Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

“Carnivals and fairs like this, it’s hard not to,” my mother said.

“Now you two, be nice. You know that much of the money here goes to help town projects. And since you paid for this party, all the proceeds will go to help the town.” I gave him a kiss.

He took my hand and we walked toward the river. Several people said hello to us. No one murmured something rude under their breath.

We reached the river and he pulled my hand to his lips in a sweet gesture that always made my heart loopty-loop. Who knew he could be so romantic?

“Are you happy, Erica?”

That was an odd question. “Yes. Perfectly.”

Not that we hadn’t had a few ups and downs over the last five months since the mayoral debate. Simon had the most adjustment dealing with a rambunctious four-year-old. But We were still learning to trust and not doubt each other. Fortunately, we both agreed to always listen as well as talk.

“I have something for you,” he said, reaching into his pocket. “I know we’re legally married, but it wasn’t right. It wasn’t how it should have been. I want to do it right.”

He held out the outrageously expensive ring I’d eyed the day we’d gotten married. “Marry me again, Erica. I want every part of our lives to be real.”

“We are real.”

“It didn’t start real. Let me give you the biggest, best wedding in all of Nebraska.”

I laughed, letting him slip the ring on my finger. “How about we have a small intimate wedding at home with all our friends and family to celebrate our love with us?”

“Even better.” He held my face in his hands. “I love you.”

“You’ve made my dreams come true Simon. Five years ago, I wanted to be your wife. I wanted to heal your soul and love you with all my might. The fact that you trust me and love me, it’s the greatest gift you could give me. Well, Mason was the greatest gift, but you know what I mean.”

He nodded. “What would you say if we skipped out for a little bit…consummated this second engagement.”

“Patience, my horny husband.”

He laughed and kissed me again. We walked back to the main stage area where Ryder’s band was playing.

“Mommy, daddy look what I won!” Mason held up a stuffed bear that was as big as he was.

“Goodness, you won that?” I couldn’t believe it. I had the same idea about carnival games as Simon had that no one ever won.

“The kid has nearly perfect hand eye coordination,” my mother said with a shrug. “He actually won two, but gave one to another kid.”

Simon looked down at Mason. “You gave one of your winnings away?”

“I couldn’t carry two daddy and he was crying because he didn’t win.”

Simon shook his head in wonderment. “He gets that from you,” he whispered as we all finished making our way to the stage area.

“Why would you say that?”

“It comes natural to him.”

I rolled my eyes. “Someday Simon, you’ll see yourself as I see you. Generous. Loving. Sexy.”

“Now who’s horny?”

We all stood with the crowd as Ryder finished up his song.

“How ya doin Mason?” Tucker asked, coming to stand next to us.

“I won a bear, Mr. Marshall.”