The engagement shocked them all Meredith had been Michael's girlfriend for years, and although he hadn't formally proposed, she'd always understood they would marry. She was stunned speechless, then, to meet his fiancee! Simon, who'd known Meredith all her life, was quick to intervene. "Congratulations! " he ventured heartily. "Not ten minutes ago Meredith consented to be my wife, too. " It was a believable enough lie. Everyone had hoped that Simon would marry again to make a proper home for his son--and Merry'd had a crush on him once. But that was no basis for marriage!