Page 99 of Buckled in Barbwire

“Never seen it,” I grumble.

“That’s a travesty I’ll fix immediately. I’ve actually compared our relationship to theirs on a few occasions.”

That narrows my eyes into a glare. “We’re one of a kind, wife.”

“Yes, of course.” She runs a palm along the snaps of my shirt, soothing the feathers she’s ruffled. “But our story is somewhat of a Cinderella retelling too.”

“Very loosely,” I concede begrudgingly.

“Only the main premise. Rags”—she stabs at her chest before pointing at the shopping bags and wiggling the bling on her finger—“to riches. That’s what you’re doing to me.”

“Are you complaining?”

“Probably not enough.” Paisley rolls her lips between her teeth. “You shouldn’t spend so much money on me. This isn’t…”

My stare bores into hers, daring her to claim we’re not real. “Finish the sentence.”

Her lashes flutter under the weight of my gaze. “Thisisn’t fake anymore, but it’s very new. I feel weird accepting all of these clothes. It must’ve cost a small fortune.”

Which prompts me to tap my phone to the machine. I don’t bother glancing at the total and wave off the sales associate’s offer for a receipt. Monica grins, dutifully waiting for us to move along. Her stare is unfocused as if she’s mentally tallying her commission and trying not to faint.

“Somebody will stop by to collect the bags,” I tell her before pressing a palm against my wife’s lower back. “We’re going to the next boutique. Bronco Bling is expecting us.”

Paisley tries to slam on the brakes. “You’re not buying me more stuff.”

“We both know I can, and will.” I dip until my lips brush her ear. “You’ll be a good little wife and try everything on for me at home later.”

She trembles against my demand. “Okay.”

“And you can wear your favorite outfit tomorrow.”

She quirks a brow. “Did you make plans for us?”

“I took the liberty of inviting our family over for dinner.”

“Our family?” Her stride is slow while we approach the exit.

The early evening chill smacks my face as I open the door for us to leave. “Yes, as in both. Combined. The one big happy variety that we’ve become.”

Paisley naturally cuddles against me to ward off the cold. “Uh-huh, and what’s the occasion?”

“Figured it’s high time we set the record straight and come clean. No more lies standing in our way.”

“Really?” She smiles up at me, but then a thought seems to occur to her. “Would this include Gemma and Ryder?”

I nod. “Already spoke to them.”

Her steps falter and my arm tightens around her waist. “What? When?”

“Earlier when I was looking for you.”

Paisley’s eyes round into saucers. “I haven’t told them we got married. Last Gemma heard, you were pressuring me to fake date you.”

“They didn’t seem shocked by the news. I’m sure your parents talked to them.”

She chews on her bottom lip. “I guess.”

“Would you prefer to wait?” A bell jingles overhead when I lead us into the shop. Two associates hover nearby, but wait to be acknowledged. “Since you just accepted that this is real between us.”

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