Page 200 of By His Vow

“I can’t believe you’re getting married.”

“I—”

“To fucking Kingston,” he adds, cutting me off.

“Not by choice,” I mutter.

“Those photos of the two of you in Kohler…” He trails off, lost in thought before focusing on me again. “They looked very…real.”

My heart constricts.

There are only a couple of people in the world who would be able to see the truth in those photos. One of them is staring me dead in the eyes right now, and the other I met for lunch again this afternoon, although that was more so she could bitch about her shitty boss instead of dissecting my life. It was a refreshing change after the past few days.

I shrug, not wanting to confess to my brother just how real the weekend felt.

“Just doing what we’ve got to do.”

“Tate,” he starts before scratching his rough chin, then sitting forward and resting his arms on his desk. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Miles,” I warn.

“Let it all go. I’ll buy that cottage for you when it goes on the market. I’ll give you whatever you need. Fuck the will and the contract and?—”

“I’m not letting you do that.”

“But—”

“It’s a year. Twelve months. And honestly, he might be a jerk, but it could be a hell of a lot worse than Kingston. I mean, you’ve put up with him this long, so he can’t be all bad.”

It’s such bullshit. I know he’s not all bad. I’ve seen some of the good, and it’s really fucking good.

Shame it’s all an act for him to gain control of Warner Group.

Miles nods but doesn’t say anything.

“I’m going to need your measurements for your suit. You and King will be matching. Lori is my maid of honor and only bridesmaid.”

“Mom?”

“Can be as involved as she wants to be. Hopefully, this won’t be the only wedding of mine she gets to attend, but just in case it is…” I trail off as the thought of this being my only shot settles around me.

What if I’m destined to live the rest of my life as the woman who married and divorced the almighty Kingston Callahan and then die a spinster with my cats?

At least I’ll have my cottage, the roses, the English countryside.

Things could certainly be worse.

“I guess I should leave you to it. Invitations will be sent tomorrow, but I’m assuming you already know the time and place.”

He gives me a sad smile, confirming my suspicions.

“Well, if you think of anything else I should be aware of, please, call me, yeah?”

“I just want the best for you, you know that, right?”

“Yeah,” I agree before pressing a kiss on his cheek and letting myself out.

“Tate,” he calls before I get a chance to shut the door.