Page 121 of The Homemaker

“Shop for a dress to wear to your wedding. Since I’m basically family now, I’m sure I’ll be invited.”

His lips twist with a slow nod, hands casually tucked into his back jeans pockets. “Your optimism is outstanding.”

“Optimism?”

The doors open and I step past him. He follows me, keeping a few steps between us.

“Do you think she’s still going to marry me?”

“I think you have as good a chance as anyone.” The warm air whooshes past me when the automatic doors open to the parking lot.

“That would be quite something. She let two men go who probably adored her and never cheated on her, but you think she’ll keep me after what’s happened?”

Just as I reach the sidewalk, I turn. “You’re telling her?”

“Well, yes. I would never marry someone without being completely forthright with them. Would you?”

My stomach drops.

“Do you not want me to tell her?”

I shrug but shake my head at the same time. “I … I don’t know. Seems like a really bad time to lay this on her.”

“When would you suggest I mention it? At the wedding? Rehearsal dinner?”

I frown.

Murphy deflates. “I love you.”

I wait.

And wait.

“But?” I ask.

Murphy shakes his head slowly. “Alice, there’s no but. Those three words stand on their own without an explanation. I don’t need an excuse to love you.”

“You love her too.”

“I do.”

Every time we’re together, it gets harder to keep a brave face. He makes me want something real.

“You’ve loved her longer.”

“I’ve loved her for three years and four months. I’ve loved you for eight years and two months.”

I frown.

“Don’t give me that look. I knew the day your dad carried you out of my house that I might not ever see you again, but nothing would stop me from loving you for the rest of my life.”

“You can’t marry herandlove me.”

“I can.”

Damn him and his all-encompassing heart.

“Doesn’t mean I’m going to.”