Fake Marriage Box Set

“He really is an extraordinary person.” Chris followed me to the counter. I ordered my coffee and then waited as he did the same. He pulled his wallet out of his jeans, and I couldn't help but notice his broad shoulders. He had filled out nicely in the last few years, and he was attractive in a pretty boy, “I'm better than everybody” kinda way.

He smirked when he caught me looking. “See something you like?”

“Just noticing that you’re not the scrawny teenager I remember from high school,” I said flippantly before redirecting his attention to the coffee order now sitting on the counter.

I reached for my coffee when he held it out. Bringing the cup up to my nose, I let the rich smell engulf my senses. The warmth tickled my nose, and a small smile covered my face. I thought about Ryan and his ability to always think just a step ahead of me.

“You love coffee, don’t you?” Chris said and walked past me toward a table.

“I do, it is the best part of my day. The place I live has a large, wrap-around porch, and I like to sit out there, drink my coffee, and watch the morning spill across the fields.” It made me think of Luke and the noise that usually interrupted my daily ritual. I smiled at the thought.

“So, your grandfather told me you were only about an hour or so away.” Chris said, licking the coffee that was left on his lips away.

“Yeah, I lost my grant working on the forests in Maine, but I just secured another one, only it required I pack up and move, but such is the life of a researcher.”

“Your whole family is rather environmentally-savvy.”

“Well, if we don't save the environment, it can't save us,” I stated.

“You’re gonna have to elaborate on that,” he stated, leaning forward on his elbows, and looked me straight in the eyes.

“The trees and other green plants make all of our oxygen. Only about twenty percent actually gets made by trees, with most of that being from the rain forests. Plankton in the ocean actually account for most of the oxygen produced. I guess if you think about what plants do for us, oxygen is a very small part of it. They mold the land and give us food.”

“Plankton? Like what whales eat?”

“Yes,” I affirmed.

“So, if we want more oxygen, we should kill all the whales since they are killing our oxygen source?”

“No.” I laughed because I thought he was being serious. He was joking but at the same time, I could see the wheels turning in his head. He was thinking about what he said, and it was making more and more sense.

“Everything has a purpose, even spiders and snakes.”

“Umm, no,” he laughed, and I saw him shiver a little.

“You afraid of snakes and spiders?”

“Afraid is a strong word. I just don't like them. I don't go screaming like a girl if I see one, but I don't like them.”

“What about bees?” I teased.

“As far as bees are concerned, the only good bee is a dead bee. `Course, I’m biased since I’m allergic.”

“Sure, sure. And just so you know, if you killed all the bees, we would all die.” I laughed. I lifted my cup to my mouth again and took a sip of the rich, dark brew.

“Don't kill all the bees, noted.” He smiled and took another drink of his coffee. “Your grandfather has mentioned that you would be taking over for him eventually. How do you feel about that?”

“I’ve always known it would be a part of my future. I guess I just didn't think it would be this soon. When I looked at him in that hospital yesterday, I could suddenly see his real age.”

“I can see how a heart attack would do that to someone.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it under his. I wanted to pull back, but he didn't release it.

“Truth?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“It isn't his first one. The doctor told him he’s had several miniscule attacks, but I guess he didn't know. Only about seventy percent of his heart is functioning at this point.” Tears burned my throat, and I willed myself not to cry.

“I didn't realize it was that bad.”