Page 11 of The Square Up

“You’re the plastic surgeon.” I offer my hand.

“I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Here comes my other brother, Carl.” Abby nudges me in the side.

“Did I hear right? Are you really engaged to my sister?” Carl asks.

“I am.” I pull Abby close. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“Luckiest man alive for marrying my sister?” Carl laughs. “I’m pretty sure it’s the other way around. Right, sis?”

I struggle to keep from wrapping my hands around the arrogant prick’s neck. “Your sister is an amazing woman. The day I met her was the absolute best day of my life.”

“Better than winning the Center of the Year?” Paul asks.

“A million times better.” I kiss the top of her head.

“Come on, let’s go out back. I can’t wait to tell Mom and Dad they aren’t going to believe this.” Carl shakes his head. “Our sister is finally in a relationshipandengaged to an NBA star. Who knew she had it in her to land a solid man? We all thought for sure she was going to die a spinster.”

I exhale hard and try to keep my tone as civilized as possible. “Carl, I get that you’re surprised, but let’s be clear: your sister isn’t a ‘spinster’—she’s an incredibly solid woman. If youcan’t see that, maybe you should take the time to get to know her.”

Carl flinches as if I’ve slapped him, and I can tell he’s not used to being challenged, especially not by someone like me. “Follow me,” he grumbles.

I glance down at Abby, her bright blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

“Thank you, babe,” She leans in to kiss me. “You’re the best.”

“It’s going to be a great day, sweetheart.”

“I know, babe. It’s going to be a spectacular day because you’re here.”

I press a soft kiss to her mouth. “For as long as you’ll have me bright eyes, I will always be here.”

Her cheeks flush a soft pink. “Forever.”

“Forever.”

She thinks this is all part of the ruse, that I’ll be leaving her after the big family reunion, but I’m not.

I won’t ever leave her.

Not ever.

I love her.

And that ring I picked out for her is staying right where it is.

Abigail Roberts is going to marry me.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

“So, Kade, why are you with my daughter?”

I hold Abby’s father’s gaze. “Because I love her.”

“Is that so?” He grunts with skepticism etched across his face.

“Absolutely,” I take a sip from my beer.

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