Page 115 of The Fiancé Hoax

“Five and seven. Going on about twenty-two,” Katie laughed.

I chuckled, but my heart wasn't in it. All I could think about was that I might never see Cooper and his girls again after Monday.

I turned away, hiding my face from my new employee. I had to remain professional, but all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed and hide from the world.

I trained Katie on the computer system, explaining how I handled transactions and credit card payments. She asked good questions, and I knew she would do well in the boutique. She was a quick learner, and she had a few years’ experience working in retail. I thanked my lucky stars I had found her. At least something was going right.

She glanced at the front door, where a handful of people were waiting for me to open the door. “Wow! You already have customers lining up to get inside?”

I smiled. “Yeah. But that's a recent development.” I turned to her, noticing she looked a little nervous at the small crowd forming. “Katie, I'm confident you are going to handle this just fine.”

She grinned. “Thanks, Felicity. I'm just so happy to be here! I love this place already.” She threw her arms around me in a quick hug, and I smiled. I needed that hug more than I’d realized.

“Are you ready to get started?”

She nodded. “Ready!”

I went to the front door and opened the store for the customers. They all went straight to the girls’ collection. I busied myself nearby as they browsed. Katie stepped forward to answer any questions and assist them with the custom order forms. I filled in any gaps in Katie's knowledge, but she had paid close attention.

Two hours later, after I supervised Katie at the sales counter for several transactions, it was clear she was getting the hang of this. I retreated to my sewing space, ready to tackle the projects I had waiting for me.

I was so grateful for my newfound success. Hiring an employee was a big step for me. So much of this would never have been possible without Cooper's help. Of course, I was the one who had put in the long hours. This entire store had been a labor of love for me. But without Cooper's investment and business coaching, I never would have gotten so far.

I only wished he was around to celebrate with me. That I could fill him in about the store’s progress every evening over dinner. That we would be there for each other and the girls.

Just like we’d done for a few short weeks… until he pulled away.

Somehow, the thrill of success didn't taste nearly as sweet as I expected. Without him by my side, nothing seemed as good.

Now that I had experienced the joy of spending time with him and his daughters, feeling like a real family, how could my store’s success compare?

How would anything ever compare?

Don't cry now.

I could fall apart later, in the privacy of my bedroom at Cooper's house when everyone was asleep. For now, I had to hide how I felt. I needed to get through the next two days at Cooper's house, plus the trial on Monday. I'd sit by his side and play the loving fiancée in court.

And after that, I would return to my old apartment. Without Cooper, Eva, or Lily.

I'd have to be content with the memories of the times we'd shared.

I planned to tell Cooper about the pregnancy after the trial. I had waited two weeks so far. What was another couple of days?

He needed to focus on the hearing, and I didn't want my news to distract or upset him when he was fighting to keep his daughters.

I expected him to be upset about the pregnancy. But I knew he would step up and support the baby. He’d probably want to be in our child’s life, too.

Because that was the kind of guy Cooper was. He was there for everyone he cared about.

Too bad he didn't care enough about me.

Tears threatened to spill down my eyes, and I wasn't sure I could hold them back any longer.

I stood up from my design table. I needed to get to the restroom before I started sobbing in front of everyone.

But a sudden movement outside the glass front door caught my eye.

The door flew open, and Cooper charged in with a bouquet of flowers clutched in his hand. He was breathing hard, and his eyes were wild and intense.

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