Best Fake Fiance (Loveless Brothers 2)

“May I briefly go over the change in circumstances?” the lawyer asks.

I sneak another glance over at Crystal. She’s rubbing her belly like it’s a crystal ball, like she’s trying to draw attention to it.

“Proceed,” says the judge.

The lawyer clears his throat. My undershirt is damp, clinging to me with sweat.

“There are several major life changes of note,” the lawyer begins. “First, my client was married one month ago to Mr. Thornhill, an executive at Prometheus Mining. They’re currently residing in Holmes Creek, where they own a home.”

I glance at Lucinda. She’s taking notes, and circles Holmes Creek. My stomach writhes. The houses there start at six hundred grand, and I have no idea how high they go.

“In addition, Mrs. Thornhill is currently several months pregnant with her second child and plans to be a stay at home mother to both of her children.”

At the other table, Crystal nods piously. She’s still rubbing her belly.

It feels like a hand grabs my heart and twists with jealousy. Not for me, but for Rusty. I can’t imagine Crystal ever rubbed her belly like that when she was pregnant the first time. I can’t imagine that Crystal made a single accommodation for her first daughter.

Hell, she admitted to drinking and smoking pot through her pregnancy with Rusty. God only knows what she didn’t admit to.

“In Denver, Mr. Thornhill will be a Vice President of Prometheus, and they’ve already selected a home in an exclusive neighborhood. Rustilina is on several waiting lists at top private schools, where she would be taught by some of the state’s best—”

The judge holds up a hand.

“You don’t need to advertise the schools to me,” he says. “Are there any other life changes?”

“Mr. Thornhill has a brother in Denver, so both girls would grow up with their cousins,” he finishes. “Again, family is very—”

“Important, yes,” says the judge. “Thank you, Mr. Winchester.”

The other lawyer gathers his documents and leaves.

“Ms. Washington, would you mind answering a few questions on behalf of your client?”

She steps smartly to the podium. I lace my fingers together on the table in front of myself, hoping that I look cool, calm, and confident, even though I feel like someone’s taken a wrecking ball to my insides.

“Let me just run down a few facts here,” the judge says, looking at his papers. “Does Mr. Loveless still reside with his daughter in the house owned by his mother?”

Lucinda clears her throat.

“Yes, Your Honor,” she says. “Mrs. Loveless is a strong presence in—"

“Thank you,” he cuts her off. “And she’s attending Burnley County Public Schools?”

“Yes.”

“Is Mr. Loveless still in the liquor business?”

“He co-owns a brewery with his brother, Your Honor. In fact, Mr. Loveless has four—”

“Thank you,” he cuts her off again. Lucinda’s lips thin, but she stands there patiently, respectfully. “And has Mr. Loveless experienced any life changes not noted in these documents? He isn’t also married and expecting, is he?”

He’s half-smiling, like this is some joke. Like the possibility of taking my daughter away from me is somehow funny.

“No, Your—”

“I’m engaged,” I say, standing suddenly.

I say it before I can think, the lie out of my mouth and in the courtroom before I can claw it back.

Total silence follows. It feels like my heart stops beating.

“Congratulations,” says the judge, barely looking at me. “It seems that you didn’t inform Ms. Washington?”

I button the button on my sportcoat to give my hands something to do while my mind races, going ten thousand miles a second while Lucinda looks at me, one eyebrow raised.

Instantly, I know I fucked up. I fucked up and I can’t take it back, because I just lied to a judge who’s considering taking my daughter away from me.

I take a deep breath and dig my hole deeper.

“I had understood this to be a visitation hearing,” I say. “Your Honor.”

“My client didn’t realize it would have any bearing on this matter,” Lucinda says smoothly.

“May I have the lady’s name?” the judge asks, pen poised.

I hesitate, but only for half a second.

There’s only one name I can possibly say.

“Charlotte McManus,” I say.

From the corner of my eye, I see Crystal’s head whip around to look at me.

Don’t panic.

Even though you just told a judge that you’re engaged to your best friend.

“And what is Ms. McManus’s occupation?”

“Carpentry,” I answer.

“Are you cohabitating?”

“We’re not,” I say, the first truthful thing out of my mouth since I stood. “We believe in waiting until after marriage to live together.”

That part’s just to make myself sound better. I’ve never thought about it before. I’ve never been in a position to cohabitate with anyone and definitely not with Charlie.

Charlie, who is going to kill me.

“Do you have a wedding date?” he asks.

“We’re thinking next summer.”

The judge just nods, writing.

“Is that all, Mr. Loveless? Ms. Washington?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Lucinda quickly adds.

“All right, then,” Judge Hughes says. “In that case, I’d like for the plaintiff to write up another petition and have it to everyone no later than…”