Fat Cat Liar

“What’s going on here?”

“Take a look at the wall.”

I do as he says and cry out when I see the large pewter sign with ‘Greer Hall’ hanging at the entrance. Then the cheering begins, and I fall back into Lawson, needing his support. He folds me into him, giving me the time to gain my composure.

I breathe deeply a few times, willing the tears not to fall and trying to calm my racing heart. When I tilt my face to his, my grip tightens in an attempt not to crumble again. He’s beaming so proudly that it’s a fight not to cry.

“You did this for me?”

“I’d like to take all the credit, but Kevin was my partner. When I brought the idea to him, he jumped on board, and together, we came up with a plan to get you involved without actually letting on.”

“All those arguments about this additional wing, all those nasty looks and uncomfortable meetings, it was all a ploy?”

“We had to have your input. It was essential for this to be perfect. We had to get creative. Although, the name was all me. Greer Hall—very clever on my part.”

I swing my head to my dad, who has the audacity to look smug, not showing an ounce of guilt at all.

“I can’t believe you two!” I shout at him.

“You married him, which means I’m stuck,” Dad yells back, causing the room to roar in laughter.

I don’t have a chance to respond because I’m swarmed with people who chatter excitedly about my surprise. It’s Jenny who tries to pry me from Lawson, which begins a tug of war until I howl.

“Lawson, you have to let go of her. This is her celebration.”

“Like hell I do,” he grunts.

“Lawson!” she shrieks, causing the chatter around us to stop.

He sighs, looking around the room, and finally gives in. “Let me have her for a few minutes first.”

She accepts that, and he gently guides me out a side door to a patio. The area is beautiful, but nothing out of the ordinary.

“You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Are you happy?”

“Of course.”

“The look on your face, the beautiful shock and awe was everything I hoped. But compared to the treasures you give me every day, it’s not enough.” He sways me in front of him and lowers his mouth to mine, kissing me sweetly. “I love you.”

“I know,” I whisper against his lips. “And I love you. Would you like to hear something I’ve never shared before?”

He leans back, his eyes full of curiosity, and nods.

“I thank God for the pompous asshole that decided to infiltrate my life and turn it upside down. The bad times are long ago forgotten, because each day I wake up even more in love, head-over-heels, and infatuated with my liar husband.”

His lips split into a wide grin, and his hands move below my ass, pressing me closer.

“Infatuated is my line.”

“So, how about we go inside and celebrate with our friends like a normal couple, and tonight, I can show you how appreciative I am?”

His eyes flare with the familiar heat I know so well and realize my mistake when he bends to pick me up.

“Don’t you dare!” I attempt to wriggle away. “You are not carrying me out of this party like a madman.”

“Yes, I am.”