Page 76 of Faking I Do
“Yeah, uh, I talked to one of my pals from high school who owns his own carpentry business. He said he’d build us a thing to stand under when we take our fake vows.” His fingers drummed on the table. “What’s it called? Not a gazebo, but . . .”
“An arbor?” I waited for an answer, keyed up at the idea of one of my childhood dreams coming true. I’d always wanted to stand under an arbor with the sun setting behind me and my groom.
“Yeah, that. I saw that picture in your file and figured if we were having it outside it might make a nice backdrop.”
Before I thought better of it, I reached a hand out and cupped his cheek. “Thanks, Bodie. I think that’ll be beautiful.”
His face flushed, just a teeny tiny tinge of pink. Enough to let me know he’d put thought into this.
“Well, I’ve got to go. There’s a report on that pit bull ring that came in this morning. I think they’re setting up another fight, close this time.”
My lungs seized. “Where?”
“Don’t know yet. Maybe over in Springer. I’d love to find those jerks and take the whole thing down.” His jaw clenched as he talked about it.
“You be careful. If there’s money involved, those horrible people are going to do what they can to protect their investment.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t leave you standing at the altar, Sweets.” He tipped his hat as he scooted out of the booth and held out a hand to help me.
“Just watch yourself.” I stood in front of him, not sure how to close the conversation. We were going more and more public with our fake engagement. People might expect us to be a little more affectionate toward each other. Thinking of what Jojo said, that Bodie and I didn’t seem like we were in love, made me pull him against me for a hug.
“What’s that for?” he asked, mumbling into my hair as his arms surrounded me.
“We’ve got to make people think we’re really in love.” I squeezed him tighter then let him go.
He nodded. “I see. In that case, I’ll pick you up at seven tonight.”
“For what?” What in the world could Bodie be planning? The cocky tilt of his lips gave nothing away.
“Date night. Isn’t that what couples do?” He began to move toward the door, walking backward so I could still see the smug expression on his face.
“All right, then. Seven o’clock,” I agreed.
“And wear something sexy.” Then he ducked through the front door and was gone.
CHAPTER 38
BODIE
I fiddled with my tie,wondering if I’d made a mistake. Maybe I should have just handed Lacey the fake ring I’d picked up. But she wanted a public splash so I might as well make it a memorable moment for whoever happened to be there tonight.
I cut the engine and walked up the sidewalk to the Cherish home, a knot of nerves tightening in my gut. Everything had happened so fast—the engagement, the wedding plans. I hadn’t had a chance to follow up with Lacey’s dad to make sure he was on board with the whole idea. Surely Lacey had broken down and told him about the ruse. She must have. Otherwise I would have heard something from her dad or worse—something from Luke—by now.
I’d barely raised my hand to knock when Mr. Cherish opened the door. The man used to keep a clean-shaven chin but several months of house arrest seemed to sap the desire to keep up appearances right out of him. He stood in the doorway in ratty sweatpants, a stained T-shirt, and a pair of well-worn slippers.
“I wondered when you’d have the balls to show up around here.” Mr. Cherish opened the door wide, motioning for me to come in.
“Mr. Cherish, let me explain.” I’d confronted hardened criminals with more confidence than I felt facing Lacey’s dad.
“I wish someone would tell me what the hell is going on.” He crossed his arms over his chest and pulled himself up to his full five feet ten inches, several inches shy of my six foot three.
“There you are. Ready?” Lacey spun into the room in a red dress that fluttered around her legs, drawing my attention to her slim waist, the low cut of the neckline, and bare arms. “Let me just grab my coat.”
“Where do you think the two of you are off to?” Mr. Cherish stepped between Lacey and the closet, preventing her from passing.
“Date night, Dad. Bodie’s taking me out . . . somewhere. Where are we going?” She glanced up at me, expectant.
“Dinner. That new place out past Swynton.” Somehow, under the weight of both of their stares, I’d forgotten the name of the place where I’d spent the afternoon, making sure everything was ready for our big night.
