessed them together.

  Emerson threw one of the twenty throw pillows from Grace’s bed at her.

  “Don’t make me mad at you or I won’t ask you to be my maid of honor.”

  “Em, are you serious? Me?”

  “Of course, you.” Emerson rose and crossed to Grace. “What do you say? Will you do it?”

  “OMG, Em. Yes! I will!”

  Emerson’s eyes were shining with happiness. “I mean, I’m going to boss you around and claim it’s ‘my day’ and all the usual crap brides say.”

  “I think I can handle it,” she said, rolling her eyes and grinning.

  “Will you be able to handle planning the wedding and being in it?” Emerson asked with concern.

  Grace nodded emphatically. “Oh, hells yes. I’ve actually carved out some time around your big day so you will be getting all my personal attention as your wedding planner. And now your maid of honor.” She squealed.

  Suddenly, her gaze fell on a framed picture that had been taken of her, Emerson and Emerson’s sister, Amelia, sitting on the dresser. She picked it up and handed it to her friend. “What about Amelia? I don’t want to upset her. Shouldn’t she be your matron of honor, or, um, I mean your maid of honor.”

  Amelia had just ended her own marriage after only six months. And from what Grace had heard, she wasn’t having an easy time.

  Emerson looked at the photo for a moment before returning it to
the dresser. “You’re going to be co-maids of honor. The only thing is, Amelia isn’t in a great place, and I don’t want to put her under a lot of pressure. So if it’s okay, I’m going to rely on you for most of the traditional maid-of-honor duties.”

  “No problem. I completely understand.” Grace glanced once more at the picture of Amelia. “Poor thing. How’s she doing?”

  “She’s getting by. I know she’s making the right decision, and I think she’s going to be fine. Amelia’s tougher than she realizes.”

  That was a relief to hear. Grace had known Emerson for years now and she was close with the entire Dewitt family.

  As Grace put the finishing touches on her outfit, they continued talking about the wedding. It was interesting to watch her best friend, the calm and cool event planner, become frustrated over the details of her own wedding.

  “What are you so worried about?” She grabbed Emerson’s shoulders. “Everything is going to be fine. It’ll be perfect. You’ll see.”

  Emerson rolled her eyes. “You, my friend, are far too optimistic.”

  “Hey, that’s supposed to be a good quality.”

  Grace’s cell phone went off, and she saw a text message from Derek. He was outside. She could feel her smile fading. “Derek’s here.”

  “Just remember that everything is going to be fine. No, perfect,” Emerson said with fake enthusiasm, as she flung Grace’s words back at her.

  “Gee, thanks.” Sometimes being optimistic took a lot of effort.

  * * *

  It took thirty minutes to get to the party in traffic and find street parking in congested Old Town.

  “We really should have walked or taken an Uber,” Grace said as they finally found a parking spot.

  Clearly oblivious to the slight annoyance in her voice, Derek put the car in Park and actually stroked the steering wheel. “But then I wouldn’t be able to show this baby off. I just got her on Saturday.”

  “So you told me already.” Twice.

  When Derek finished petting his new car, he finally turned it off, got out and came around to Grace’s side. At least he opened doors. That was something.