The Replacement Wife by Tiffany L. Warren Page B

wish I was, though.”
    â€œOh, honey, most of us left behind that purity when we stepped on a college campus. I’m sure God’s forgiven you.”
    â€œHe has definitely done that. He’s also going to send me a husband someday. You’re so lucky to have someone like Mr. Chambers.”
    â€œYes, I am. He’s right out of a fairy tale, isn’t he?”
    â€œHe is!” Montana gushed.
    Chloe snapped her head to one side. “You sound more excited than I am.”
    â€œOh no, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that he’s a great man. You are blessed to have him.”
    â€œA blessing is a gift. I worked hard for what Quentin and I have,” Chloe said triumphantly. “If ever there was a man who loved his wife, it’s Quentin.”
    â€œHe must’ve been devastated when she passed. I can’t imagine.”
    Chloe nodded. “He was, and I was the one who helped put him back together again. I encouraged him when he wanted to start his foundation, and the children love me. We’re a perfect match.”
    Montana wasn’t sure about the children loving her, but as long as she had Quentin’s affection, it would probably fall into place.
    â€œWell, that’s wonderful for both of you,” Montana said, not sure how to respond to Chloe’s speech.
    Chloe nodded emphatically. “But we have to find a guy for you. Do you want someone rich, because I know a few . . . Oh, who am I kidding? Every girl wants a rich man.”
    â€œI wouldn’t really mind if he wasn’t rich. I just want someone who loves God and then loves me. I don’t need a lot of money.”
    â€œHow about if he loves God and you, and he’s rich? That would be perfect, right?”
    Montana grinned. “Can he be handsome too? Can he be tall, caramel-colored, and muscular with beautiful eyes?”
    Montana stopped cold when she realized she was describing Quentin. “He could be short, though,” she added. “I’m tiny, so he doesn’t have to be tall.”
    Chloe gave Montana a strange look but did not get a chance to respond because Estelle came back into the kitchen.
    â€œI would like for some of the church members to attend,” Estelle said, “but they won’t all be able to afford that one-thousand-dollar ticket price.”
    Chloe frowned. “This is supposed to be a society affair. The cream of Atlanta society will be here. If we wanted it to be a church picnic, then we would’ve had it at the church.”
    â€œFreedom of Life is very important to me, and Bishop Prentiss continues to pray for my son and family. I would never exclude them from any event in my home. I also will have the ladies from our Steering Committee, and the Nurse’s Guild. And, of course, Bishop Prentiss’s children. Just make room on your guest list.”
    â€œBut . . .”
    â€œNo buts,” Estelle said. “I won’t hear any objections to this. Now on to the menu.”
    Montana watched Chloe’s expression darken. She didn’t know if Chloe looked angry or just plain frightening, but Montana was sure of one thing. She didn’t want to cross her path. Montana pushed all thoughts of Quentin to the back of her mind.
    God would have to send her another prince, because this one was already attached to his prospective queen—by her claws.

CHAPTER 12
    C hloe was annoyed by her meeting with Estelle and Montana. So much so that she called Lichelle to meet her at Neiman Marcus for some serious retail therapy. While Chloe waited for Lichelle to arrive, she tried on a pair of Louboutin peep-toe ankle booties. They made her toned legs look phenomenal, but it still wasn’t enough to lift her spirits.
    Chloe almost didn’t recognize Lichelle as she sashayed over to the shoe department. She was wearing a new mid-back-length red wig with big barrel curls. It was loud and garish—something that Chloe