Page 67 of Make-Believe Match

“You didn’t consider going with him?”

“Nope. He knew I wouldn’t. And I suppose it’s better I found outthenthat the life we’d imagined wasn’t what he wanted anymore. Before we actually got married and started a family.” She shook her head. “But boy, he’d made me alllll kinds of promises.”

“See? Dickhead.”

“And the day he left, he had the nerve to tell me he’d always love me. What kind of bullshit is that?”

“Dickhead bullshit.”

She poked my chest. “Don’t ever tell a girl you love her as you’re leaving.”

“I won’t,” I told her, holding out my pinky. “Pinky promise. Like Sara taught me.”

Laughing, she hooked her finger with mine. “I hope I get to meet Sara.”

“I owe her an ice cream cone. Maybe when we’re in Boston for the pitch meeting next month, we can get together.”

“I’d love that. So what’s the plan for tomorrow? Do we just tell your dad in the morning and make the rounds?”

“I guess.” Looking around the room, I saw my dad, my brothers, and their girlfriends standing together over by the bar, laughing and talking with Ari. I made a snap decision. “You know what? Let’s tell everyone tonight.”

“What?”

“Let’s just get it done.” I stood up, helping her to her feet. “The gang’s all here. Everyone is in a good mood. Let’s give them one more thing to celebrate.”

“I thought you didn’t want to steal Xander’s thunder.”

“Trust me, Xander’s thunder will always be bigger and louder than anyone else’s.” I pulled my wallet from my back pocket and fished out the gold band. “Got your ring?”

“Yes.” She reached into her purse, dug it out, and slipped it on. “But I’m nervous.”

“Don’t worry about anything.” I took her by the hand. “Just follow my lead.”

* * *

We wandered up to the bar and ordered two more beers. When Ari brought them, I handed one to Lexi and put an arm around her hip. “So Lexi and I have an announcement to make,” I said.

Perched on a stool next to Kelly, Veronica smiled. “What is it?”

“It’s...” Right at that moment, I caught my dad’s eye, and I experienced a moment of panic that had me groping for words—whichneverhappened to me. He’d been such a good father, so honest and open and devoted to us. Family was everything to him. And even after all this time, he honored the promise he’d made to our mom. His word meant a lot to him.

What was mine worth?

My vision grayed slightly at the edges.

“Well?” My dad laughed. “We’re waiting, son. What’s the big news? Did you get that promotion?”

My throat was desert dry. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. The room was tilting, and the music seemed to be coming at me through a tunnel.

Lexi slipped an arm around my lower back and looked up at me. “Dev? You okay?”

I locked eyes with her and felt the floor even out beneath my feet. Her face, which never hid anything, was etched with worry. I tightened my arm around her. “I’m fine. Just overwhelmed.” Then I looked at my dad. “I didn’t get the promotion. In fact, I quit my job on Monday. But I got something better.”

“What?” asked Xander.

“A wife.” I gave Lexi a squeeze. “Lexi and I got married.”

For a long moment, no one said anything. My dad looked stunned. Austin cocked his head, like maybe he’d hard wrong. Xander looked like he’d just sniffed some bad meat.