Page 90 of Strictly Pretend

Emma stumbles on the pathway that leads up to the waiting horse and cart. Somebody calls out her name and I can see that Tex is there, standing next to the cart behind ours.

“Hey lovebirds,” he says, a huge grin on his face. “You chosen the real ring yet?”

Emma walks over and hugs him, and once again I marvel at how lovely she is. “Nope, still wearing yours.” She leans forwardto kiss his cheek. “I’ll send it back to you as soon as we get the real one.”

“You know what?” he says. “Keep it. This is the real one. Any other is just fake.”

My phone buzzes as she walks back over to the cart and I help her climb up, because those shoes she’s wearing might make me want to fuck her, but they have broken ankles written all over them. Once she’s sitting down I grab my phone and surreptitiously check the screen. There are message notifications all over it.

You never change your mind. You’re the most stubborn asshole I know. – Liam

Well that one’s probably valid. I pull up the next message.

We’re at the lake. All of us, including dad. Come join us on Monday and we can talk then. – Myles

I let out a breath. I was hoping we could do it by video conference. Mostly because I want to be close to Emma. But whatever, if I have to travel to Virginia to tell them I’m giving Emma the building then so be it.

Bring your swimsuit. The kids are here and they miss their Uncle Brooks. – Eli

I miss their Uncle Brooks too. – Holden

That one makes my throat feel tight. I’ve spent the last couple of years avoiding my brothers. Sure, I’ve been busy with work, but it’s more than that. It’s been this feeling that I’m different to them. That I’ll never have what they have.

Emma snuggles against me as the driver shakes the reins and the horses start to move. One final message appears on my phone. This one is from Linc, outside of the group chat.

I assume this is about Emma. And I assume that you’ve figured out that you’re in love with her. Everybody’s asking me questions. I’m not telling them shit, but they’re going to find out. And I’m happy for you, man. Whatever you want to do about the building, I’m on your side. We’ll make it work. – Linc

My throat feels tight as I turn to look at Emma. She’s laughing about something with the woman sitting opposite us.

“Want to go to Virginia when we leave here?” I ask her.

There’s a smile still playing on her lips when she turns to look at me. “You’re not heading straight to New York?”

“No. I need to make a pit stop.”

“Why Virginia?” she asks me.

“My family is there. I want you to meet them.”

Her gaze catches mine and I feel lost in the depth of her eyes. “You do?”

I nod, a smile on my own lips. Because they’re going to love her. More than they love me, but that’s okay. I feel that way about all my brother’s wives.

“I need to get back to Granddad,” she says, her brows knitting. “When we left him…”

There were fucking boxes everywhere. I wince, because I know she’s right.

“Shut up the shop. He can come with us.”

“Just like that…” she murmurs. “If only.”

“I’ll buy some books. All the books. Whatever.” I need her there with me. The thought of not having her close makes me feel anxious. I have no idea why, but it’s the truth. “You won’t lose any revenue. I promise.”

“I’ll come next weekend. Or the weekend after. I just need to get back to the shop first,” she says. The firmness in her voice tells me there’s no persuading her otherwise. “I already feel bad for being gone this weekend.” She nudges my shoulder with hers. “And anyway, won’t it be nice to see your family without me?”

“No,” I say grumpily and she laughs softly. “I want you with me.”

“You’ll have me. Next weekend. I promise.”

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