Rebecca Russell - The Substitute Fiancée

Both of them were smart, ambitious and competitive. Why not date, see if they were as perfect for each other outside the law firm as well? Where else would he find a woman who wouldn’t resent the long hours he devoted to ensuring doctors, hospitals and insurance companies were held accountable when they screwed up? Separately, he and Jenna could do great things, but together, they’d be unstoppable.

Mac couldn’t find any holes in her theory. Besides, at thirty-eight he was tired of living alone, but too dedicated to his practice to make the time to meet women outside of work.

So, after several dates he’d ascertained they were compatible on many levels, the most important being that she was just as consumed by her career as he was and had no interest in ever having children. He then did the logical thing and proposed marriage.

But he’d never anticipated that she’d have a meltdown.

Surely after the wedding the old Jenna would reappear. Unless…had he jinxed his marriage by seeing his fiancée in her wedding dress before the ceremony?

He shook his head and chuckled at the uncharacteristically whimsical notion. No way. Jenna was the perfect woman for him; she and the high-priced wedding consultant had all the wedding plans under control and would leave nothing to chance. No silly superstition could compete, let alone win out, over logic.

Jessie Taggert reached into her locker at the health club for her swimsuit, eager to hit the whirlpool after an intense workout. The nearly scalding, bubbling water would feel great on her tired muscles.

An unfamiliar jingle erupted from her gym bag. She frowned in confusion as she retrieved her cell phone, then chuckled at the realization that her twin sister must’ve changed the ring again, an ongoing joke. Jenna was a true techie, while Jessie, who admittedly enjoyed the convenience of cell phones and computers, worked on a need-to-know basis. “Hello.”

“Jessie, thank God I caught you.”

Alarms went off in Jessie’s head. Her sister sounded frantic. Jenna didn’t panic easily. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything. Nothing. I mean, I need you to do me a favor.”

Jessie groaned. “Come on, Jenna, it’s my vacation.” She loved her job teaching third grade, but the summers off kept getting shorter every year for both teachers and students. “Can’t you get someone else to do whatever it is?”

“Not this time. I got called out of town. I’ll be back tomorrow morning, but it means I can’t make the final fitting for my wedding dress today. We’re the same size and since we’re identical, no one will know it’s not me.”

“But it’s only been two months since you bought the dress. Why would you even need another fitting?”

“It’s Brennan’s policy. Can you be there at noon?”

Jessie glanced at her watch. “You’re giving me an hour’s notice?”

“Please, Jessie. I really need you to do this for me. My wedding is in seven days. I’d do it for you.”

Jessie couldn’t argue that point. Two sisters couldn’t be more different, but they had always been there for each other. “I thought you were taking this whole week off to do nothing but get ready for the wedding.”

“I was, I mean, I am, but something important came up. You’re a doll for helping me. And one more thing, you absolutely cannot tell Mac or anyone else that I’ve left town.”

“But isn’t your trip business related?” Why else would her career-minded twin go out of town right before her wedding to the attractive but equally ambitious attorney?

“I’ll explain later. Just promise me.”

“Okay, I promise, but—”

“Thanks, sis.”

Jessie didn’t bother to protest, having learned long ago that her sister, older by two minutes, usually got what she wanted. Jenna had always possessed a penchant for intrigue, but a week before her wedding?

Jessie hung up and shoved the phone back into her bag, disappointed that she had to trade a relaxing soak and sauna for a quick shower, but at least it was for something worthwhile.

Since her engagement to Mac McKenna, Jenna had been busier than ever, but she seemed happy. She proudly claimed that Mac had finally met his match. He planned to stay on top as a trial lawyer who attracted Dallas’s most controversial cases, and her goal was to become every bit as successful.

They had begun the search for a house. No doubt, hired help would do the housekeeping, lawn and pool care so that the busy attorneys’ time and energy could be channeled into their careers. Neither wanted children—too much of a distraction.

They were perfect for each other.

Jessie couldn’t imagine a more empty existence, but this wasn’t about her. After a shower, she’d race the twenty or so miles from Plano to downtown Dallas. She’d take the tollway, the quickest route. Still, she’d be hard-pressed to make the drive to the bridal shop in an hour.

Jenna was going to owe big-time for this favor.

Jessie hurried through the front door of Brennan’s Bridal Boutique and her eyes immediately began to burn from the battle of heavy perfumes.

Women of all shapes and sizes decked out in Prada, Gucci and big hair milled about the room. A few customers even carried pets in designer totes.

Jessie suddenly felt self-conscious in her lightweight jogging suit, ponytail and no makeup, but at least she was clean.

Conversation competed with soft jazz that flowed from hidden speakers as she scanned the room for a glimpse of “the pearl lady,” Jenna’s description of her bridal consultant.

A petite woman in pearls seemed to appear out of nowhere and appraised Jessie over reading glasses. “Ms. Taggert, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

The woman’s scrutiny left Jessie squirming in her no-brand tennis shoes. “I had something come up at the last minute, so I either had to reschedule or come like this.”

“These things happen, I suppose. And since your wedding is next week, you made the right decision. I have a changing room all ready for you, so follow me.”

The consultant stepped into a short hallway that boasted thick cream carpet and white walls adorned with wedding portraits of local celebrities. “I double-checked that the fitter made the tucks in the waist just as you requested. I hope it meets with your approval, because we really are running out of time.”

Jessie smiled. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

The consultant stopped in front of the first door, gave Jessie a puzzled look, then motioned her inside.

Jessie entered a spacious room furnished with a couch, a huge trifold mirror and a circular raised platform in front of it.

A gown that screamed “Look at me” hung next to a plush white robe. Nestled below was a pair of off-white satin pumps dyed to match the dress.

Jessie frowned. Whatever happened to simple and elegant?

“Ms. Taggert, is something wrong with the dress?”

Jessie forced a smile. “No. Of course not.” Her opinion of the gown didn’t matter. “I’ll try this on and be out of your hair in no time.”

“Wonderful. Here, let me help—”

“Thanks, but I can manage.”

After another strange look, and obvious reluctance, the consultant left.

Jessie stepped into the fussy gown. The dress hugged and flared in all the right places, as far as she could tell. She checked the time. With any luck, ten minutes, fifteen tops, she’d be out of there and on her way home to play in her garden.

“Jenna, are you in there? I need to talk to you.”

Mac! She’d only met her sister’s fiancé once, but his deep, sexy voice was easily recognizable. “I’m sort of busy right now, Mac.” What was he doing at a bridal shop? “Later works better for me,” she offered. Much later.