You're The One (Very Irresistible Bachelors 1)

I’d only shot her a message after I left the immigration building, because she’d been in meetings all day.

“It was very short... and I just had the feeling that they’re baiting me, asking about our marriage.”

Josie swallowed, shrugging. “We knew that might happen. Let’s not worry unless it escalates. How was the rest of the day?”

“My cousins stopped by for lunch. We looked over Tess and Skye’s business plan.”

I left out the other details. It wasn’t just that I hadn’t been ready to answer their questions. I wasn’t even ready to examine my own feelings.

“Those two are a powerhouse. I’m sure they’ll do great. I’ve always been jealous of your working lunches.”

“Join us. I’d love to have you there.”

“You forget, I’m a lawyer. I’ve not only signed off my time to the firm, but also my soul. Lunches are just an excuse for more work. But I’m used to it.”

“I can make up for all the stress in the evening.” I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively. Laughing, she pushed me on my back on the blanket, propping her chin on my chest.

“How?”

“You tell me.”

“You know what? My parents had this tradition where they met on the way home and talked about their day before they arrived. How about we make our own traditions? Catch up on the day just before dinner? We can come out here. Candles optional. I’m still weighing the pros and cons. What do you think?”

My heart started beating faster. I remembered a few traditions from my childhood before things went south. Traditions I hoped to pass on when I had my own family. I’d brushed off those thoughts for years, because some things had seemed out of reach, even for me. Josie was giving me something I’d never had before, never even dreamed of having.

“I think you’re a genius. And I’m completely on board with you,” I said.

“You’re agreeing so fast with me these days, I don’t even know what to make of it.”

Grinning, I pulled her closer to me. “You’ll see, Josie. You’ll see.”

I wanted more of whatever this was—of everything Josie could give me.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Josie

“This is heaven. Pure heaven,” I whispered.

“You’re easy to please.”

I opened an eye. “You’re joking, right?”

We were in the reading nook I’d arranged in the empty corner between the couch and the window.

In the three weeks since we’d returned from the honeymoon, we’d definitely kept to our tradition, though I had given up on the candles. Way too messy.

We spoke about our day before dinner and either ordered in, or we cooked. About once a week we attended some fancy function where I got to dress up in the elegant dresses I’d bought. On Saturday mornings, we went to a nearby farmer’s market.

We hadn’t heard from the immigration services. As long as they didn’t call me in for an interview as well, I wasn’t worrying. But I knew better than to relax. The agency gathered evidence before acting.

“Look at you. You’ve got hot chocolate and a book, and you’re happy.”

“I also have you giving me foot rubs. Don’t downplay your role.”

“Do you want another hot chocolate?”

“Is the earth round? Yes, please.”