Page 43 of The Fake Husband Deal

Somehow, through kids moving in and out of the system, getting adopted, or moving away with their real or foster families, we ended up with an all-boys group.

“They’ve had girls in the group before. Besides, it’s a good learning opportunity,” I said.

West added. “It’ll be good to introduce someone new to the group. I’ll give Drew the heads-up.”

Alma nodded. “Thank you. I’ll get word back to my sister and her new friend. Anyway, what are you guys doing now? Anyone up for a drink?”

Everyone gave their excuses. Joel had work to do, Ted’s wife was out tonight with her friends so he needed to take care of their children. In the past, I’d have made an excuse because I’d have gone home, showered, moped around the house, and then went out to hopefully find someone to hook up with.

“I’d love to, but we have plans.” I pointed at Lior.

“The kids are right. You’re all geriatric.” She shook her head and started walking to her car with a trail of boos behind her.

I turned to my fiancé. Weirdly, thinking of Lior as my fiancé didn’t make my skin break out in hives.

“Walk home with me?”

“You’re certainly not getting in my car smelling like gym socks,” he said.

I lifted my tank to show my abs. “It’s all worth it to get these, don’t you think?”

He groaned and looked away.

The advantage of living in Cliffborough was that the downtown was self-contained within the boundaries of the surrounding river. And while the city had definitely expanded beyond the river, it still had a small-town feel.

It didn’t take long to get to my place from the park.

My phone screen was filled with notifications when I got home. I’d started leaving it behind on the days I volunteered because it was hard sometimes to switch off from work, especially when you worked with your brothers.

A short glance showed there was nothing from the family, so I left the phone where it was and hit the shower while Lior hung out in the living area.

When I came out, there was a message from Jax.

Jax

WTF, dude. Tanner sent me a message saying you’re engaged. He saw it happen at the bar the other night.

Noah

Oh, you have Tan’s number? When did you two go steady?

Jax

Ignore my concern. It’s your funeral, but I expect to be the best man.

Noah

You’ve been back five minutes. Surely, my brothers are first in line.

Jax

Nah. Brothers don’t make good best men. They’ll be too afraid of your mom to let you do something really stupid.

Noah

What? Like get married?

My phone rang, so I put it on speakerphone while I got dressed.