“Had to pick up a permit,” I lie.
She tilts her head, shifting the weight of the shopping bags in her arms. “For what?”
“A new fence line.” I swipe sweat from my brow. “We’re expanding the boundary out on the north pasture.”
Why the hell couldn’t I have come up with a more believable excuse? There’s no way Ethel will buy that. It’s common knowledge around here that fence permits are a bullshit regulation that are never enforced unless dealing with public or shared land.
Sure enough, Ethel narrows her eyes in suspicion. “Aren’t those usually filed at city hall?”
I rub the back of my neck. “Yeah. Carol reminded me, but I’ll have to stop by next week. Gotta head back to the ranch—”
I trail off when I spot Charlie down the street outside her shop, setting out the Open sign. I briefly saw her at the courthouse when she signed the certificate, but she left first to avoid anyone spotting us together. She’s wearing a distressed T-shirt with the wordsPlot Twistscrawled across in retro script and a wildflower graphic, paired with flowy linen pants. She’s so damn pretty right now, but I’m already looking forward to theday those same pants stretch tight over her belly round with my baby.
Ethel follows my gaze, grinning. “Looks likesomeone’s preoccupied. No wonder you ended up in the wrong building.”
I clear my throat. “Good seeing you again, but I’ve gotta run.”
She’s far too observant for my comfort, and I have to get out of here before she starts connecting dots and spreading rumors that’ll reach my folks before I can tell them myself.
“Isn’t that your truck parked outside the hardware store?” she asks, pointing in the opposite direction.
Shit.
I was too busy daydreaming about Charlie and forgot where I parked. Now Ethel definitely suspects something’s up.
I scrub my hand across my face. “Yup, got a little lost there.”
Lost in a town I’ve called home my entire life. She’s definitely not buying that excuse.
“Mm-hmm,” Ethel drawls, clearly not convinced. “Have a great day, boss,” she hollers after me as I head toward the hardware store.
“You too,” I mumble, lifting my hand.
I’m unable to resist glancing back at Timeless Threads, but Charlie must have gone inside. I consider going over to see her, but it would only attract unwanted attention, especially with Ethel still watching.
We’re set to meet at the courthouse tomorrow afternoon at three. Like today, She’ll show up fifteen minutes early to avoid anyone getting suspicious about us arriving together.
I’m worried running into Ethel may have thrown a wrench in our plans. She’s best friends with Carol, the courthouse clerk, who’s just as chatty.
Carol is the one who issued Charlie and me the marriage certificate, and I’m hoping she can keep quiet for the next twenty-four hours—and that Ethel doesn’t mention seeing me,which would raise too many questions about why I was really there.
Once I’m out of Ethel’s sight, I head to the bank and duck inside, hoping to avoid any more unexpected run-ins with nosy locals.
Thankfully, it’s not busy, and the teller immediately takes me back to the vault area where the safe-deposit boxes are kept. After confirming which one is mine, she leaves me alone to unlock it. I take out the ring box inside and open it to reveal a marquise-cut diamond framed by a halo of smaller diamonds. It was my grandmother’s, and when she passed, Pops gave it to me, saying it was meant for my future wife.
That was when Charlie was strictly off-limits, and I’d made peace with the fact that I’d never get to slip this ring on her finger. I figured if I ever got married, whoever she was wouldn’t want one that belonged to someone else, so I left this one locked up, never expecting to use it.
Now that things have changed and Charlie is my bride, I want her to have it. Not only does she appreciate sentimental pieces but I also like the idea of her wearing something that has belonged to my family for generations. It’s a symbol of my commitment, even if she still believes this arrangement is strictly about convenience. One day, she’ll understand I didn’t fight this hard just because she’s carrying my child. I did it because she’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted to be my wife.
My Big Fat Fake Wedding
“Ican do this,” I whisper.
I grip the edges of the sink and take a deep breath, staring at my reflection. For the ceremony, I kept things simple—light foundation, mascara, and a dusting of eye shadow that brings out the green in my eyes. My hair is swept into a low chignon at the nape of my neck, and I’m wearing a dusty rose lace mini dress cut with a sweetheart neckline that I couldn’t resist saving when it arrived at the shop last month.
A traditional wedding dress didn’t feel right for the occasion. It was perfect for Birdie when she married Walker, symbolizing love, new beginnings, and two lives becoming one. For Heath and me, though, this is nothing more than an arrangement—alegal union that provides me with financial security while giving him the family he appears to want badly.
I’m under no illusions that this will last. He didn’t slap an expiration date on it, but he’ll eventually tire of playing house and want the real thing with someone he doesn’t feel stuck with.
