The Groom Swap

Riley Robner showed up in a floor-length white dress—practically a bridal gown. And Derek Teeger, conveniently, was in a black tux.

They walked the aisle together, side by side, trading smiles that made his groomsmen whistle and hoot.

"Now, that's a match. Riley and Derek look perfect together."

"Megan showing up in jeans? Embarrassing."

"No wonder Derek told her to step aside and let Riley handle the walk-through..."

I stood alone in the corner, glancing down at myself. T-shirt. Jeans. Sneakers.

That morning, I'd put on the white dress Derek had given me, thinking I'd take some photos if the rehearsal went well. But he called and said not to overdress—it was just a rehearsal, after all.

"Just throw on a pair of jeans and a tee. Keep it casual."

I hesitated. He got annoyed.

"All my guys are coming. They're laid-back. If you show up looking like a bride, they'll never let me hear the end of it."

He promised he'd dress down too, so I changed.

But when I got to the venue, Derek was in his full wedding tux—and he'd brought Riley along. He'd sent my hired MC packing and put Riley in charge instead.

She beamed at me.

"Don't worry, I know all the cues. I'll make sure your big day is unforgettable."

I said nothing, just looked at her.

The white dress she wore was identical to the one Derek had given me—except hers had a silver chain detail at the collar. Her hair was pinned up. She had full bridal makeup on. She even wore pearl-white heels.

Derek wasn't worried about his buddies making fun of me. He was worried about Riley feeling upstaged. So he chose to let me—his actual fiancée—feel like the extra.

A round of applause snapped me back. The rehearsal was over. Riley had Derek's arm and was wearing the ring that was supposed to go on my finger.

Derek called out to me, "Megan, you better thank Riley. Without her, you'd have no idea where to stand."

The guys all turned to watch, waiting for me to lose it.

They didn't know me as well as they thought.

Ever since Derek ditched our six-month-in-the-making pre-wedding trip so he could take Riley to a two-hour movie premiere, I'd stopped fighting. Stopped demanding explanations. Stopped caring.

"Thanks, Riley."

I smiled. Derek blinked.

Riley studied my face, then sighed dramatically.

"Look, if you're not happy, I don't have to be your MC. No need to be so passive-aggressive about it."

She turned and walked off. The groomsmen exchanged looks, then all eyes landed on Derek.

His face flushed. He lowered his voice.

"She's a professional. This is for your benefit. What's your problem?"

There was a slight pause, then he flashed a knowing smirk.

"Jealous again? And they call you a Powell heiress. You'd think you'd have more class."