She lights up at the question, her hand fluttering to her chest. As she begins describing her dream ring, I make a mental note. My brother loves hard and fast, and when the time comes for him to propose, I want to make sure he gets it right.
Later, we’re all seated around Oliver’s long wooden dining table. The spread is social media worthy: golden roast chicken, roasted vegetables glistening with olive oil, cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crisp Caesar salad.
The hum of conversation fills the room. Just as I’m settling into the comfort of the moment, Declan cuts through it like a knife. “So, when are you annulling the marriage?”
The room falls silent, tension thickening in the air. My stomach drops and heat rushes to my face.
I peek up at Oliver from under my lashes, silently begging him to take this one. I don’t want to answer. Oliver and I had a discussion about dating, but I don’t feel like being lectured by Declan today. I just want to stay in this bubble I’ve been living in for a little bit longer.
“We haven’t secured the gallery yet.”
Amber, always the practical one, jumps in. “Is there any news on it?”
“Not yet,” Oliver replies. “But he seems to be happy with Karley and me, so I’m hopeful.”
“You’ll get it,” I say, wanting to offer him even the smallest reassurance. I’ve seen how hard he works, how much pressure he puts on himself to live up to expectations.
Oliver’s blue eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, the rest of the room fades away. The longing in his gaze is almost overwhelming, and I feel it in the pit of my stomach.
He smiles softly. “We will.”
Evelyn leans back in her chair, a sly smile playing on her lips. “You two are a little too good at faking it.”
Her words stir something in me. I realize I need to tell her about last night… now. With Declan’s blunt reminder of our arrangement, I need someone to talk to before I explode with all these conflicting feelings. I lean toward her, whispering, “Come help me with dessert?”
She shoots me a giddy expression and follows me into the kitchen. As I grab the peach cobbler from the oven, she gets the vanilla ice cream from the freezer.
“We hooked up last night.” The words tumble out in a breath before I can stop them.
Evelyn nearly drops the ice cream. “Okay, I need details,” she whispers, leaning in closer with wide eyes. “Was it everything you hoped for?”
My face breaks into the widest grin. “Better. And he said he wants to date me.”
Evelyn freezes. “You’re kidding.”
I shake my head, my grin only growing.
“I’m so happy for you.” Giving me a half hug, she pulls back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “It's been a long time coming.”
“Thanks,” I reply, as nerves flutter in my stomach.
“But wait, what about the whole arrangement thing?” she whisper-shouts, nudging me with her elbow.
“I don’t know, exactly.”
Evelyn waves it off. “That’s okay. Take it one day at a time.”
Oliver comes into the kitchen to help, ending our conversation. We serve the dessert, returning to the table just as the conversation shifts to the news. But even as I settle back into the group, my mind lingers on Oliver and the way everyone’s so at ease. Now that Declan has gotten off the topic of my and his best friend’s relationship status, we’re actually a family. He is my husband. I catch his eye across the table. That quiet, knowing smile of his is aimed my way, and I wonder if he can read my mind.
An hour later, as I walk Evelyn out, I pause, the soft glow of the porch light casting long shadows across his incredible yard. I can hear the laughter of the group inside, but I need a moment alone with her, away from prying ears. The cool night air wraps around us, and I take a deep breath before speaking. “Thanks for coming.”
“Of course. It was a lot of fun,” Evelyn replies, smiling as she pulls her jacket tighter against the evening chill.
She turns, but I take a step toward her, my hand lightly gripping her arm to keep her from leaving. “I need help telling him about me being the artist of those paintings he owns.”
Evelyn raises an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “You want to make it special?”
I nod, my heart picking up speed. “I’m nervous to tell him.”
