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“Just get your kids and your sassy wife and be here Saturday,” I’d told him on the phone.

“Why are you being so cryptic?”

“What’s the big deal? I just needed to do something to inject some positivity into this place. Thought having a get-together with my friends and family might do the trick. You don’t need to bring anything. I’ve got dinner covered.”

“Should I bring the drinks?” he’d goaded.

“Haha. It’s not that bad.”

Yet.

My eyes instantly land on Lexi. She’s standing near the center of the room, appearing far more composed than I feel. The sight of her nearly stops my heart before I can remind myself this is all a well-choreographed performance.

She’s so alluring. She’s wearing a flowy, floral, off-the-shoulder sundress that catches the breeze from the open terrace. Her presence makes it seem as if she’s part of the vineyard itself. She’s wearing wedge sandals that perfectly complement the dress, giving her enough height to meet my gaze with that familiar, steady defiance.

Her long blonde hair is down, falling in loose, beachy waves over her shoulders, and her makeup is so natural it barely feels like it’s there at all. It’s a stark contrast to the polished businesswoman who met me at Luigi’s the night of my proposal.

Fitting, really. Since it was all business.

Under the warm glow of the dated chandelier, her beautiful blue eyes shimmer with a light that makes the rest of the room feel dim. My gaze lands on her plump lips. The same ones that have haunted my memory since that day in high school by the lockers. The sight makes my own mouth go dry.

Looking at her now, the old, suppressed longing I’ve spent years burying under layers of snark and playboy antics tries to claw its way to the surface. It’s easier to be bitter, to remember the way she always seemed so out of reach. Interested in more appealing options.

But standing here in our shared childhood sanctuary, the truth is harder to hide. Alexis Patterson isn’t merely a means to an end; she’s the one person who’s ever truly seen me. Well, besides Pop.

Taking her in like this makes the lie we’re about to tell feel dangerously like a dream I never want to wake up from.

Our eyes connect after Lexi catches me staring at the ring on her finger. I’m sure my expression must be a mix of wonder and utter disbelief. The princess-cut diamond is a heavy reminder of the contract we signed in her dining room. I can still hear the disappointment in her voice, reminding me she feels cheated out of the magic of a real wedding. I’d never even considered that, given this sham of a marriage. But to the outside world, this has to appear real. So, of course, that would be a big deal for her.

I’ve sold off so many of my possessions in order to keep the lights on here, but there’s no way I’m making her settle. However possible, I’ll ensure we have the wedding she wants. She deserves that much. The memories of it will have to keep me warm at night, years after she’s gone.

Because there’s no doubt, no one else will ever be able to take her place. Lord knows, I’ve tried for years.

“Stop fidgeting, Sam,” Lexi whispers, having crossed the room to meet me. “You’re going to give the whole thing away before we even serve the appetizers.”

“I’m not fidgeting,” I lie. “I’m calculating how to best act out how smitten I am. So it doesn’t look like I’ve lost a bet when we announce our engagement.”

She flinches, and I inwardly congratulate myself on the direct hit. If I have a chance in hell of surviving this next year, this rigid force field between us needs to stay where it is. Familiar and impenetrable. Otherwise, my heart doesn’t stand a chance.

“Trust me, there will be no one here questioning who lost that bet.” Lexi’s return serve is as smooth as her complexion. Might as well face it. I’m never going to one-up this beauty. I knew it when I was twelve. And I know it now.

The gravel in the driveway crunches, and my stomach does a slow roll. Looking out through the open doors of the visitor’s center, I see Sebastian and his crew are here. Thank heavens, Mom is in Europe. And behind them is a row of vehicles parking in succession.

From what Lexi shared, she invited her grandfather, her receptionist, and a few girlfriends. She’s decided to wait until the actual wedding to invite the pompous assholes from Hanover Urology. Her reasoning is solid. If we’re putting on a show, we might as well invite the very douchecanoes she’s hoping to convince to leave her alone. But there’s no love lost with most of them. So no point adding to the drama until our wedding day. Her receptionist and co-worker can attest to the engagement until the big event.

I really didn’t invite anyone but Shep, Old Man Morris, my brother, and his family. Truth be told, I never enter a room where I’m not hobnobbing with someone. Everyone’s drinking buddy, but not a lot of true friends. Only Shep, Sebastian, and the longtime employees of Sutter Creek.

Can you call them a friend if you have to pay them to be here?

Everyone gathers around the table, making idle chitchat, the wine flowing a little too easily. I catch Lexi laughing at something Sebastian’s wife says, and for a second, I almost forget she’s putting on a show. Performing for what? To be taken seriously at her job? She doesn’t even want any of the fifty-million-dollar trust fund.

Before my anxiety pulls me under, and I bail on this entire gig, I stand up, reaching for Lexi’s hand. The sizzle that sparks against her soft skin causes me to stammer. “Th–thank you for coming, everyone. We have some news,” I announce. Lexi’s fingers lace through mine, her grip surprisingly firm. “Lexi and I…” I gaze over at her with what I hope is a loving expression instead of the panic I feel. It’s threatening to cause my morning meal to make a return appearance. “We’re getting married.”

The entire room erupts.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so excited to hear this, Alexis,” her receptionist squeals. “I just knew it as soon as I saw that handsome man come to the office carrying those flowers.” She beams.

“When’s the big day?” her young, blonde friend asks excitedly. Lilly, was it? Her other young friend is pulling her in for a hug, but the older redhead has her arms crossed, her head tilted, her gaze pointed suspiciously in Lexi’s direction. Uh oh. I mean, I was expecting there to be some doubters. Heck, we haven’t even announced to anyone we’re dating. And now we’re suddenly getting hitched?