Fat Cat Liar

Greer’s body goes still and then she bursts into giggles. “That doesn’t even make sense!” she howls.

“It sounded better in my head.” He shrugs, fighting a grin.

Bessie and Jenny join Greer in laughter, and she starts to relax. Her body folds into my side, and she lays her head against my chest. The atmosphere changes, and even Enrique cracks a grin.

Stan appears at the top of the stairs and Greer’s head pops up. “Is it time?”

He gives her a nod and jogs down, going out the front door. Greer peeks up, flashes a smile, and scoots away too quickly, following Stan.

Bessie winks at me, and a suspicious feeling nags in my gut as the women scatter out the front excitedly.

“Did I miss something?”

“Just another reason Greer’s too fucking good for you,” Enrique rumbles, following them.

“How do you feel about surprises?” Jonas asks.

“Not a big fan of them,” I reply.

“Well, you better put on a game face.” He motions for the door, and I walk out in time to see Kevin Palmer exiting the stretched limo in the drive.

I had hoped to have some time alone with Greer before he arrived, but it makes sense he’d take the car from the city since his helicopter pilot is off. She told me he knew about me staying in the house, but I have to wonder if he’s going to send me back to the woods now that he’s home. The thought lingers for a split second when he steps to the side and turns back to the car.

A booted foot hits the ground, and my heart thuds in my chest. I recognize that boot. Before I can make sense of what’s happening, my dad unfolds from the car, trailed by Clay.

Their eyes lock with mine, and Clay’s mouth splits into a wide, cocky, shit-eating grin.

“Surprise!” Greer squeals, running back to me and grabbing my hand.

“What the hell?” are the only words that come out.

“I invited your family for Christmas.” She beams.

“What? W-w-why?” I’ve never stuttered in my life until now.

She mistakes my shock for disappointment, and her face falls somberly. “You told me this was your mom’s favorite time of year, and I couldn’t stand the thought of your family being separated for the holiday. We have plenty of room, and with everything that’s happened, I figured…” her voice grows small and trails off.

Quiet settles around us as everyone waits for my reaction, but my eyes refuse to leave hers. I didn’t think I could love this woman any more, but I was wrong.

Greer Palmer just stole the last piece of my soul. Eternity takes on a whole new meaning as the future flashes in my mind.

Our future.

Holidays and summers in the Hamptons…

Weekends in Connecticut…

Sundays in Central Park, showing our children her favorite spots…

Families joining together…

Kevin and my dad becoming grandparents… Clay becoming an uncle… Greer being a mom…

Me being a dad... a dad…

It all comes slamming into me with so much force, my heart threatens to erupt from the emotions brewing inside.

I don’t care about the audience around us or the fact that Kevin’s heated stare is searing into my skin. My hand twists in hers, lacing our fingers together at the same time I bend and lift her against me.