Fake Marriage Box Set

"They already think we're married, remember? I never told them the truth. The only people that know are me, you, and Ron."

"Is that a yes?" I lifted the ring toward her. "Will you be my wife, baby? For real this time. We can grow old together, have babies."

"Make babies?" She lifted her eyebrow and I fell in love with the naughty girl all over again.

"Absolutely. Practice makes perfect." I slipped the ring onto the tip of her finger and looked up into her eyes. She loved me. I had no doubt. "Say yes, Maddie. Make me the happiest man in the world tonight."

"I would never deny you anything." She pressed her finger into the ring and leaned forward to kiss me, mumbling “yes” against my lips.

Life would never be the same. It would be better than good. She was mine, and this time, I wasn't letting go. No matter what.

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Maddie

The sound of Gavin and my parents laughing filled up my ears as I walked out of the back door onto the patio. They were lounging around after dinner, just enjoying each other's company. I'd offered to clean the kitchen after the meal and shoved them all outside.

I needed to think through what I was going to say to my husband. He'd been so stressed over the last few months wrapping up his first novel and working with a publisher to set up promotions and signings. He was losing sleep over the what-ifs, but I kept telling him it was going to be great.

We didn't need the money. He had enough to last us a lifetime, and being the incredible man he was, he'd gotten my mom and dad out of debt and hired them a financial adviser a year after we signed the papers on our marriage license.

That was a year passed, and they were doing great. I was impressed and beyond grateful.

My modeling career never took off, namely because I gave up on it. I didn't need followers and fans. I had family and friends. Fame could take up someone else's emotional space.

"There she is." My mom beamed. "You look so pretty, Maddie. Did I tell you that already? Is it a new bronzer you're using? Your skin is so clear and healthy looking."

Gavin extended his hand as he sat in a chair beside my Dad. I took it and sat down in his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"It's called being happy. And in love." I leaned down and kissed him quickly on the lips. We had a relationship much like my mom and dad. Much like his mom and dad did.

"Well, I'm glad you guys have found the secret. Just make sure you cling to it, and remember, never let the sun go down angry at each other." My father reached out and took my mom's hand. "It's worked for us for a long time, right, dear?"

"It has." She glanced over at me. "You kids get out of here. I want some time with your father."

Gavin laughed and helped me up before wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Mom. Dad. It's been fun."

I loved that he referred to them like they were his parents.

"Love you." I pulled each of them into a hug before walking to the car with my guy. I snuggled up against him and got in the car, holding my breath as he got into his side.

"What's up? You were pretty quiet tonight."

"I don't know. Just have a lot on my mind." I shrugged and reached for his hand. "Would you be okay with us taking the boat out for an hour or so? I love watching the sunset on it."

"Anything for my girl." He winked over at me, took my hand and used his free one to pull out of my parent's driveway. We rode in silence to the docks and made small talk as he worked to get the boat out into the water.

I turned my back to him and scooted over in front of him, wanting him to hold me. He knew exactly what I was asking, and wrapped his strong arms around my shoulders.

"What's going on, Maddie? I know you, baby. Something is up."

I wiggled a little, and his hand dropped to my hips. I reached down and grabbed his hands, pulling them up to the small bump in my lower stomach.

"I love you so much." I glanced back at him. "And I want to honor your mom."

"Oh yeah." I leaned down and kissed the side of my mouth, captivating me with his strength, his scent, his dominance. "And how would you like to do that."