An Unexpected Match Read Online Free

probably sample the frosting.
    Haley’s mother stood and started stacking dishes. “If all this had happened one day later, we would have had an even bigger dessert. Amy’s staff would have already started on the cake, so we could have split a three-tier wedding cake seven ways.”
    â€œI would have taken that challenge,” Matthew said. “Imagine that, a baker’s son who still loves wedding cake.”
    Haley cleared her throat to get their attention. “Sure glad my sad story is a punch line for everyone.” She frowned first at her mother and then at Matthew. “Why didn’t you just keep tiptoeing around the subject? You were doing a good job of it.”
    â€œBecause you need to talk about the wedding,” Trina insisted. “It’ll be easier to heal if you do.”
    â€œI don’t want to talk about it, Mom.” Not here. Not in front of these people.
    Matthew spread his hands wide. “Then you don’t have to talk about it, at least not until you’re ready.”
    Trina blew out a frustrated breath, but she nodded. “Fine. When you’re ready.”
    Amy picked that moment to return with the cake, her assistant following closely behind. “Now everyone had better take a piece, or I’ll be offended.”
    Despite the warning, Jenna attempted to decline but ended up with a big piece in front of her anyway. Soon appreciative murmurs filled the room.
    Haley studied the people around her as they ate. How many times had they gathered around a table just like this one, sharing food and their lives? These people were like her extended family. They’d been there for her during the trials of her childhood, and they were there for her now, waiting to talk about her life-changing day until she was ready. Maybe she could talk about it after all.
    â€œBoy, it’s a good thing there’s not going to be a wedding.” Haley waited until all those surprised faces turned her way before she continued. “After this dinner, I never would have fit in my wedding gown.”
    â€œYou’re not getting married?” Elizabeth asked.
    Matthew sent a wary look his daughter’s way. Of course, no one had thought to tell Elizabeth.
    â€œNo, sweetie,” Haley said. “We canceled the wedding.”
    â€œBut why?”
    Haley shrugged, uncertain how to explain to a child what she didn’t know for sure herself. “My fiancé decided he didn’t want to marry me.”
    Elizabeth sat straighter in her seat and crossed her arms. “He was mean not to marry someone nice like you.”
    They all laughed at the child’s summation of the situation, except Haley, who managed a smile. She wasn’t ready to join in the laughter, but she didn’t feel the need to sob on the floor, either. It was a start.
    With the taboo subject of the canceled ceremony now on the table, the women began dividing up their assignments for the next day. Jenna would meet with the florist who had to cancel a whole order of white roses, while Haley took on the bridal storeowner and Caroline faced off with the caterer, dealing with cancellation policies. Haley’s mother had volunteered for the task of phoning all the guests.
    Caroline looked up from the notebook she’d pulled from her purse, with the first two pages already detailing the next day’s chores. “Too bad Mom doesn’t have a best friend who is owner of one of these other businesses.”
    â€œWe did get special treatment there.” Trina turned to Amy. “I don’t know how to thank you for returning the deposit.”
    Amy waved off her friend’s thanks. “What are friends for? You might recoup some of your money on the dresses, too, if the bridal shop owner agrees to sell them on consignment. It’s good when couples can reclaim some of their costs, so they’ll be able to focus their attention on what to do next.”
    Haley could