Page 114 of After the Vows

“Remarried?” Mom asks. “You didn’t mention a wife.”

“Why didn’t you invite us to the wedding? You’re too old to elope, son.”

I rub a hand over my beard. Shit. I wasn’t planning on telling them about my arrangement with Chloe. Hold on. There is no arrangement any longer. She is my wife.

“Why don’t you come and visit now?” I ask. “Chloe would love to meet you.”

“Her name is Chloe? I love her already.”

“She’s the best, Mom.”

“I know she is. You sound happy when you say her name.”

“Pack the car, Lucas. We’re going to Smuggler’s Hideaway.”

They begin discussing how many hours the drive is. I try to interrupt them but they hang up the phone.

I can’t wait for them to meet Chloe. But I have one thing I need to handle before they arrive.

Weston shakes his head when I reach the holding cells.

“Not a good idea, Lucas.”

“I don’t have any keys. I’m only going to speak to her.”

He crosses his arms over his chest and blocks my way. “Not a good idea.”

“You can listen in.”

His eyes sparkle with interest. I knew they would. He loves to gossip. And getting the scoop on his partner’s nasty ex-wife would be a coup for him.

He motions down the hallway. “You may proceed.”

I chuckle. “I thought so.”

“Lucas, you’re here.” Holly smiles at me. “I knew you wouldn’t leave me to rot in here.”

Which gives me a great idea. I know how to get rid of her.

“I have a deal for you.”

She licks her lips and leans on the bars as close to me as possible. I retreat a step. I don’t want her touching me. “What deal?”

“You leave town—”

“I won’t be kicked out—”

I hold up a hand. “Hear me out.”

She purses her lips. “Fine.”

“If you agree to leave town and not return, the owners of the brewery will drop the charges against you.”

I don’t have Chloe and her friends’ permission to offer this deal but they won’t be hard to persuade.

“Drop the charges! What charges are against me? I didn’t do nothing wrong.”

I cross my arms over my chest and glare at her. “This is the deal they’re offering.”

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