Page 29 of Marrying His Brother

“Really well, actually,” I say, feeling the blush deepen. I busy myself by stirring my coffee, hoping he doesn't notice. “How about you?”

“I slept fairly well.”

But I remember the noises from last night, the sounds of his nightmare. I hesitate, unsure if I should bring it up. Then, before I can stop myself, I ask, “About last night. I heard some noises. Were you having a nightmare?”

His face closes off immediately, the easygoing expression replaced by a guarded look. “It’s nothing,” he says, his tone cool and dismissive. He takes another sip of coffee, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation.

Suits me. I sip my coffee, wondering what to talk about. “So, how do you usually spend your Sundays?”

He relaxes a little, his shoulders easing. “Most Sundays, I have lunch with my parents. It’s sort of a tradition.”

I take another sip of coffee, thinking about my own Sundays. “I usually spend Sundays at home too.” It’s the one day where I can spend time with my Dad without feeling rushed. I read and talk to him about work.

Andrew is quiet for a moment, then he says, “I was hoping you’d come with me to my parents’ house today.”

I pause, feeling a wave of conflict. Sunday is sacred to me. But I also know Andrew’s parents will expect me to be there. I’m his wife now, at least in the eyes of his family.

“They’ll expect to see you there,” he adds, watching me carefully.

I chew on my bottom lip, thinking it over. “What if I visit my mother in the morning, and then I join you for lunch at your parents’ house?” I offer, hoping it’ll be a good compromise.

Andrew shrugs. “That works,”

He leans back in his chair, looking at me with an intensity that makes me feel like he’s trying to understand something about me. “I could come with you to see your mother, if you want,” he offers unexpectedly.

I shake my head quickly, a little too quickly. “No, that’s okay. It’s just a quiet thing I do with her. A girls day in.”

Chapter 13: Andrew

My stomach clenches as I pull into my parents’ driveway. Sunday lunch has always been a family tradition, and after my altercation with Daniel, it feels more like walking into a potential disaster zone.

I park the car and glance around the lot. Relief washes over me when I see that Daniel’s car isn’t here. Good.

Stepping out of the car, I make my way around the side of the house to the backyard. My parents like to have Sunday lunch outside when the weather's good.

The smell of fresh-cut grass fills the air, mingling with the faint scent of lavender from my mother’s garden, reminding me of Emily’s perfume.

“The cleaning crew has done a good job,” I say, glancing around the backyard as I approach.

The space is immaculate, with no signof yesterday’s chaos. It's hard to believe that just twenty-four hours ago, this backyard hosted a wedding, and that scene with Daniel.

My mother looks up from her iced tea, a pleased smile spreading across her face. “Of course. I had them here first thing this morning.”

I give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Morning, Mom.”

She pats my arm, looking behind me. “Where’s Emily? I was expecting her with you.”

“She’s with her mother,” I say, settling into one of the cushioned chairs. “She’ll join us for lunch.”

My father, sitting with his newspaper folded in his lap, looks up. “Good to see you, Andrew.” He smiles, something he rarely does. “I imagine you’re all set to begin work on the Riviera.”

“I can’t wait,” I say as I sit down.

“With your management, we can breathe new life into those properties,” Dad says, favoring me with a pointed stare.

I know what that pointed look means.Don’t fuck this up.

“What are your plans?”

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