I swallow the lump that's formed in my throat from the guilt. What will he think when he finds out I’ve married Oliver for real? “Well, I won’t be home tonight.” I glance at Oliver, who’s arching an eyebrow in curiosity.
My brother’s voice drops, sounding weary. “Maybe we can meet up later?”
Oliver catches my gaze and mouths,invite him for dinner.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes, but I know if Declan sees me safe and happy, he’ll be fine with this arrangement.
“Would you want to come over for dinner next week?” I ask.
Oliver nods as he gestures to the kitchen, whispering,make it a family dinner, Armani included.
My eyes widen at the suggestion. Inviting Armani changes everything… It makes this feel like a real family gathering, not just an awkward catch-up with my brother.
“Uh, sure. Let’s do it,” Declan says finally. “I have to go, sorry, I’ll call you tomorrow.”
When I hang up, a sudden, awkward tension settles over me.
Oliver looks at me. “Make sure Evelyn comes too.”
I nod as I process having everyone together in one room. I’m going to choose to look at this as an exciting dinner, because it’ll be fun to have all of my loved ones eating together, which leads me to say, “And I'll ask Amber and Wren. I know they'll want to see where I'm living, too.” Yes, this will be good. Right?
Oliver rubs the back of his neck, tilting his head as he looks at me. “Meeting the parents.”
“Yeah, but you usually do it before you tie the knot.”
Chapter 14
Karley
Themoversleave,andeverything’s finally put away. I sit on the edge of my new bed, taking a deep breath, about to call my adopted parents to invite them over, knowing they’ll be happy to visit to check on me and meet Oliver. I’m unlocking my phone when Oliver gently knocks on the door.
“Hey, roomie. How are you settling in?” He leans against the door frame, looking more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him. His hair slightly disheveled, like he’s been running his hands through it, and there’s a softness to his expression that makes my heart flutter traitorously.
“I’ve been here for two minutes,” I say with a half-smile. “I’ll need a bit more time to answer that.”
He chuckles, lifting off the door frame to pace the room for a moment before stopping in front of me, holding out a set of keys. “Here are the keys to the Aston, the house, anything else you might need.”
My mouth parts as I look up at him, surprised by the gesture. There’s something so trusting about it, handing over access to everything he owns. He jingles them, so I walk up to take them, feeling the weight of each one. There’s something strangely comforting in this small moment. Like I’m stepping into a new chapter, even if it feels unfamiliar.
“Sunday nights, I usually go to my grams’ for dinner,” he says, scratching the back of his head. “Would you like to come?”
Warmth spreads through my chest at the invitation. It’s unexpected, and I’m happy at the thought of being included, but just as quickly, the warmth is replaced by a heavy feeling. I don’t know if I can sit across from his family, especially his mom, the woman I admire so much, and pretend that everything’s normal. Seeing her passing the halls at school is enough; sitting down to dinner feels like too much, too soon. “But... your family doesn’t know about our arrangement.”
“I can bring a friend,” he says, offering a soft smile.
“Thanks, Oliver, but it’s been a long weekend. Meeting all your family is... a lot for me right now,” I admit gently.
He nods, looking thoughtful. “I didn’t think about that. Sorry.”
“It’s alright.” I manage a reassuring smile. “I just need a little time to settle in.”
“Promise you’ll wait for me to watch episode three?” he asks, raising an eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood.
A grin slips onto my face. “Deal.”
“I won’t be late.”
“Stay as long as you want,” I reply softly, as he turns to leave. “I’ll be here.”
