Time stood still as both women sized up the other. Joanna had imagined the lawyer for Addison Kane would be an older woman with a pinched face, dressed in an overly-tight tweed suit, carrying a briefcase and looking slightly miffed because Joanna had insisted they meet at her house in Burnt Oak. Francesca Neary definitely did not meet Joanna’s expectations. Appearing to be in her early thirties, her blonde hair was styled in an attractive bob, her features were flawless, and her dark blue eyes creased at the corners as she displayed a dazzling smile. Before a word was spoken, Joanna had a feeling she was going to like this woman.

The day before, Fran had deleted over two dozen e-mails from single women wanting no longer to be single, and most had been moved to the recycle bin simply because of the way they looked. She was not a snob, nor did she generally judge a person by their appearance, but she wasn’t looking for just anyone. She needed a woman who could become the wife of Addison Kane, and because the marriage would happen so quickly, its haste needed to be answered. Love at first sight seemed to be the simplest explanation, but the only women ever seen on Addison’s arm all had one thing in common. They were beautiful.

Fran was not a person who assumed anything. She dealt with facts, precedents, and laws. The woman standing in the doorway appeared to be wearing no makeup, and her hair was pulled back in a casual ponytail definitely not meant to impress, but she was nonetheless, striking. Fran told herself not to presume the woman was Joanna Sheppard, but she prayed to God she was.

Extending her hand, she said, “Hello, I’m Francesca Neary. I’m here to see Joanna Sheppard.”

“That’s me,” Joanna chirped as she shook Fran’s hand. “Please come in.”

“Thanks,” Fran said, walking into the house. “I hope I’m not late.”

“No, not at all,” Joanna said quickly. “I was just about to make some coffee. Would you like some? Or if you prefer, I can make some tea. I’m not quite sure what I have, but there’s a market a few streets over. I’d be happy to go and get whatever you’d like.” Seeing the smile on Fran’s face grow even larger, Joanna chuckled. “I’m sorry. I’m a bit nervous. I’ve never been interviewed to be a wife before.”

“That’s okay,” Fran said with a laugh. “Trust me, they never taught this at Oxford.”

Chapter Four