Izzy fluttered around Hailey like a butterfly hyped up on caffeine. She fluffed her veil before applying more lip-gloss to Hailey’s already shiny lips. Surveying Hailey with bright eyes, Izzy proceeded to hug her and hug her and hug her. Hailey could hardly catch a breath with Izzy squeezing her so tight.

They were waiting in their parents’ master suite. The caterers had just pulled Mama aside for a few questions. Hailey had thought maybe she could relax for a minute, but Izzy was acting crazier than Mama.

“Calm down, sis. It’s only my wedding day.” Hailey wished her stomach would obey her demands to be calm. Her insides seemed to be moving crazier than Izzy. Wedding day. This was more insane than old Aunt Betsy who baked crickets into her pecan pie for extra protein and thought Ronald Reagan was still the president. Hailey was marrying a huge football player and trusting that he wouldn’t hurt her because of her daddy’s threats? She swallowed hard, grateful she hadn’t been able to eat anything today. If she had, it would all be coming back up.

Her dad’s lawyer had quickly taken the wedding plans to the next level and beyond. First, he announced her and Brady’s engagement to the world. Then with her mama’s help, he planned a wedding in less than a week. Select media had been invited to the wedding, and it was a huge event for all the locals. Hailey couldn’t stomach doing a fake wedding in the church she’d attended her entire life, so they were holding the event outside in Mama and Daddy’s sprawling yard. It was going to be sweltering, but Mama had arranged for UV-blocking tents and portable air-conditioning units.

It had been decided a couple of days ago that their vows weren’t going to be fake. They didn’t want anyone but immediate family and Garrett to know the truth, or the whole farce wouldn’t accomplish what they needed—getting two stalkers to leave them alone. So they would be joined as husband and wife for real, and hopefully, William Fonnesbeck and Brady’s stalker would give up when they saw pictures of them happily married. They could get it annulled within the year. Garrett was all over the paperwork and legal forms.

Hailey’s stomach pitched again. Married for real. She squeezed her eyes shut and said another prayer for strength, peace, and Brady to be a man of his word. At this rate, the good Lord was going to answer her pleas for help just to get her to stop bugging Him.

“You’re absolutely breathtaking,” Izzy said. Her smile was sad, but her dark eyes convincing.

“And you are breaking my heart.” Hailey hugged her tight. “It’s okay, sis. I’ll get through this, and someday soon, I’ll find a love like you and X have.” She didn’t really believe a love like that was possible for someone as scarred as her, but maybe saying it would comfort Izzy.

Izzy held on. “I know you’ve always said no football players, but X is the greatest husband in the world. Maybe you could give Brady a chance.”

Hailey pulled back and eyed her sternly. “This is all fake, Iz, very fake. I hardly know the guy.” Though she’d enjoyed texting him nonstop over the past week and her research on him was promising. He was a champion on the field and off. He raised and donated money to charities, didn’t sleep around, and had never shown any inclination of violent behavior. It didn’t hurt that he was extremely easy on the eyes, but Hailey would stay true to her vow to not date football players. She’d dated enough perfectly handsome men to realize their good looks disappeared quickly sometimes. Take William for example. She’d rather marry someone with a wrinkled and beat-up looking face, like her daddy, who had a heart of gold.

Mama was suddenly back and clutching Hailey to her large bosom. “Oh, my sweet honey child. I didn’t think your wedding day would be like this.”

“It’s okay, Mama. It’s okay.” Hailey soothed her, though inside she agreed. She adored her parent’s happy marriage as well as Izzy and Xavier’s. It hurt deep inside to think of mocking that sacred institution. Shaking her head, she knew she couldn’t think of it like that. She’d get through the next few months and get William off her and her team’s back and help Brady shake his stalker. By the time regular season started, she’d be back to her real life. She’d done drama in high school. She had to think of this as just another dramatic performance. It didn’t matter that Brady Giles had a smile that could heat her up from the inside and she was completely terrified to be alone with him tonight. She had to keep reminding herself that her daddy had threatened his career and his man parts if he tried anything. She had nothing to worry about, right? Brady would remember he had promised he wouldn’t touch her inappropriately. But how did she know she could trust his promise? Oh man, maybe she needed more time to worry and come up with a plan to protect herself.

“It’s time.” Her father’s voice was gruff. Hailey jerked back from her mama’s arms, sweat breaking out on her forehead.

“Oh, sweetheart, you’re a vision.” His voice softened, and he opened his arms.

Hailey hurried to him and savored his peppermint and coffee scent. It always gave her comfort. Forcing herself to be strong, she teased him. “You ready to give me away, Daddy-o?”

“No.” He hugged her tight. “Are you sure you want to do this, sweetheart? We can get a restraining order against William. I’ll take the fight with the commissioner’s office. I can handle whatever consequences they throw at my team.”

Hailey knew he would do all of that for her, but the Titans had a huge target on their back. Nobody had been competition for them last year, and every team would enjoy seeing them involved in a scandal and losing players to suspensions. “I know you could Daddy, but they’re my team too, and crazily enough, this feels right.”

He nodded shortly, drinking in her face for a few seconds before turning to Mama and Izzy. “Dolly, love, you’d better get to your seat. We’ll follow you, sweetheart.” He nodded to Izzy.

“One more hug.” Dolly begged.

He smiled and opened his arms. They all gathered close, and Hailey drew strength from them. She loved her family and their support more than a frog loved his lily pad.

* * *

Brady shifted his weight a few times and tugged at his collar. He’d suggested a private elopement and then leaking the news to the media, but Hailey was the only one who agreed that was a good idea. Everyone else involved insisted they needed the media exposure of a large wedding. Plus, an elopement would scream that they’d rushed into this instead of showing they were committed for life.

He straightened his tie, noticing that Xavier Newton was giving him the eye. “Calm down, man,” X whispered. “I’ve done this, and it’s not that bad.”

Brady almost argued that when X had gotten married a few months ago to Hailey’s sister, Izzy, it hadn’t been a farce and he’d had the honeymoon to look forward to. Brady and Hailey were going on a fake honeymoon that her father had supposedly arranged, to give the media plenty to talk and post about, but it wouldn’t be anything like the honeymoon he’d always dreamed of. Would his future father-in-law really destroy his career if he treated his wife like a wife? Probably. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

“Smile like you just hit me hard or something.”

Brady did smile then. He’d taken Xavier Newton down plenty of times in his career. It always felt good, especially the one time he’d made X fumble the ball and Brady had recovered it. He had more interceptions than any cornerback in the league, but the best he’d done to X was a fumble recovery.

“See. Think about football, and it’s all better.”

“Thanks, man.”

X nodded. “But touch my little sister inappropriately, and I will tear your arms out.”

Brady grunted. Yep, the honeymoon was going to stink. “Don’t worry. Her dad already threatened me.”

“Who are you more scared of, him or me?”

Brady glanced at X. He was built, but close to Brady’s size. It would be fun to fight him. “Him. You can’t ruin my career.”

X grinned, but it was far from friendly. “Try me.”

Brady held up his hands. “I got it.”

He glanced around at the crowd. Everyone was seated and waiting for the bride to prance down the aisle. Standing on the other side of X was a cute nine-year-old boy, Marcos. He’d flown in from Denver with Xavier’s mama. Apparently, Marcos was like an adopted member of the family. He held the rings solemnly on a pillow. Brady gave him a thumbs-up, and the kid glared at him. Okay, not so cute.

X smiled and winked at his little buddy.

“What’s his deal?” Brady asked in an undertone as the preacher was starting to give them a stern look.

“He was planning on marrying Hailey.”

“I thought he was like a little brother.” Brady rubbed his palms on his pants.

“Marcos is hopelessly in love with her. Look around. You haven’t made any fans of your football brothers by stealing the team’s sweetheart.”

Brady searched the audience. He didn’t know a lot of the people, but most of the team was there. The ones who didn’t have a spouse or girlfriend with them were giving him unabashed glowers. “Protective older brother feelings?”

“You wish. Hailey thinks of them as older brothers, but I could list a couple dozen who have tried for dates and were still hoping they had a chance. She tells all of them she doesn’t date football players.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that one.”

“What makes you so special?”

Brady looked sharply at him. X knew what was really going on here, but the question seemed to probe deeper. X wanted to know why Brady was getting this chance to be close to Hailey when many men would’ve traded him places, even if it was fake.

Brady assumed that he’d simply been in the right place at the right time. He’d done what any decent guy would do and had gone to Hailey’s aid because William Fonnesbeck was harassing her. Because of that decision, all of this had transpired. He knew he wasn’t something special, just a lower-middle-class kid who had worked his butt off to succeed, but he’d felt almost heroic when Hailey had looked up at him with relief and admiration when he’d come to her aid. He had to keep reminding himself that this marriage was only taking place because both he and Hailey had stalkers and were trying to change their situations. He should look at it as a mutually beneficial agreement, not some romance. Hopefully, he could keep his head when Hailey smiled at him.

The song changed, and a hush fell over the crowd as Izzy glided down the aisle. X’s expression changed from questioning to elated. Xavier’s wife, and Brady’s future sister-in-law, was a beautiful lady with long, dark hair and sparkling black eyes. Focused completely on X, she broke tradition by giving the best man a lingering kiss before going to stand on the other side of the preacher. The crowd laughed and some applauded. Brady couldn’t help but smile and appreciate the break in tension. Izzy gave him a mischievous wink. Maybe one member of the family actually liked him.

The song they always played when brides walked down the aisle came on, and his stomach clenched. This was it. He’d never imagined his wedding day being like this. Well, maybe the flowers and a beautiful bride, but not a woman he hardly knew. He glimpsed his parents’ faces. He was the youngest of seven, and they were in their late seventies. The stress on their well-loved faces made him worry he would cause a heart attack. Claire was seated next to them. Her sister, Hazel, grinned at Brady as she held her rounded abdomen. Honestly, Claire looked kind of ticked off, but she gave him a quick smile when he met her gaze.

The crowd rustled to their feet, and his view of the tent opening was blocked. He heard oohs and ahhs. He could only imagine what a gorgeous bride Hailey would be. He thought she was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen when she was in a simple t-shirt and shorts.

She and her father turned the corner to walk down the aisle, and the breath was knocked out of him. No, he couldn’t have imagined the exquisite beauty floating toward him. Her blonde curls were piled on top of her head and threaded through a gauzy white veil. Thank heavens the veil didn’t cover her face. Her flawless skin was radiant, her full lips sparkling at him almost as much as her eyes, bluer than the Caribbean sea. He was suddenly dreaming that they were going to the Caribbean on their honeymoon. The wedding was a lot of pressure, but hanging out on a beach with Hailey for a week would be no problem at all. Away from his stalker, William’s threats, and all the death glares his teammates and little Marcos had been giving him, he could bask in the sun and Hailey’s smile and get to know his breathtaking bride.

Hailey’s lacy white dress molded perfectly to her curves and showed off her firm shoulders and arms, but the neckline was high, like she only wanted him, her husband to have access to the real treasure within. Her dad and Xavier’s warnings helped to cool those thoughts. This wasn’t a real marriage, and he needed to remember that and quick. Unfortunately, his brain was struggling to keep up with the longing inside to create something from nothing with the beautiful woman walking toward him.

Hailey was completely focused on him as she and her father sauntered up the aisle. Brady’s stomach warmed up, but he wasn’t sweating anymore. He felt his face break into a welcoming grin, and though his heart was thumping, it was an excited thunk not nervous or uncertain like he had thought it would be. Hailey was a little slip of a thing. Her father wasn’t a thick man but he dwarfed her. Her infectious smile and the way she beamed made her larger than life to Brady.

When they reached him, she handed her huge floral bouquet to Izzy, and Brady heard the preacher asking who gave this woman away, but it was pretty hazy as all he could see was Hailey’s warm and mischievous smile. He had a feeling he was in big trouble where this beauty was concerned, but he couldn’t find it in him to worry. Not at this moment.

“Her mother and I do.” James Knight’s voice boomed out. He bent and kissed his daughter’s cheek then placed her hand in Brady’s.

Everything within Brady stilled. The home he’d grown up in had been chaotic and loud, but full of love. Right now, he felt like he was in a peaceful cottage by the sea, and it was bursting with love, promise, and a woman he never wanted to leave. He shook his head, realizing he was getting carried away. Then Hailey grinned at him again. Dang, she was perfect.

Squeezing his hand, she turned to face the preacher, but Brady couldn’t find it in him to rip his gaze away. This wedding was a farce. Now, how was he going to remember that if she kept smiling at him?

* * *

Hailey’s stomach was tumbling with nerves and regrets that she was mocking her own wedding day and the fear of what might happen when Brady got her alone. She’d put on a huge smile to hide her fears, but crazily enough, it was clinging to Brady’s hand that stabilized her. He was the anchor she needed right now and dang if he didn’t look exquisite and manly in his tailored tux. His dark hair was perfectly trimmed and his sculpted face cleanly shaven. Who knew a model-perfect face had lived under all that hair?

He wouldn’t stop staring at her. She squeezed his hand and whispered, “Stop staring.”

He leaned in closer, and she sighed at the mouth-watering scent of his sandalwood cologne. If his incredible build and handsome face hadn’t screamed, “man who is going to pull you in and you won’t want him to let you go,” his scent definitely sealed the deal.

“I can’t help it,” he murmured. “You’re exquisite.”

Hailey wanted to kiss him, which was silly and very out of character for her. This fake wedding thing was playing so many tricks with her mind. “You don’t look too bad yourself, Mr. Giles.”

“Thank you, soon to be Mrs. Giles.”

Hailey gasped and placed her free hand to her chest. This was really happening, before the good Lord and all these people she loved. Was she insane? How had she agreed to this? No one knew how terrified she was of marriage, and here she was going to give herself to some buff guy who she didn’t even know?

She focused on Brady’s face, and he gave her a soft smile. It wasn’t a come-hither smile or an “I want you” smile. It was kind and understanding, an “I’ll be there for you” smile.

She swallowed down her fears and returned it with a hesitant smile of her own. Why, oh why, did he have to be a buff football player? Why couldn’t she have lied to William and claimed she was marrying a scrawny accountant? She’d gone out with one a couple weeks ago, what was his name … Treven, that was it. She sneaked another glance at Brady, realizing it would’ve been much smarter to pick a fake husband who she wasn’t insanely attracted to.

Suddenly, she realized the preacher had stopped talking and was staring expectantly at them. He inclined his head. “If you two could please focus on me for a moment?”

Hailey’s cheeks heated up, and she ducked her head. Brady chuckled. “Maybe for one,” he said.

The crowd who heard his comment burst into laughter. The preacher gave them a tolerant smile then proceeded to ask the all-important question. “Hailey Knight, do you take Brady Giles as your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?”

Hailey’s throat constricted. The preacher hadn’t asked “until William leaves you alone and you can get it annulled, do you part.” He’d asked her to bind herself to Brady for always, no matter what. Her silence drew on, and the crowd started to whisper. Hailey felt pressure inside her rib cage, and she didn’t know how to respond or where to look.

Brady squeezed her hand, and she concentrated on his face. He smiled with understanding and whispered, “It’ll be okay. I’ll take care of you.”

Hailey’s heart seemed to burst. She didn’t even know this man, but somehow, she knew she could trust him to have and to hold her.

“I do!” she called out.

The crowd roared at that. Brady grinned like she was the cutest thing since ponies and gave her an approving nod like she’d just brought clean drinking water to the state after a hurricane.

The preacher was repeating the words to Brady. This perfectly handsome man focused on her as if she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He answered in a strong voice. “I do.”

The preacher smiled and nodded to Marcos. The little man strutted over with the rings. Hailey bent and kissed his cheek.

He looked up at her with pleading in his eyes. “Are you sure you want to marry him?”

The crowd tittered with laughter.

Hailey glanced up at Brady. The promising look in his dark eyes made the ground tilt. She clung on to Marcos and said, “Yes, sir.”

“Okay.” He sighed and held out the gold band Hailey had bought for Brady. She made the mistake of glancing over at the ring Brady had purchased for her, and the breath whooshed out of her. It was the most perfect ring she could imagine. Three large square diamonds were set flush along a white gold band. It wouldn’t get in her way as she worked with the players or exercised herself, but it would scream to the world that she was taken and do it with style. She loved it.

Forcing herself to straighten, she held out the gold band for Brady with trembling fingers. He stretched out his hand, and she struggled to get the ring on. Brady grinned at her and gently helped her. Now, she was trembling from his touch instead of the shock of how gorgeous her wedding ring was. “With this ring, I thee wed.” She sort of mumbled the words out.

Brady leaned toward Marcos to get her ring. Marcos pulled back and scowled. “You better be nice to her,” he said.

Brady nodded solemnly. “I’ll treat her like a princess,” he said to Marcos, but he was looking at Hailey.

Hailey’s hand went to her chest. This was all getting much too real. Marcos finally shoved the pillow against Brady’s hand.

Brady took the gorgeous ring and easily slid it onto Hailey’s finger. Hailey couldn’t resist holding it up and admiring it. She’d never seen a more perfect ring for her. Her stomach dropped. Why did this have to be fake? She glanced back up at Brady who was studying her intently. She didn’t even know this guy. How had she, and her daddy, allowed this to happen?

“With this ring, I thee wed,” Brady said in a deep, full of promise kind of voice.

Tears rushed to Hailey’s eyes. Part emotion at how tender and kind Brady was being, part terror at what she had just gotten herself into.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Hailey’s heart pounded wildly. A grin spread across Brady’s face, and he stepped closer. His body brushed against hers, and warmth spread from her stomach to her limbs. Brady’s hands gently cradled her face as he bent close. Hailey found herself holding her breath and unable to move an inch. Would he kiss her like he wanted to possess her or like he cared for her? Could she really trust herself to this huge, burly man?

Brady’s lips softly brushed hers. It was achingly tender and so unexpected. They were supposed to be putting on a show, so she’d assumed he would give her a passionate kiss, something the cameras could capture as proof that they were head over heels in love.

“You’re absolutely exquisite, Hailey,” he whispered before kissing her again.

Hailey grabbed onto his biceps for support as his lips moved sweetly against hers. The kiss was patient and unhurried, but the way the nerve endings in her lips fired had her hot from head to toe and wanting more, much more. Her mouth moved in sync with his, and the tingle and desire grew stronger. She’d never been kissed with this combination of tenderness and desire, didn’t even know such a combination existed before this moment.

Brady pulled back and blinked at her, as if he was in as much shock and awe from the kiss as she was. He finally released her face and wrapped his arm around her back.

The crowd cheered.

He leaned down and murmured in her ear, “I’m hoping that wasn’t a one and done kind of kiss. I loved every second of it.”

Hailey glanced up at him, fighting to find her bearings after that kiss and shocked he would be so open with her about how amazing it felt. Although she agreed, she straightened her spine and said, “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Mr. Giles. I’m very glad you enjoyed the kiss because it was definitely a one and done. I don’t date football players.”

His eyebrows arched up, and he chuckled. “I guess I’ll have to work on changing your mind.”

“Don’t count on it.” She smiled sweetly up at him as the cameras flashed.

Brady placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, pulling her in tighter to his body. “Looks like the fun is just beginning.”

Hailey trembled. No matter how kind Brady seemed or how amazing that kiss had been, a football player pursuing her would not be fun at all.