Page 61 of Fourth Wall

“I have to admit that I was quite surprised when Maeve announced in court that she had a serious boyfriend. I didn’t realize it was as serious as moving into this nice neighborhood and then paying for half the girls’ schooling.”

“We wanted to keep it quiet for the sake of my job. I like to keep a low profile.”

“And what exactly is it that you do again?” Tyler’s lips furled into a tight smile. He was being facetious because he was some big shot lawyer, and I was simply a bodyguard. This time, Maeve ran her thumb along the sides of my hand before she spoke.

“Christian does private security and works with our governor and his brother, Julian.”

“And can afford a house like this?” Now I was pissed.

“Whileourfinances are none of your business, I am a Marine Corps veteran, and along with my current position, I do quite well.”

“My husband is a vet, too.”

Tyler looked back and forth between us. Small beads of sweat started to form on his forehead, likely because he was fucking sweating in a full suit in the sun, but I hoped it was because this conversation wasn’t going the way he had intended it to.

He looked over at Maeve. “You’re serious about him? You don’t even know what he does.” His voice lowered on the second half of his statement as if I couldn’t hear or wasn’t sitting right next to him.

I didn’t want to speak for Maeve, so I waited to let her talk, but I could see her thoughts start scrambling, and then I remembered what she had told me when we were getting ice cream a couple of weeks ago. I knew the feeling well when your thoughts swirled around you, and you had to visualize which one you wanted to say first.

“Speechless?" Tyler taunted, pushing Maeve further. I couldn't tolerate his disrespect any longer. I had to speak up and defend our relationship.

"She is very serious about me, as far as I know," I said with a wink, earning a grateful breath from Maeve as she closed her eyes. "In fact, we have plans to get married soon." Her eyes widened in shock as if she had just heard the most outrageous thing I had ever said. Perhaps it was wild, but deep down, a part of me wished it was true. After last night, I could envision spending the rest of my life with her.

"Wow, marriage, that's a big deal," Tyler finally responded. His phone rang, providing him with a convenient escape. He picked it up, excusing himself from the chair and walking away toward the house.

“Hey, honey.” I could hear him talking, and I looked over at Maeve, whose eyes had fixated on a plant next to us. “I’m coming home with the girls soon. Are you going to the hospital to volunteer?”

“Are you okay?” I asked her in a hushed voice.

“Why did you say that?” she asked.

“I just thought it was the right thing to say. He was—”

“Marriage, Christian? Really?” Ouch.

“Is it that hard to imagine being married to me?” She paused for a second after my statement.

“No, but we aren’t even really together.” She was furious, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the ends of my lips.

“Last night says differently, firecracker.” She playfully punched me in the arm.

“Stephen, I get it. I’m coming home now.” Huh. That had to be a wild coincidence.

“Who is Stephen?” I asked Maeve curiously.

“Tyler’s husband.” It had to be a coincidence that Tyler’s brand-new husband was named Stephen and was a Marine Corps vet who volunteered at a hospital. It couldn’t be…

Tyler walked over to us, apologized, and said he had to run.

“I hope we can continue talking and working together for the sake of the family.” I reached my hand out as an olive branch, and he shook it firmly.

“Yes, me too.” Maeve walked inside to help the girls pack, leaving just the two of us standing in the living room.

“Thank you for offering to pay for the school,” Tyler offered as I grabbed the dirty plates on the table to put them in the sink.

I stopped. “It was a decision we both made.” It was a small lie, but I didn’t want this guy to think that Maeve didn’t have a choice in our relationship. She did, and while we would discuss this, I wanted him to know I valued her as an equal partner.

The girls were packed up, and we all said our goodbyes as Tyler left. Once the door closed, an eerie silence penetrated through the walls.

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