Page 47 of The Fiance Dilemma

Andrew huffed out what I supposed was a laugh. “You. Laying hold of one of my daughters after tagging along with this family for so long. I see you didn’t waste time.”

Bobbi’s eyes widened. Willa scribbled some more on her pad.

I just watched, taken aback, as something passed between the two men, something I didn’t like. Almost as little as what Andrew had implied. My lips parted with a complaint, a defense, but Matthew clasped my hand in his. He squeezed.

“Funny you should say that, Andrew,” he said, brown eyes flickering to the side to meet mine. He brought my fingers to his lips. Laid a kiss on my skin. “Only a fool would wait when there’s something so precious to be claimed.”

My heart stopped in my chest.

To anyone else, I was sure that sounded like a confirmation of Andrew’s accusation that my fiancé was after his money. But to me… to me it meant him having my back. It meant he didn’t care what anyone thought. It meant being seen, too. Because Andrew had waited a long time to reach out. And Matthew had called him a fool for it. To his face. And from the way he was looking at me right now, I could tell that it wasn’t out of spite, but because he understood exactly how that made me feel. Because he could see what I hadn’t told him. Was this part of the reason why he was helping me?

“Well, this was wonderful,” Bobbi intervened, snatching the attention from everyone in the room. “Great first meeting. Very insightful for Willa, I’m sure. Let’s cut it short for now and pick this back up on Friday. During the welcome party Green Oak is throwing for Andrew. Josie is organizing it.”

The what?I mouthed at Bobbi, shock cascading down my back.

Bobbi sent me a look before turning her attention to a frowning Willa. “Yes, please make sure to write that down, because we’d love to have you there. Actually, do you mind if I have a look at what you’ve been scribbling? I’m a great fact-checker.”

Willa threw the thing inside her bag. “I mind, yes.”

Bobbi glared at her before murmuring an, “Okay, fine.” She turned toward my father. “Andrew, there are a couple of issues we should discuss. But before we leave, we should… take care of that little thing we need.”

Andrew Underwood shifted on his feet, looking uncomfortable. “I already told you it won’t be necessary. I don’t want Josephine to feel pressured into it.”

Matthew seemed to go on alert again, as if he was hearing something I didn’t.

“Nonsense.” Bobbi’s attention jumped to me. Her arm stretched in Andrew’s direction. “Josephine, I’m sure you don’t mind?”

“I don’t mind what?” I asked, genuinely confused.

Matthew grumbled something under his breath before speaking in that voice he’d used with my father, “Don’t test me, Shark. Josie’s not a prop you can—”

“Now, now,” Bobbi interjected, smiling. “Everyone loves a family picture.” My blood swooshed to my feet. “And I think Josephine can decide whether she wants one on her own. So, Josephine? I have the perfect backdrop for a father-daughter shot.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

INTERIOR—FILTHY REALI-TEASTUDIO—DAY

NICK: I don’t know, Sam, the picture feels a little forced.

SAM: She’s a stunner, though. And that dress? An absolute slay.

NICK: Yeah, you’re right. And I guess it’s the timing of it all that’s forced. But hey, at least we’ve gotten confirmation. Rich Daddy has packed his things and returned home.

SAM: Unless he chartered a private jet to snap a picture and is planning to fly right back to Miami. You know how much I hate celebs who do that. If my carbon footprint matters, why shouldn’t theirs, huh?

NICK: Amen. Although word on the street is that Andrew Underwood is there to stay. Our little birdies managed tonarrow the suitable properties available to rent in the area to three. We made some calls and one of them won’t be back on the market for a long while. And before you ask: I’m talking long-long, not just a few weeks. This smells like wedding stuff if you ask me, yum. So we shall keep an eye on that, but until then… we’ve got plenty to discuss.

SAM: Oh?

NICK: Oh indeed. Because we’ve fi-nal-ly put together a TIMELINE. (chuckles) Oops, sorry. That came out a little loud.

SAM: You’re forgiven. Now gimme. Are we talking about THE timeline? Of the exes? The infamous list of grooms that never were? The hearts that were smashed and stomped?

NICK: (laughs) You sound like an Olivia Rodrigo song. And I love that, because yes. Yes, we are. (clears throat) Okay, so first came Shawn—and before you point it out, no, he wasn’t a match. There’s a Ricky, too, just like in the Ariana Grande song.

SAM: Damn. I do love that song. (sings:Thank you, next)Although I’m not thankful for my exes. Neither is Small-Town Heiress, probs. Now, focus. Shawn?

NICK: I always loved your voice. (chuckles) Right. So, Shawn. Nothing special. Normal guy. Cute. Coffee barista, which we love. Runs a roaster. Still lives in North Carolina. They were young. Source said the engagement lasted throughout freshman year of college. Didn’t make it to senior year.

---