Free The Matchmaker Bride (The Bride Series) by Shadonna Richards Page A

stepmother was really a surrogate mother. She was paid to give birth and stay married for a year to your father?” Sophie had to clarify that part to be sure she heard correctly before she proceeded. She wanted to make sure that Bria’s mother really didn’t want to have anything to do with her, though she’d known some surrogates change their minds after.
     
    “You got it. It was part of the deal. And when the old man died, she reluctantly took on the child but then neighbours complained about Bria being neglected so I took her on and hired a series of part time nannies to figure out what I was going to do. That’s when I noticed that she’d seemed withdrawn. I thought she just wasn’t used to me but then she didn’t have eye-contact and would constantly line up her dolls and do other gestures consistent with the autism.
     
    “You were very quick in your assessment. The earlier it is detected the better, Carlos. Good going on your part. Bria is really lucky to have you.”
     
    “She’s also very lucky to have you as her therapist.”
     
    “Volunteer,” Sophie corrected as she felt heat rush to her cheeks.
     
    “I want to help. I…I’ll do it.”
     
    “You will? Are you sure about this Sophie? I really don’t want you to feel obligated.”
     
    “I want to. For Bria .” And for us.
     
    He reached over and hugged her gently. “I really do appreciate this, Sophie.” His aroma was irresistible as he held her from behind. They both looked out at the view from the window. He reached down and brushed his lips on her neck. She tingled inside and thought she’d go insane if she didn’t have him now but she reminded herself this was for Bria . Nothing more. Oh, who was she kidding? She was terrified of opening up her heart to Carlos. What if he got tired of her and broke her   heart just like her ex? She didn’t   want to raise  her hopes up too high.
     
    “Right, well we should get down to business. When is the mediation?”
     
    “Well, it’s coming up soon.” He pointed to his agenda on the desk at the date in question.
     
    “Well that doesn’t leave us much time. Luckily in Ontario you can download the marriage licence form online and fill it out, bring all your ID to City Hall and receive the marriage licence on the same day.” She knew this because she’d read up on getting married for those clients who wanted a quickie wedding for the agency.
     
    “Good. I trust that one can marry the same day the licence is received.”
     
    “What?” Her heart pounded hard and fast. This was happening all too sudden.
     
    “Relax. We don’t have to do it today. But I do have a connection in Niagara Falls. He’s a JP. We can go tomorrow and be married on Wednesday.”
     
    “Wednesday?” She felt the lump climb higher in her throat. “Niagara Falls?”
     
    “Is that too soon for you? Or does the location frighten you?” He teased.
     
    She could not believe she was having this conversation. She could not believe the most deliciously handsome man she’d ever laid eyes on wanted to marry her—even   if it were for convenience.
     
    Never mind just that, he was taking her to one of the most romantic cities on the planet to get married. The breathtaking natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls. The beautiful, powerful waterfalls with all the glowing different coloured lights at night. She felt surreal.
     
    Her legs felt oddly weak for the moment. She was in love with him and he wanted to make an honest woman of her. She could not believe this was real. Everything seemed surreal. She must be dreaming. Her stomach squeezed when he went over the details and her requirement. It would only   be temporary. Deep down in her soul, she desired to have him permanently. There was nothing she didn’t like about him. His aura, his   presence , even his mood that could flip like a switch when the situation called for it.
     
    Later that afternoon, after filling out Form 3 of the Marriage Act and