Page 99 of Single Mom's Guide to Love

I chuckle as I finish putting on my watch, the last accessory needed to complete my outfit for tonight’s Christmas party. “And here I thought you didn’t want me wearing my green tuxedo jacket.”

I make a show of showing off my ensemble to Kat, making as if I’m some sort of runway model.

“Save it for America’s Next Top Billionaire. We have things to go over. Where’s Maeve?”

“I’m here, I’m here,” Maeve says as she walks into my bedroom, trying, but failing, to put on the diamond necklace I left in her room.

And looking so bloody gorgeous I can’t breathe.

“Here, let me help.” I walk up to her, taking the necklace from her as she turns around to stand in front of me.

“Jewelry is very cliché, Mr. Matthews.”

I smile as I take the tiny clasp in my hand and gently drape the diamonds around her neck. “Some say cliché. I think it’s classic. And most important? It looks beautiful on you, Mrs. Matthews.”

I kiss the top of her shoulder, and if I’m going to be honest, I don’t know how I’m not going to just do that all night. The strapless, red, floor-length gown she’s wearing is stunning. It fits her like a glove and somehow makes her seem taller than she is. Her brown hair is down and over one shoulder in soft waves. She’s a breathtaking vision of beauty.

And she’s mine.

“Get a room, you two,” Kat groans.

“I have one. You’re in it.”

Maeve giggles as I place one more kiss on her shoulder, not wanting to ruin her makeup.

Yet smudging that red lipstick does sound fun…

“Okay, love birds, we have some things to go over tonight since this is actually your first appearance as husband and wife since you two decided to play hooky last time.”

Maeve and I sit on my bed, feeling like scolded schoolchildren.

“The floor is yours, Katherine,” I say. “Give us the instructions.”

Kat’s look goes from stressed to murderous. “Why did you just call me Katherine? Are you teasing me? Do I look like I’m in the mood to be teased?”

“Apologies,” I say. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”

“There’s no light mood tonight. Tonight we have specific things to accomplish, and since I can’t be with you both at all times, I need to tell you who to talk to, what to say, and most importantly, what not to say.”

Maeve and I listen intently as Kat goes through the guest list and the order of events. She goes over talking points, topics to avoid, and the pictures we need to make sure to take.

“This doesn’t sound like a party,” I protest. “It sounds like work.”

“Because it is,” Kat says with a heavy sigh. “But before I tell you to try to have fun despite the work, I have one more thing.”

“What’s that?” Maeve asks.

“Your ex is coming.”

Maeve’s eyes are wide and my blood pressure just spiked.

“My ex? As in Josh Tucker?”

“How the fuck did he get invited?” I ask.

“Walker Boone’s record label bought tickets,” Kat explains. “I’m guessing Josh schmoozed his way from there.”

“Lovely,” Maeve mutters. “He’s going to have a field day that—God forbid—Jayce is spending the night at my parents.”

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