Page 69 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Sorry,” I mutter.

“You know he would never sleep with Dele. They are like siblings.”Fucking Osei. He told her.I sigh. I might as well get it over with.

“I know. I was just upset. That was it.”

“Good, because I need to make a confession.” Great, Mom has a secret.

“Please, do tell.” I smirk.

“Don’t sass me, Luke.” I sit up straight. “The first time I met Dele, call me crazy, I got the strangest thought that she would be your wife.” I move to say something, but she raises her index finger, telling me to hold on. “I kept it to myself. Of course, I later asked Osei if you’d met Dele, and he said yes, but you didn’t like her. He told me you were rude to her. I honestly thought that was strange, but I told myself my gut feelings were wrong. Then I saw how you couldn’t keep your eyes off her at Declan’s wedding.” Fuck. Seems everyone but Osei and Dele noticed my emotions that day. “You were drinking, and I actually thought that at some point, I would have to pull my sons from fighting each other. So, when he told me he was going to marry her, I knew I had to stop it, because it was clear you wouldn’t be happy if that happened.” I smile at her.

“So, you set me up.”

“No, honey. I gave you the nudge you needed.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome. And I’m glad you opened your eyes.” I laugh.

“How’s Simon?” Great switch, Mom. The waiter brings our food, and my mom’s smile is wide.

“He’s fine,” I answer.

“So, when were you planning on telling me he’s sick?” I stared wide-eyed at my mom in shock.

“Don’t think about lying to me. I was married to Simon, and I know him.” I relax. I might as well let them deal with each other. Like I said, their relationship is complicated.

“He asked me not to tell you,” I state.

“I’m sure he did, and he’s getting a visit from me.” I nod. I doubt I can stop her. “How bad is he?”

“Prostate cancer, caught early.” She nods and masks her sadness.

We eat and talk about other things. She seems more interested in how Dele and I are doing. I let her know we’re fine, not in any trouble or anything to worry about.

I head back to work. I reach into my breast pocket and feel Dele’s panty. I smile. She’s been leaving me notes from Nami’k: funny keychains and, smut stickers to make me laugh. Today, I got the thong, which was fun, until my PA accidentally knocked my jacket off the chair and my wife’s thong fell out. His eyes widen in shock. He bends down, and I shout, “Don’t touch that!” He stops and just picks up my jacket. I picked up the thong and put it back in my jacket pocket. I decided not to text her about it. I’ll see her when I get home, but I make a quick stop to Dad, then head home to my naughty wife.

I step into Dad’s unit. I barely say hello to his nurse when his voice booms from the living room. “Luke, get in here, right now!” Interesting. Someone is certainly in a mood and has gained a little strength. I wave to the nurse and head toward the living room down the hallway. He’s in his favorite chair, watching a soccer game, legs raised, with blankets on him.

“Hey, Dad.” He mutes, the TV, though I doubt he was actually watching it.

“Dele was here.” Okay, not news. “She was upset.” There’s the news.

“Maybe someone upset her at the hospital.” He shakes his head.

“No, I think it had something to do with you.” I chuckle and take a seat next to him.

“Dad, I didn’t upset Dele. We’re fine.” He shakes his head again, angrily this time.

“I’m telling you, I know this sign. It’s you. She had the same look your mother had whenever she was upset with me.” Chill, Dad. “I’m serious, son. If you upset her and she leaves, you can kiss that inheritance goodbye.” Yeah, Dad, chill.

“Relax, Dad. No one’s leaving the other.” Yep, he likes her more than me.

“Call her and see if she answers. Believe an old man, I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did, by dismissing your wife’s concerns. You have a good woman in Dele. Don’t mess it up.” Great. Reformed asshole is back.

“I’m going to call her so you can see it wasn’t me.” I take out my phone and dial Dele. She doesn’t answer. Dad is watching me intensely. I send a text, but no response either.

“She’ll call me back, Dad. You’ll see.” We sit in silence. He doesn’t unmute the TV. I check my phone every few minutes. No call or text from Dele. I text Osei.

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