Page 11 of Found in Wild Sage

She’s a dreamer, folks.

But when I arrive at Corner Coffee and May waves me in with her gorgeous red hair in two braids and a beaming smile on her face, she tips her head to the side and tells me, “Dec already got your order.”

I don’t even have time to admire the new monthly special scrawled on an adorably hand-drawn chalk board on the counter, or appreciate the beautiful menus hung on the wall behind her. I don’t survey the pastry case on the left or linger, because I’m out of time thanks to Declan’s foresight. I can’t very well stand here and pretend like I have business with May when I have nothing to buy, can I?

Sure enough, he’s sitting at a two-person table next to the window as far from the counter as possible. There’s one other person here this early, but the bell over the door rings signaling someone’s coming in. It won’t be quiet, but maybe the bustle of people will give us more privacy than if it were silent in here. The sun shines in the big picture windows out front but the streets are quiet, so maybe no one will even see us sitting here.

Though if we’re doing this, being seen would be good, wouldn’t it?

I approach and Declan stands because he is unfailingly well-mannered. He is also obnoxiously handsome this morning. At work, he tends to wear slacks and a collared shirt with his white doctor’s coat over top just like Doc Martinez does, but today, he’s in jeans and a T-shirt.

I’m sure I’ve seen him like this before, but I can’t think of when. For some reason, seeing him out of his Dr. Ryan uniform makes me feel even more nervous.

“Good morning.”

My pulse is racing when I reply, “Morning.”

He gestures to the seat across from him, which is unnecessary and yet I have no doubt I look like a lost little puppy right now. Why am I noticing the stretch of his shirt over his firm biceps? Why are my eyes lingering on the way the fabric pulls over his chest?

“I ordered you an iced coffee with vanilla.”

“Thank you.”

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised he somehow knows my order. After all, he likely just asked May what I usually get. But this sexy Saturday morning version of Declan Ryan has me even more discombobulated than when I arrived, and that’s not awesome.

He does not need to be doing things to make me more attracted to him.

“Davis agrees this would ultimately be beneficial,” he starts.

Okay, no preamble. We’re diving right in.

What else would we be doing, Evie?

“Since we’ve known each other for a year, that should make it appear less sudden,” he continues. “Also, my career being a traditionally respected one known for having a stable income is also to our advantage.”

Our advantage.

“Okay.”

His gaze pierces me when I look up.

“If you don’t want to do this, we don’t. But it’s worth noting Davis thinks it’ll give you an edge.”

I realize something I probably should’ve long before this moment. “Isn’t it illegal for my lawyer to know it’s a fake⁠—”

“I said nothing about it being an agreement. I said I’d been wanting to propose but had held off because of this. I then wondered if perhaps I should stop waiting, and he confirmed it wouldn’t be harmful and may, in fact, be helpful.”

He’s so matter-of-fact about this, about having lied to his brother-in-law who is my lawyer, and I’m… I need a moment. This isn’t wrong, is it?

I take a breath, but there’s nothing to think about, is there? It’s Charlie. Custody. My baby.

The sooner we get to it, the sooner this nightmare will be over.

“I’ll do it, but I have to be able to ask you every question swirling around in my mind or I think I might explode.” I exhale sharply.

One corner of his mouth pulls up. “Spontaneous explosion is quite rare for humans.”

“Combust, then.”