Page 60 of Just My Fake Husband

She’s . . . happy about this. She’s happy with me.

I pretend for a moment that it’s real. That’s she’s actually my true mother-in-law. I know what they say about mothers-in-law, but for me? She’s the only mom I’ve got.

Once I’ve told her the colors and styles and types of finishes I like—and I know only because she was asking all the right questions to get my brain going—she puts her notebook back in her bag and uses her napkin to dab again at the small stain in her lap.

Yep. Celine Tate spilled a bite of chili on her dress and only laughed about it.

Wonders never cease.

“I hope this marriage will help Gabriel and my husband, Thomas,” she says, surveying my expression.

That was basically the whole idea, but I don’t mention that.

“They were close right from the beginning.” She offers a sad smile. “But Thomas wasn’t a very good father.” She holds up a hand. “Not that that’s news to anyone, himself included. He’s had a lot of amends to make. But there was something about Gabriel that softened him. Gabriel was patient with him, and it was this sort of give and take thing unlike any of the other kids could do. Thomas and Gabriel were genuine friends. And even after Gabriel grew up and started working for him, they continued that mutual respect.” She takes a long drink of Coke. “Not that Thomas was all soft and sweet with him, but there was an understanding there. He really wanted to pass Foundations Financial down to Gabriel. I think Thomas overreacted when Gabriel did the things he did in Prague. And yes, the board took their lead from Thomas and responded in kind, too.”

“That’s really rough for everyone involved.” What am I supposed to say? That Gabriel’s “love” for me is going to change everyone’s mind?

“I’m just grateful he has you in his life.” Celine’s expression is wistful.

For a moment, this all feels so real.

The next week, as per our new routine, I leave work so Gabriel can pick me up. My car is still in the shop, and I hate having to rely on him and Jana for everything. But hopefully, the parts will come in soon and I can be independent again.

Despite this, and despite being married to a man for a finite amount of time as a business arrangement, things feel a little bit okay.

I still worry to death about Skye. I realize I’m too invested in this . . . her case manager at Caring Souls has basically said as much. She’s been kindly suggesting I do some self-care before I call to check on Skye.

So, yeah, they’re basically saying they’re sick of my hovering.

The thing is, taking care of Skye hasn’t been a burden, not exactly. She has the single most loving, amenable, happy heart I’ve ever known.

But the weight of responsibility, to make sure she’s safe and engaged in life has been a lot. And let’s be honest. She wasn’t amenable all the time. She had her moments, like we all do.

Now?

Having Skye at Caring Souls and not having the house anymore? It’s . . . different.

Still, saying goodbye to the house, where every nook and cranny was a tangible piece of our parents, felt wrong. Like I’d broken apart my entire ancestry and future progeny for not holding onto the place where our family was intact and thriving.

Gabriel pulls up outside the resort. He rarely comes in. I know he’s been busy working from home with his freelance stuff, but he’s not ready to hobnob with his brothers, actinglike everything’s all good. He feels Sebastian doesn’t want him around.

And honestly, that might be true.

Gabriel lights up when I climb into the passenger seat. He’s a diplomat if I ever saw one. Noble, as his default setting. Yet, still, maybe I’m not just imagining that his eyes light up a little extra around me.

And that isnota tingle I feel flitting over my skin. It can’t be. I have to be strong. When this ends, in eleven months and three weeks from now, I’m going to need to be a pillar of strength for Skye.

“I asked Jana to put that flier up on the bulletin board for the staff at Caring Souls,” I tell him once I’m buckled in and he’s whipping the Bronco through the parking lot and onto Lakeside Road.

“Oh, the one inviting them to the reception?” he asks.

I nod. He was supportive of the idea. Skye’s been talking to everyone there at Caring Souls about getting to wear her dress again for her sister’s wedding, so it made sense to throw the invite out there in case anyone wanted to come.

The reception is in two days, and I’ve been dreaming a little about how it will be. And I’m not sad that I get to wear that gown again. Besides, one of the major pain points isn’t worrying me so much anymore. Gabriel said he would protect me from the ire of his father and I’m choosing to believe he will. Thomas won’t be back from his business trip until the day of the reception, making this a do or die moment for our ruse.

“That’s great.” Gabriel is extra excited—almost. And maybe a little nervous.

In kind, my stomach starts to whir.

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