Page 115 of Tempting Miles
“It’s a big day,” I say brightly, forcing cheer into my voice. “Besides, I didn’t realize how many people Easton invited.”
“Oh, he did try to keep the wedding intimate,” Helen says lightly, “but it’s not every day I get to celebrate the union of two of my favorite people.”
She leans in to hug me, and guilt twists painfully in my chest.
So many people have been lied to.
I don’t think Easton realizes how crushed his mother would be if she knew I was marrying him against my will.
“I understand, because Mami is just as excited.” I smile faintly, remembering how happy she looked every time we crossed another task off the wedding checklist. “I just wish it had only been family.”
Helen frowns before smoothing the expression away. “Why would you want something so small? Is there something amiss? Something you’re trying to hide?”
My eyes widen as panic rushes through me.
“No, no. Of course not.” I force out a nervous laugh. “I’ve just never been big on celebrating with people I barely know.”
“Well, darling,” Helen says, smoothing a hand gently over my hair, “now that you’re becoming a Ryan, you’ll have to learn to do your part.”
A chill crawls down my spine, forcing my back straight.
The makeup artist and hairstylist pretend to be completely oblivious as they continue setting up their tools around us.
“You’re a good girl. Always polite. Always agreeable.” Helen smiles like she’s complimenting me. “And despite your… less-than-perfect background, you’ve been a good friend to Easton. That’s why we decided you’d make the perfect wife for him.”
Every muscle in my body locks, and for a second, I can’t even breathe.
Then Helen leans closer and places her phone in front of me.
I stare down at the screen, trying to focus through the ringing in my ears.
It’s the local newspaper’s website.
A giant photo of Easton and me stares back at me beneath the headline:
Two Prominent Charlotte Families Unite as Penny Levine Marries Easton Ryan in Society Wedding of the Year.”
“What?” The word barely makes it past my lips
“Oh, darling.” Helen pats my hand gently while the stylists nearby fuss over my dress, their fake excitement filling the room. “Did you honestly think Easton came up with this plan all by himself?”
Her smilesharpens.
“It’s a good thing I’m his mother. I’ll always look after what’s best for him.”
“What do you mean by less-than-perfect background?” I ask quietly, refusing to let that comment go.
Helens lets out a soft laugh like I’m being charmingly naive.
“My dear Penny, you’re a Levine, yes.” Her gaze drifts slowly over me. “But you also come from an immigrant mother who had absolutely nothing to her name until she married into money.”
It takes everything in me not to slap the condescension out of her.
I’m about to tell her exactly where she can shove her opinion when Mami walks into the room.
“Penny Bean, how are you on this beautiful day?” she asks warmly. “Did you rest? I’m so excited I get to spend one of the most important days of your life by your side.”
Before I can even move toward her, Helen leans closer and says in a low, chilling voice, “Remember, you’re marrying up so we could keep your poor father’s heart—and your family’s reputation—intact.”
