Page 14 of The Fiancé Hoax

“Thank you for not breaking down,” I mumbled to my car as I stepped out of it. The Plymouth looked ridiculous parked in front of this house.

Cooper’s front door flew open. Eva shot out like a bullet.

“You’re finally here!” she called, running up to me.

“Hi, Eva.” I laughed.

She came to a stop and looked at my car, confused. “What kind of car is that?”

“It’s, um, a Plymouth Breeze.”

She frowned. “I’ve never seen a car like that before.”

“They haven’t made those in, what, twenty years?” A deep voice from the door made us both look up. “Now that was a good business decision.”

Cooper stood in the doorway with a smirk.

“Are you insulting my car?” I asked. Eva grabbed my hand, and we walked toward him.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, holding the door open as we stepped inside. “Come in. Monica just got lunch ready.”

“I take it Monica’s another employee of yours?”

He nodded. “The housekeeper.” Then he leaned in and lowered his voice so only I would hear. “Don’t worry. I don’t have any Swedish supermodels waiting to ambush you.”

His breath was warm on my skin, and his voice made goosebumps appear on my neck.

Clearing my throat, I stepped inside with Eva on my heels.

“Look, Felicity, I’m wearing a dress like yours!” She twirled in her hot pink dress, flaring the skirt out.

“That’s beautiful!” I exclaimed. Eva tugged on my hand and led me through the elegant foyer and into a massive, gorgeous living room.

Lily was sitting on a large sofa with a picture book. “Hi, Lily!” I said.

“She’s wearing a blue dress. Like the one you wore yesterday,” Eva said.

Lily slid off the couch and gave a spin to show off her dress. I smiled and clapped my hands.

These girls were a delight. Eva was fearless and outgoing. Lily was shy, but sweet and gentle. They were both adorable.

“Wow, what beautiful dresses!” I said. “And you said your dad bought boring clothes for you.”

“This is the good stuff,” Eva said. “You should see the play clothes he picked out for us.” She rolled her eyes.

Cooper laughed. “Okay, girls, Inga’s going to take you to the park now while Felicity and I chat.”

“Can I show Felicity our room, Dad?” Eva asked.

“Maybe later.”

Inga entered the living room from the kitchen with her purse over her shoulder. “Okay, girls, get your jackets in case it gets cold.” She gave me a big smile. “Hi, Felicity.”

“Hey, Inga. Is your husband okay?”

“Oh, thanks for asking, dear. He’s fine. We have to monitor him for heart trouble these days, but thankfully it was a false alarm.”

“Glad to hear it.”