“That was crazy,” Macy said to Jaxon. “You didn’t have to promise a big event just to prove a point.”
His gorgeous indigo-colored eyes met hers. “If we’re going to do this, might as well do it right. And if it helps us both get what we want out of the deal, then why not?” He grinned, looking more relaxed than she’d expect considering he didn’t want to get married any more than she did.
“Why are you so calm?” she asked, her own heart racing.
He shrugged, those muscles working beneath a white tee shirt. “Once I made the decision for a temporary marriage and realized how much it wouldn’t just help me but you, too … it felt right. I wasn’t going to let my life screw up yours.”
She nodded, but he deserved to think things through and know what he was in for. “You do realize I have a huge fight on my hands, right? And now you’re involved, too? It’s not too late to back out. I know what I’m getting out of this, but are you sure you need to take such a huge step to right past mistakes?”
He nodded. “Believe me when I tell you everyone in my professional life is going to think this is a great idea.” He reached up and caressed her cheek, causing a flutter in her belly she was getting used to around him. “And,” he continued, “I believe we can make this work for as long as it’s practical for us both. When things settle down, we’ll quietly and amicably end things.”
Her stomach cramped at his words, telling her this was a really bad idea for her heart. Still, knowing what was at stake, she blew out a breath and nodded. “Okay then. Thank you.”
She glanced out the window and watched as Lilah’s car finally pulled out of the driveway and onto the street. “I don’t get it. Lilah is not mother material. The first time she has to say no to Hannah and is faced with a teenage tantrum, Lilah is going to change her mind. In the meantime, she’s going to cost me a fortune in legal fees,” she muttered. “Speaking of which, you wouldn’t happen to know a family law attorney would you?”
“I’ll make some calls and come up with someone good.”
“Great. I appreciate it.”
He put an arm around her shoulder and his warmth felt good. Right. Unable stop herself, she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Just because Lilah had left her emotionally exhausted, she told herself.
“Let’s go sit down and talk,” he said.
She led him to the family room with pale peach walls and gray furniture. This room always calmed her. Her favorite reading chair was in here along with a beautiful view of the backyard.
They settled side by side on the sofa, and he pulled her hand into his. “Let’s tackle a few issues.”
“Such as?”
“We already know we’re getting married. I was thinking we could pull my family into it and let Bri work her magic. We could be married by next weekend. Use my house, have it indoors or outdoors, it’s up to you.”
She managed a nod. She wouldn’t mind turning over logistics of the wedding to her best friend and Jaxon’s sister. “Okay.”
She agreed on a large wedding because it would look better to a judge if they appeared to be in love and wanting a big family event rather than a quickie courthouse one, as Lilah had mentioned. “What else?”
“For starters, where are we going to live? I’m not trying to insult you, but my place has a lot more room.”
She blinked in surprise, realizing how much she hadn’t considered. He wanted her to move out of her home? She trembled but understood it made sense. Everything was just happening so fast. And this was just one more thing to readjust to when things ended.
Then something dawned on her. “What about Hannah’s school district? It won’t be the same.” She bit down on her lower lip and paused. “I suppose I could ask for special permission to keep her at her current school. I don’t believe they’re overcrowded. Hopefully we can make it work.”
He nodded. “Good.”
“Hannah now knows we’re engaged, but I need to have a conversation with her about everything so she understands,” she murmured, not looking forward to it. Teenage tantrum to follow, she was sure.
“Do you want me there with you?” Jaxon asked.
He was definitely a good guy. “I appreciate the offer, but I think it’s best if I talk to her first. Then you two can get to know each other. I’ll do it when she gets home tomorrow.”
“Okay. Tell her I have a movie theater in the basement, a pool in the backyard, and a basketball hoop if she likes that sort of thing,” he said.