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Fuck, this is not how I wanted them to find out.
Theo takes a step back, running his hand through his hair. “Maybe I should leave,” he suggests.
My mom puts her hands on her hips. “Oh, I don’t think so. From what we just heard, it sounds like you and Cash need to talk this out.” She waves between Theo and me. “I won’t stand by and watch your friendship fall apart because of a misunderstanding.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Everly chimes in. “The two of you should talk this out, and once you’re done, we’ll finish our conversation,” she says to Theo.
“Well, you heard the women. Get moving,” my dad orders when neither of us makes the first move.
It’s like we’re teenagers again as we shuffle down the hall toward the kitchen under my parents’ watchful gaze. Everly lingers in the hallway, her expression impossible to decipher.
I settle into a chair at the island, drumming my fingers against the kitchen counter. Theo sits next to me, tapping his foot against the floor as he shoots me a disapproving glare.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I mutter.
“I’m calculating how many punches I could throw before Everly and your parents intervene,” he deadpans.
I turn my head so he can see the left side of my face. “Go ahead,” I say, spurring him on.
He glares at me. “This isn’t a game. You were my best friend, and you stabbed me in the back.”
I roll my eyes. “Iamyour best friend.”
“Newsflash—a friend doesn’t marry your sister and keep important details about said marriage a secret.”
I meet his hostile glare, swallowing hard. “Theo, I understand you’re upset, but Everly specifically asked me not to tell you about the acquisition,” I explain, my tone apologetic yet firm. “You’re my best friend, but she’s my wife. I couldn’t betray her trust, even if it meant disappointing you. I hope you can understand where I’m coming from.”
He narrows his eyes. “None of this would have happened if you had stayed away from Everly like I asked you to.”
“That was over fifteen years ago. We’re adults now, and a lot has changed since then. I’m sorry for hurting you, but I wouldn’t change anything. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Have either of you been with anyone else since you’ve been together?”
“Fuck no.”
“What happens when the deal is finalized? Are you getting divorced?” His gaze bores into mine.
“No,” I state.
“Why not?”
I take a deep breath as I feel my patience wear thin. Theo has every right to be angry, but it doesn’t sit well that he’s questioning my commitment to Everly.
“Because she is my entire world. This might have started out as an arrangement, but it’s turned into the real deal. I love her, and by some stroke of luck, she loves me too.”
Theo slumps back into his seat. “Damn, I never thought I’d see this possessive side of you.”
“Everly’s the only one who brings out this side of me. I’d do anything for her.”
“Does this mean I flew in from New York for nothing?” Theo asks.
“It’s a short flight. It would have been more impressive if you came from London,” I retort. “Since you’re here, I do have something important I want to ask you.”
I glance toward the hallway to make sure Everly is out of earshot. “I’m going to ask Everly to marry me today. Since you’re the most important person in her life, aside from me, of course.”—I shoot him a smirk—“I want to get your blessing.”
There’s no chance in hell I would ever ask Richard. He doesn’t deserve a say in his daughter’s personal life, so it only seems fitting that I ask Theo instead.
“You’re already married,” he reminds me.