I hired a husband on loan to prank my friend “the Frog”, and ended up hopelessly falling for himNow every time his grin appears, I’m reminded that the prank that started as a joke became the love story I never expected.

Emma, did you get Rosies wedding invitation?

I did. Im not going to that wedding, I told her on the phone.

Why not? Shes our friend, and itll be a proper celebrationshes marrying a foreigner, after all. Well be at the best restaurant in town! Lily chimed in.

No, Ive got nowhere to go. You know things are a mess with Ian. I cant go alone; Rosie would just tease me, and you know how she is!

Alright, Ill swing by your place this evening and well come up with something, Lily said, hanging up.

Ive known Rosie and Lily since college. With Lily I still keep in touch, but Rosie and I barely speak now; she moved abroad a few years back and only just let us know shes getting married.

Rosie has always been a bit haughty and proud. Even now shes invited us to her wedding with her new partner. Im single, so I decided not to attend and avoid the jokes Lily loves to make.

Lily showed up that night, just like she promised.

Emma, Ive got an idea! Well find you a bloke or a husband, whatever you like,

What? I dont need a husband, what are you on about?

Lilys always been a dreamer, and sometimes her ideas spin my head round. Shes the type who believes theres no such thing as a hopeless situation.

Ive heard of agencies where you can rent a man! Thats exactly what we need!

No, Im not signing up for a rented bloke! I snapped.

Emma, not a bloke, a husband, even if hes not real! All you need is to make Rosie blush with your presence, right? Ive already called them and sorted everything!

Lily, youre something else! How do you even know who theyll send?

I booked a handsome, gentlemanly chap with a decent car. Thatll do, right? Hell meet you tomorrow at 7pm outside the cinema. You can decide whether he plays the loving partner or the fiancé.

Wait, how will I recognise him? And whats the price?

Dont worry, it wont break the bank. I sent them a photo of you, so hell spot you straight away. Just pick out your dress and were off!

The next day I headed to the cinema. I lingered by the entrance and took a seat on a bench.

Good evening, are you Emma? a stranger asked. Im Harry.

I gave him a quick onceover and was honestly impressed. Lily was right; he was genuinely goodlooking.

Your friend filled me in. Dont worry, Ill play the part of the future husband perfectly, Harry smiled, handing me a fresh bouquet.

Oh, you didnt have to! I blushed.

Emma, fancy a walk? Tell me a bit about yourself so I can get into character, he said.

Of course!

We strolled around town for a few hours. He wrote down my address and told me hed be waiting outside my flat on Saturday. I was taken abackHarry was charming, and I couldnt figure why hed chosen this odd line of work.

On Saturday Harry called.

Emma, ready? Ill be there in ten minutes.

Yeah, Im heading out.

Seeing him by my doorstep made my heart skip. He was dressed in an expensive suit, leaning against a sleek foreign car. He was so handsome I almost fainted.

Good morning, love! Hop in, were a bit pressed for time, Harry said with a grin.

Youve got a knack for this! I laughed.

Rosies wedding turned out to be downright lavish. She greeted me with a bright smile, but the moment she saw my husband, her grin vanished. Her fiancé was a foreigner, but twice her age, balding and a bit stout.

I felt triumphant. Rosie always ribs me, saying Ill never get married because Im plain and simple, no mystery about me. Maybe she was right, but today I proved her wrong. Harry didnt stray all day; he ignored every other girl, his attention glued to me.

Emma, satisfied? Lily whispered.

Thanks, Lily!

Hows Harry? Like him? Rosie asked later.

Hes great, but whats the point? He wont be around tomorrow, I sighed. I wished the day would never end.

Rosie gave me a sly smile and slipped away.

Emma, ever seen our city at night? Harry asked.

No, I havent. I mostly sleep through the evenings, I replied.

Youre missing out! Its breathtaking. Want to escape and Ill show you?

Absolutely!

We said our goodbyes to the newlyweds.

Thanks, Rosie! Everything was brilliant, as always! I said.

Did you enjoy it? she replied.

It was wonderful! Were heading off, want some alone time, Harry said, pulling me into an embrace.

Then go ahead! Its been lovely meeting your husband, Rosie said, flashing a sharp look.

The rest of the night we roamed the citys lights. Harry regaled me with stories; I was amazed at how much he knew despite his line of work.

Soon dawn broke and he dropped me off at my flat.

Emma, Ive loved meeting you. Youre a fantastic girl.

Thanks, Harry. Do I owe you anything?

Nothing at all; Lilys already settled the bill.

Thanks again, see you soon! I said, stepping out of the car.

At home I burst into tears. I realised Id fallen for him. A few minutes later Lily called.

Hows it going?

Could be worse, I sighed.

Did you like him?

Of course! How could I not? But I cant keep him forever; hes just a rental.

Dont mope. Get some rest, and Ill be over later tonight! Lily said before hanging up.

That evening there was a knock. Lily and Harry stood on my doorstep.

Surprise! Lily shouted, hugging me. Meet my brother, Harry, the guy you never wanted to meet. How many times have I suggested him?

Wait, are you pulling my leg? You dont work at an agency?

Got you! What else could I do? Youre stubborn as a mule! Weve even got cake and champagne!

If theres cake alright, come in, I laughed.

Hi, Harry smiled, pulling me into a hug.

Fastforward fifteen years: Harry and I are married, we have two kids, and our family is solid and happy. When the kids ask how we met, we both grin.

At our mums friends wedding, Harry winks at me.

And thats how it all began!