Page 80 of The Off-Limits Rule: Extended Edition

“No one. You’re going to woman up, face your grandaddy, and tell him the truth.”

Complete silence settles heavy on the line for four beats before we both break out in laughter and she asks, “So what’s the real plan?”

“Well, obviously I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it.”

“Tell me. I’ll do anything.”

I screw up my face like she can see me through the phone and say the one name I know makes her skin crawl. “Drew.”

“No.” Apparently, she didn’t even need to think that over.

“He’s your only option, Jessie. And even though you think he’s a pigheaded jerk, he’s actually a sweetie and would help you if you asked.” She’s quiet…deep in thought. “Or you could just tell your grandaddy you broke up with your fiancé and then this whole problem is solved.”

“No!” Her no is even more forceful this time. “I just…I can’t do that. I want for him to think I’m engaged.”

“Why?”

“Because I do. Don’t worry about it.” That’s odd, but I don’t push it because if I’ve learned anything about Jessie, it’s that she doesn’t like to talk about personal problems until she’s ready.

“Okay. Then we’re back to Drew.”

She whimpers. “Do I have to marry him?”

“No. In fact, I think you shouldn’t since you generally hate him, but I think he could stand in as your fake fiancé for a few daysuntil you decide to kill him off.” I pause briefly and then add, “Just so we’re clear, I meanpretendto kill him off.”

“Such a party pooper. Breaking up is probably better, though, so I don’t have to stage a fake funeral too. That might get expensive.” I’m worried money is her only reason for thinking a fake funeral would be a bad idea.

After one last long, dramatic groan fit for a war movie, Jessie concedes. “Okay. Fine. You’re right; he’s my only option. Can you call Drew and beg him to meet me at my place tomorrow morning at eight? I can’t do it without showing my disgust.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re going to have to be nicer to him if you want him to really help you.”

“Gosh, I wish I could drink. It would make this all so much easier. But, okay, tell him I promise not to hurt his itty-bitty fragile feelings if he helps me.”

“Not gonna say that.”

“Whatever you think is best.”

The sound of the bedroom door shutting makes me jump. My gaze bounces up to Cooper, standing in front of the closed door, moonlight reflecting off his chest and abs and an I-mean-business look on his face. I hurry to get rid of Jessie. “Yep, I’ll work it all out, gotta go,bye!”

I end the call and pretend to chuck my phone across the room with all my might (but really, I gently tuck it away in my bedside table drawer). I look back up, and Cooper’s eyes sparkle with anticipation.

“I’m done sharing you tonight.” He advances into the room until he’s close enough to plant his hands on either side of me. “You’re all mine now.”

Well, if he insists…

Bonus Epilogue

Two weeks prior (The Wedding Day)

Cooper

I take one last glance out the window at the sprawling vineyard. Everything is golden right now, warmly lit by the sun, and making this moment—the biggest moment of my life—feel like something out of a movie. It was Lucy’s idea to get married here, and I’ll never forget the look on her face when she told me about it.Okay, don’t freak out,she had started with her signature nervousness showing all over her pretty face.But the one place where I’ve always dreamed of getting married had a cancellation. It’s this perfect little vineyard over beautiful hills about an hour outside of Nashville. But here’s the catch…the date of the cancellation is next month. If we don’t take it, we’ll have to wait a year. Which is completely fine if you want a long engagement since we’re already being ridiculous by getting engaged so quickly but—

I cut her off with a kiss.Book it. I would marry you tomorrow if that were an option.

I still find it funny she thought there was even a chance I’d say no to her. Not only have I never been more sure of something inmy life, but my soul is tied to Lucy in a way I can’t explain. Why would I ever want to wait a single day to marry the person I breathe for? Society says we’ve lost it—we’re out of our minds to marry this soon. And maybe we are. But who gives a shit what people think when we’re this happy? Lucy and Levi have so easily wrapped me around their fingers and I’m content to remain that way for the rest of my life.

Speaking of Levi, when I glance at myself in the mirror, tugging at the collar of my tuxedo, Levi does the same to his little suit. He’s been getting ready with me and Drew (Lucy and I are keeping the wedding really small, which means our wedding party is comprised of Drew and Jessie only) and continues to look up at me with eyes that someone should only look at their greatest hero with. I don’t deserve that look, but I’ll strive every damn day to be worthy ofit.

---