Page 119 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

“I’m asking her properly this time.”

“And what if she says no?”

“Then I’ll keep asking until she says yes.” I grin.

Although I have it on good authority that she won’t. She told me she loves me and wants to spend the rest of her life with me. I’m hoping that means she’s open to staying married, too. There’s only one way to find out.

“I’m tempted to say no just to mess with you, but I think Everly would disown me if I did.” Theo holds his hand up before I can reply. “But under no circumstances are you allowed to call me your brother,” he warns.

I give him a sly smile. “Whatever you say,brother,” I say, unable to help myself. “We’re all made up now,” I holler down the hall, not giving Theo a chance to respond.

In a matter of seconds, Everly rushes into the room, her eyes darting between Theo and me. My mom follows close behind, wearing a frown on her face, and my dad comes in last with an unreadable expression.

“I apologize for showing up to your house unannounced,” Theo says to my parents. “And I’m sorry for worrying you,Everly.” He gets up to give her a hug. “I just want to make sure that you’re happy.”

“I am,” she says, smiling. “We should have been open with you from the start, and Cash and I have learned that withholding information from our families is never a good idea.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Ultimately, Everly and our families are what matter most. Secrets don’t stay hidden forever, and honesty is the best policy moving forward.

“Mom, I’m sorry for not telling you and Dad sooner,” I say, fixing my eyes on the floor between us. “When I saw how excited you were about me getting married, I couldn’t bring myself to tell you that Everly and I were planning on getting an annulment. But then everything changed. Once we got back to London and spent more time together, our feelings for each other grew into something more.”

Mom shakes her head. “Oh, sweetheart, did you honestly think you could deceive your mother? I knew your marriage was a sham on the day of family pictures.”

My jaw drops open, and I stare at her in disbelief. “How is that even possible?”

“Let’s just call it mother’s intuition,” Mom says, giving me a pat on the cheek.

“Did you forget your mother has a habit of leaving the windows open during the summer?” my dad interjects. “If you’re in the living room and it’s quiet enough, you can catch everything said out on the porch.”

Unbelievable. She must have thought she was so clever, making Everly and me pose for photos even though she knew we weren’t actually together at the time. This woman has no boundaries when it comes to meddling in her kids’ love lives.

“I did no such thing,” my mom scolds my dad.

“Sure, Mom, whatever you say,” I add, rolling my eyes.

Between her and Harrison, Everly and I never stood a chance at getting out of this marriage, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Harrison is in serious trouble. As the last single sibling, Mom will definitely be on his case to find a wife. I can’t wait to sit back with a bowl of popcorn and watch the drama unfold. His workaholic nature has always gotten in the way of his dating life, and whoever ends up with him will have her hands full.

“I don’t want to be rude, especially since Theo flew in from New York, but Cash, don’t you and Everly have plans this morning?” My mom taps her watch for emphasis.

“We do?” Everly asks, turning me for confirmation.

“Johanna’s right,” Theo agrees, shooting me a knowing glance. “You lovebirds should get moving. I have to be back to New York for an event this afternoon and need to leave now if I’m going to make it in time.”

Everly gives him a puzzled look. “You flew all the way to Aspen Grove for a short conversation?”

“I would do anything for you, sis,” Theo says, pulling her in for another hug and kissing her on the temple. “I love you. Once we’re both back in London, come to the restaurant in London and I’ll cook for you. Fallon might think she’s better, but we both know the truth.” He winks.

“What about me? Am I invited?” I tease.

“Depends on how the next hour goes.”

“What is he talking about?” Everly asks, looking between us.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Johanna interjects with a smile as she ushers us toward the front door.

Here goes nothing.

---