Page 53 of Sincerely, Your Inconvenient Wife

“The manager of her department brings in bakery treats.” I glanced at Saoirse, who nodded along with me in agreement. “She’s only staying on for the fresh biscotti.”

“It’s true. I’d sell my shoe collection for that biscotti.”

My brow winged. “You don’t have many shoes, so that isn’t saying much.”

She tapped my chin with her fingertip. “But the shoes I have, I treasure. So, it really is saying a lot.”

“We’ll have to go shopping, Saoirse. A woman can never have too many shoes,” my mother offered.

“I’d love that.” Her hand slid down to my shoulder. “Your son has told me about all your beautiful clothing and jewels. He was aghast that I’m not a big jewelry person.”

“If I raised him right, he’ll remedy that.” My mother winked at her then smiled at my father.

The conversation flowed to other topics, including travel. My parents were planning a trip to California in a few months once my dad was given medical clearance to travel.

“You grew up in California, didn’t you?” Dad asked.

“I did. And I spent a lot of time at my family ranch in Wyoming too. That’s where my dad, brother, his wife, and their kids live.”

“A ranch?” He stroked his chin. “Do you ride horses?”

Not knowing the answer to his question, I listened with interest.

“Oh yeah, of course. I was on a pony as soon as I could sit up on my own, and I have my own horse that lives on the ranch. Her name is Athena.” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “We’ll go riding when we visit. I have a horse in mind for you to ride.”

Dad laughed. “Luca’s more of a bike rider than a cowboy.”

She didn’t let his doubt deter her. “He’ll learn. And after we go riding, he can book a massage at the resort part of our ranch.”

My mother’s eyes lit up. “Resort? Now you’re speaking my language.”

This wasn’t real. It wouldn’t last. But I decided to put those facts aside and enjoy seeing my parents smiling, happy, and excited for what was to come. I let myself enjoy it too.

It was late by the time we had a chance to talk on our own. My parents had hung out for a while, and neither Saoirse nor I had been in a rush for them to leave. She seemed to genuinely like them, and I was certain I’d be getting a gushing call from my mother about how wonderful my wife was.

I walked into the den after seeing them out. Saoirse was waiting for me on the sectional, a blanket thrown across her lap.

“I haven’t seen them this happy in a while,” I stated.

“They’re lovely. I thought your mother was going to attack me, but she gave me the biggest hug I’ve had in ages.”

“She does that.”

“Well, I liked it.” She gestured to herself. “I wish I’d known they were coming. I would have tried to be presentable. Jeez.”

This was the first time what she was wearing registered. She’d changed out of her work clothes into leggings and a vintage Hard Rock Cafe shirt. Her long hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and her face was free of makeup.

Beautiful, as always. She had nothing to worry about.

“I’m sure they understand.” I sat down, stretching my arms over the back of the couch, and tugged on the end of her ponytail. “You hadn’t been expecting them, and you’re relaxing in your own home. If anything, how you looked sold the legitimacy of our relationship.”

Her nose crinkled. “The lies just keep stacking up.”

My exhale was heavy, and suddenly, so was my head, lolling back on the cushions. “Let’s talk about real things. You have a horse named Athena in Wyoming.”

“I do.”

“Your parents are divorced.”

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