Oliver freezes, his face going pale as his hands hover awkwardly at his sides. His normally composed expression is replaced by one of utter disbelief as Rufus continues his embarrassing display.
I can’t hold back the giggle that bubbles up. “Looks like you’ve got an admirer.”
Oliver’s eyes narrow as he shoots me a pointed look. “I have plenty of admirers,” he quips, his tone suggestive, the double meaning unmistakable.
Heat rises in my cheeks, creeping up my neck, and I quickly look away.
“I’m so sorry,” Wren says, scooping Rufus up with an apologetic wince. “He’s started doing this lately. I have no idea why.”
“It’s fine,” Oliver says, the corner of his mouth twitching as if he’s fighting a smile.
I try to smooth over the moment as I motion for Wren and Amber. “Let’s start the tour before Declan and Armani get here.”
Wren nods, holding Rufus as if to prevent another incident. The group begins to move toward the entryway, but before I can follow, a firm hand wraps around my waist.
Oliver’s breath warms my ear as he leans in, his voice a low rumble. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself later.”
Twisting around, I push lightly against his chest, my pulse racing. “We should stop before they come back.”
With a teasing smirk, his arms stay wrapped around me. “You’re my wife,” he says simply, his tone both playful and possessive. “Hugging you is one of my favorite things.”
I inhale sharply, knowing there’s no winning this. Instead, I manage a weak glare before slipping out of his grasp and following the others up the stairs.
The tour is brief but lively, filled with Amber’s observations and Wren’s occasional teasing. I make sure to avoid the room with my painting on the wall, in fear that Amber will tell Oliver that it's mine. I still haven’t told him about my art because my painting feels like one of the few things that’s truly mine, untouched by our arrangement. I’m feeling closer to sharing that piece of myself… Just not today.
As we head back down from the top level, muffled voices drift up from the front hall.
Declan and Armani have arrived.
The moment I see Declan, an unexpected warmth fills my chest. I step forward and wrap him and Armani in a tight hug.
“Hey,” I say.
“Karley,” Declan replies, his tone as steady as ever.
As I pull back, my eyes flick between them, soaking in the familiar comfort of my brother and Amarni, who has become like family to me. I’ve truly missed them. Having some distance has been good for us. I no longer feel smothered. I’m genuinely happy to see him.
Declan studies me, his eyes narrowing. “What’s with that look on your face?”
“I’m happy to have all my favorite people in one room.” I wave a hand around the kitchen, and Armani grabs it mid-air, her eyes lighting up.
“Look at your rings,” Armani squeals.
Evelyn and Amber rush over. I glance down at my hand, realizing I’ve grown so used to the wedding rings that they no longer feel foreign. Somehow, they’ve become a part of me.
“Oh my God, they’re gorgeous,” Amber gushes, holding my hand under the light.
Armani and Evelyn take turns admiring the sapphire, their delight making me blush.
“Isn’t this a little over the top for something that isn’t even real?” Declan says, his voice dipping into that familiar skeptical tone. I struggle to keep my expression neutral, even as something inside me protests. His old habits die hard, apparently.
I glance at Oliver, curious and a little anxious about how he’ll handle my brother’s bluntness.
“You know she wasn’t going to get anything less than what she deserves,” he says with a wink, just as his phone rings.
He mouths,It’s Dan, and steps away to take the call. I smile. Mr. Warne knowing about our family dinner definitely helps sell our marriage.
Declan’s gaze shifts back to me, his expression unreadable. I press my lips together and turn to Armani with a grin. “What about you? What kind of ring would you want?”
