“Baby, this isn’t money,” her mom pointed out and patted the spot beside her. “This is far more important. Tell me you haven’t loved that boy most of your life.”
He was a man, but she suspected that to her mother they would always be children. Her mom still pointed out to anyone who happened to be around that her “baby” was the mayor of the town.
“I’m not in love with Rene.” What she felt for him was nostalgia and a little lust. A lot of lust. Friendship was in there. “I do care about him, but I know what I’m getting into.”
Trouble. She was getting into trouble since she’d spent a full half hour this morning trying to figure out what to wear to her wedding. She should have simply put on the next suit in line, but she’d stood there trying to decide if she should wear white. She’d settled on a sheath she’d bought for its elegant lines and the contrast it made to her skin.
A brow rose over her mother’s eyes. “I can’t decide if you’re lying to me or to yourself, but I wasn’t saying you shouldn’t do this. Rene is practically a member of our family, and he’s never once hesitated to help us out. You’ve always had a thing for Rene. You used to light up when he walked in a room.”
“Yes, well, I was Andre’s bratty kid sister and he was nice to me.” Her brother had always been the life of any party he was at. Smart, outgoing, ambitious—her brother had been a force in the town when they were growing up. “Is it surprising I would have a crush on him? Were you able to get in touch with Dre?”
“I got his voice mail, but as far as I can tell, he’s out in the middle of nowhere, and there might not even be cell service. That boy is going to be the death of me.” Her mother sighed.
Andre was a photographer who worked with some of the world’s best journalists. Sometimes his job took him to isolated places and war zones. Her mom was always worried about him. “He’ll call when he can. I don’t want him to think I was trying to hide it from him. I hope he understands.”
“He’ll understand why you’re doing this, but he might have a problem with Rene asking you.”
“He needs help.”
Her mom put her hand up to stave off the argument. “I know that. I know he doesn’t mean to take advantage of you, but I’m worried you’re going to get invested in this marriage and you’ll be devastated when he doesn’t need you anymore.”
“According to Rene, he’d be perfectly happy if we consider it a real marriage,” she admitted.
Her mother straightened up. “What? You didn’t mention this last night. What do you mean, he wants it to be real?”
“I think Rene is lonely and he wants to start his life. I think he’s gone through a lot in the last three years and he knows his mom won’t be around forever. He wants a family and he’s always liked ours.”
Her mom nodded. “Yes, he has. He’s been good to ours. He would make an excellent son-in-law. We can work with this.”
That statement was precisely why she hadn’t mentioned it to her mother the night before. “There’s nothing to work with. I’ve agreed that while I’m helping him through this problem, we’re going to try dating.”
An elegant brow rose over her mother’s eyes. “You’re going to date your husband.”
“He’s not really my husband.”
“The law would disagree with you on that,” her mom countered. “The contract you signed would disagree, too. So Rene’s decided he wants a wife and he picked you.”
“I think he likes me and he trusts me. That’s all.” Except the way he’d kissed her the night before felt like something more. It felt like he’d wanted her. “I think I’m convenient for him, and we need to figure out if there can be something more.”
“Did he have another woman on his list?”
“No. He told me he would have found another way if I said no. Which I did the first time he asked.”
Her mom seemed to think about that for a moment. “Do you trust Rene?”
Sylvie nodded. “I do.”
“Then everything is going to work out the way it should,” her mom said as she stood up. “I want you to keep your heart open. You tend to be far too careful when it comes to relationships, and you try to think through things that are better felt with your heart.”
“I’m looking at it like a test run.”
Her mom nodded. “Yes, that’s what I’m worried about. You’re going to test this thing to see if you can break it. It’s what you’ve always done. But know that I’m here for you and Rene. I’m going to view this as an opportunity to see my baby happy.”
There was another knock and then Gertie walked in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but these were delivered.”
Sylvie’s eyes widened at the bouquet of flowers in Gertie’s hands. “Who sent me flowers?”
Gertie stared at her. “I suspect they’re from your fiancé.”
Rene had sent her flowers. A bridal bouquet. Brilliant purple irises. Sylvie took the bouquet in her hands, and a childhood memory washed over her, filling her heart with sweet warmth. “These are from his garden. Do you think he went out this morning and picked these? Surely not. He has people for that, right?”
“Rene has always been sentimental. You think he’s just lonely now?” Her mother looked at the flowers held together by a simple white ribbon. “I’m starting to wonder what was convenient.”
“What do you mean?”
Her mother arched a brow. “You think you’re convenient because you can solve his problem, but what if the problem was a convenient way to get what he wants?”
“Don’t be silly.” It was a sweet gesture and only proved that Rene was thoughtful. Her mother was being overly romantic. “We should go. It’s almost time and I don’t want to be late. He’ll worry if I’m late. Gertie, I’ll be back after noon, but I’d like to leave early. Sera and Hallie are throwing us a small reception at Guidry’s if you would like to come.”
“Oh, I’ll be there,” Gertie vowed.
“I’m going to spend this afternoon with Delphine,” her mother said as they started down the hall. “She’s got to hear this story. And we might work on a love spell.”
Sylvie pointed a finger her mother’s way. “You are not putting a love spell on Rene.”
“Who said I was putting it on Rene? Given those flowers and the generosity of that prenup, I don’t think Rene’s the one who needs it. I’m putting that spell on you, daughter.” Her mother continued down the hall. “Silly girl. Dating her own husband. Test run.”