The Replacement Wife by Tiffany L. Warren Page A

I’ve reached out to a couple of art and jewelry galleries that are willing to provide some tasteful pieces for our use.”
    â€œAnd how do you intend to cover these expenses?” Estelle asked.
    â€œThe cost per table will be ten thousand dollars, and individual tickets will be one thousand. We will also have a jewelry auction and a rich eligible bachelor auction.”
    Montana lifted her eyebrows at this suggestion. It would be nice to rent a prince for a day. “Do you think Mr. Chambers would participate?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Chloe said. “He’s not really a bachelor.”
    Estelle said, “But it would be fun. It’s his organization, and I’m sure some cougar would love to drop a mint to be seen on the town with Quentin. It would be harmless.”
    â€œI suppose . . . ,” Chloe said. She did not seem pleased with the line of reasoning.
    Montana regretted speaking her mind.
    â€œSomeone would have to convince him first,” Estelle said.
    â€œOf course, I’ll do it,” Chloe replied, although she didn’t look the least bit thrilled about the task.
    â€œWhat about flowers?” Montana asked, trying to change the touchy subject. “I love flowers. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have different arrangements in various stages—from bud to full bloom? It could also be symbolic of transition.”
    Estelle clapped her hands. “That is perfect! I just love that idea, and I’m sure Quentin will agree.”
    Chloe narrowed her eyes at Montana, and Montana swallowed. The look was so subtle and quick that Montana wondered if she was imagining it. Estelle was gushing over her idea when she’d been indifferent, at best, to Chloe’s suggestions. Maybe she should’ve let Ms. Levy stay instead.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Montana said. “Am I talking too much?”
    â€œAbsolutely not. That’s why I asked you to stay, I want your suggestions,” Chloe said.
    Montana smiled. “Okay, well feel free to let me know when I’m out of line.”
    â€œI will let you know,” Chloe replied, in a tone that let Montana know she most certainly would let her know.
    Estelle’s cell phone rang. She looked down at the caller ID and smiled. “This is First Lady Prentiss. Please excuse me for a moment. You all continue with the planning.”
    Estelle left Montana and Chloe sitting across from one another at the kitchen table. Montana grabbed a cookie from the tray and took a bite to keep from putting her foot in her mouth again. Chloe simply stared at Montana, as if she was assessing her. It made Montana uncomfortable, but she thought maybe Chloe wanted her to feel that way.
    â€œSo tell me about yourself,” Chloe said. “Since it looks like we’re going to be working so closely together, we should probably get to know each other.”
    â€œUm . . . well . . . okay. I’m a teacher—well, I’m going to be soon. I just have one more test to pass, and then I’ll have my certificate. I sing in the choir at church. I’m originally from Ohio, but I’ve been here in Atlanta since college. What else do you want to know?”
    â€œAre you seeing anyone?” Chloe asked, without a moment’s hesitation.
    â€œYou mean like a boyfriend? No. Not right now.”
    Chloe gave a look of surprise. “Really? You’re so pretty and bubbly and sweet. Why don’t you have a boyfriend? Someone should be ready to give you a bunch of babies.”
    Montana looked down at her lap. “I can’t have my own children. I guess that’s why I decided to be a teacher.”
    â€œWell, just because you’re going to be a teacher doesn’t mean you have to be an old maid. You can still get a husband, so you can . . . you know . . .”
    Montana burst into laughter. “I said I wanted to be a teacher. Not a nun. And I’m not a pure maiden, unfortunately. I