A Woman Plans Her Sister’s Wedding, Unaware The Billionaire Best Man Will Soon Fall Madly For Her
The Unexpected Assistant
Callie Andrews was elbow-deep in white roses when the best man walked into the bridal suite. Everything in her perfectly organized world tilted.
“I’m looking for the wedding planner,” the deep voice said behind her.
She turned, brushing a smudge of greenery off her cheek with the back of her hand.
“That’s me,” she said, eyeing the man who had just stepped into the room as if he owned it.
He was tall with a dark suit and a sharp jaw. He didn’t look like a best man; he looked like trouble.
“I’m Maddox Ward,” he said, extending a hand.
Callie blinked. Her sister’s fiancé had mentioned his best friend was flying in from New York, but she hadn’t expected this.
Maddox looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine. He did not look like he belonged in a Virginia vineyard where her little sister was getting married.
She shook his hand. The grip was firm and warm.
“Callie. Maid of honor, also the wedding planner. Also the one who’s going to lose her mind if this florist doesn’t get it together.”
He glanced around at the chaos of half-assembled centerpieces and a dozen unopened crates. He saw one very stressed woman in yoga pants.
“You need help?”
She narrowed her eyes. “You offering?”
“I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty.”
She crossed her arms. “You’re wearing a watch that costs more than my car.”
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Doesn’t mean I don’t know how to carry boxes.”
Callie didn’t have time to waste.
“Fine. If you’re serious, grab that crate and start unpacking the candles. They’re labeled.”
To her surprise, Maddox rolled up his sleeves and got to work. By the time the sun set behind the vineyards, the reception barn was transformed.
Candles flickered on every table. The floral arch was finally standing. Callie had only snapped at three people instead of her usual five.
Maddox, to her annoyance, had been irritatingly good at everything. He was stacking chairs and organizing silverware. He even calmed the DJ when the power briefly went out.
“So,” he said, leaning against the barn door beside her as the sky turned pink. “Does your sister know how lucky she is to have you?”
Callie let out a breath. “She knows. I’ve been planning this wedding since she got engaged. She deserves something perfect.”
He looked at her, really looked this time. “And what about you?”
“What about me?”
“Who plans your happy ending?”
She laughed, caught off guard. “I don’t have time for that.”
He tilted his head. “Why not?”
“I run a small event business. I’m my own assistant, accountant, and marketing team. And I’ve already seen how messy love can get.”
She glanced back at the barn. “My parents split during my senior prom. I don’t exactly believe in fairy tales.”
Maddox didn’t say anything. He just watched her with those unreadable eyes.
“Anyway,” she said, brushing past him. “Thanks for the help today.”
He turned with her. “I’m not leaving.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I’m staying here for the week. Groomsman duty. Plus, the groom’s family knows me. They want me close.”
Callie groaned. “You’re going to be underfoot the entire time, aren’t you?”
He grinned. “Looks like it.”
The next morning, she found him already at the venue. He was talking to the caterers like he’d been born doing it.
He wore a crisp white shirt rolled at the sleeves. His slacks looked tailored to perfection. Still, he didn’t hesitate to lift a heavy tray or sweep up broken glass.
By day three, Callie had stopped rolling her eyes whenever he offered help. By day four, she caught herself looking for him before anyone else.
That night, after the rehearsal dinner, Maddox found her alone. She was on the back deck of the barn, staring out into the vineyard under the stars.
“You okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “Just tired.”
“You’re allowed to be,” he said, stepping beside her. “I just want everything to be perfect for her.”
He glanced at her, then reached into his pocket. “Here.”
She blinked as he held out a small velvet box. “What is this?”
“Open it.”
Callie popped the lid and gasped. Inside was a delicate rose gold bracelet. It was thin and elegant with a tiny diamond charm.
“Why would you?”
“You’ve worked harder than anyone. I saw it at a boutique in New York a few weeks ago. I didn’t know who it was for until now.”
Her breath caught. “Maddox.”
“It’s not a move,” he said quietly. “It’s a thank you.”
She looked up at him, heart pounding. “You didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to.”
The air between them shifted. It was electric and too close. Callie swallowed.
“You’re dangerous.”
He leaned in, his voice low. “Only if you want me to be.”
She stepped back, heart fluttering. “Good night, Maddox.”
But the way his gaze lingered, it didn’t feel like a goodbye.
The next day was the wedding. It went off without a hitch. Callie watched her sister walk down the aisle, glowing.
She smiled through happy tears and hugged every vendor. She made sure the couple danced under the stars, just like she’d planned.
When the slow music started, she turned to head inside. A hand caught hers.
“Dance with me,” Maddox said, already pulling her in.
“I don’t do slow dances,” she whispered, even as her body leaned into his.
“Do this one,” he said softly, resting a hand on her waist.
