Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Hadley
Easton, Tanner, and I end up leaving the bookstore after Felix kicks us out, telling us to go celebrate.
But how do you celebrate a fake engagement?
We’re walking back to the condo when a guy walks by us with a wide smile. “Congratulations.” He nods at us.
Easton doesn’t miss a beat, thanking him.
Another woman stops at a light with us, and before we can cross, she says, “What a cute proposal. Congrats, you two. An instant family.”
The walk symbol comes on, and we all walk across the street, the two of us slower with the stroller.
“That was fast,” I say.
“I’d bet money, Jagger probably had the Colts’ social media person put it up.” He laughs, and I reach in and fix Tanner’s blanket. “I told you it was a lot.”
“I’m fine. Just surprised how fast it went out.”
“That’s social media for you. By tomorrow, everyone will know. Speaking of, my hometown Lake Starlight—”
My phone vibrates in my purse. “Hold on a second.”
I pull it out and see a message from Honor.
He proposed?
I smile before I can stop myself. We haven’t been able to connect this past week because I’ve been busy with Tanner and the bookstore, and her grandma went back into the hospital.
I’m still coming.
Don’t bother, she’s being released in an hour or two. I’ll call you in a few days, but Had… why am I seeing this proposal everywhere? You actually really did it?
I told you he agreed.
And I thought maybe you’d just pretend to be engaged. It’s everywhere… and women are gushing.
Are they saying anything bad? NVM, I do not want to know.
I didn’t think he had it in him to ever commit.
I can fill you in when I see you. Text me your availability.
I’m sure Margot is on you about planning a huge wedding.
Oh, the doctor is here. I’m coming to the store in a few days if I can get away, and we’re going to talk.
Or I can come to you. Lunch or coffee, or I’ll just sit with you.
I wait a few seconds, and there are no three dots or response, so I’m guessing she got torn away.
I pocket my phone, still smiling.
“Good news?” Easton glances over.
“My best friend Honor. She saw the proposal video.”
I scan down my missed calls and texts, and yes, Honor knows Margot Hargrove well because there are six missed phone calls from my mother already.
“I don’t think she’s in agreement on our plan.”
“You told her?” he asks.
“Well, she knew the whole marriage stipulation. But don’t worry, we can trust her. She’s a ride or die.”
Hopefully, we can keep it from Jagger, though, since he’s paranoid about it being leaked.
“Well, I can’t say anything. All of my friends know.”
“I admit, I feel bad. We grew up together, and she always wanted to travel like me, but her grandma fell ill while we were in high school, and Honor had no choice but to stay here and take care of her.”
Easton frowns. “That’s rough.”
“Yeah, she had a boyfriend for a while who I thought was going to bring her more happiness, but that didn’t last. I just want her to have everything she wants.”
Easton nods, focusing his attention on the sidewalk ahead.
“That can be hard. My best friend in college never made it out of the farm league. Eventually he quit. But he’s happy.
Married, three kids. But yeah, sometimes I feel like a dick when I’m talking to him about what’s going on with the Colts. ”
I glance at him, but he’s looking at Tanner now, adjusting the sunshade on the stroller.
“You don’t mind if I invite her over sometime, or maybe get her tickets to a game?” I hate asking, but I’d do about anything to give Honor a night off to blow off some steam.
“First of all, my condo is your condo. Second of all, you have full access to tickets now. It’s kind of mandatory that you come to games since you’re going to be my wife.”
I smile at him. Easton really is a good guy.
“She’s gonna love you.”
“Everyone loves me.” His cocky smile is back, the easy one he uses like a reflex.
I roll my eyes.
He laughs, and Tanner kicks his legs at the sound of his daddy.
My phone buzzes again, and I pull it back out.
Honor: I gotta know, did you swoon?
I glance at Easton from the corner of my eye. The afternoon light shows off the auburn highlights in his brown hair. His defined jawline and perfect smile.
Um…
Did I? I kind of did, but it’s because the bookstore is going to be mine soon and has nothing to do with the proposal or anything else.
I’ll take that as a yes.
Bye… bye
I want a call tomorrow.
I pocket my phone and don’t mention why Honor was messaging me again.
Not that Easton would be surprised that I swooned a little from his proposal. Hello, I’ve been sleeping with him on and off for the past two years. But somehow, admitting it to him feels as though I’m cracking my chest open.
We’re just getting back to the condo when Easton’s phone rings.
He answers it, pulling The Dugout sign off the security gate and tossing it in the garbage can. “Hey, Mom. Yeah, give me a second.”
I enter the code to the building, and he pushes Tanner in. I pluck him out of the stroller, holding him while Easton breaks down the stroller and we walk up to his landing.
Once we’re inside, he nudges me with his elbow and points to his phone, mouthing, “Family.”
I nod, knowing this is part of the deal. But it’s not the size of his family that scares me. It’s their closeness.
“I’ll FaceTime you back. Let us get Tanner down.”
She must agree because he hangs up.
I change Tanner’s diaper and get him ready for a nap so that we can FaceTime his family.
“Do they know?” I ask, unsure if he’s been truthful with them.
I hand Tanner off to him, and Easton goes into his room toward the crib. “Will you think less of me if I say no?”
I lean on the doorframe, watching him put the pacifier in Tanner’s mouth and turn on the monitor.
“Have a good sleep.” He kisses his forehead and lays him down.
“Why would I think less of you? My mom will think it’s real, and let me tell you, she’s no piece of cake. She’ll probably want to throw us a party.”
We step out of the room as he shuts the door, and I turn on the monitor so we’re able to see Tanner. It’s a routine we’ve fallen into, and it’s only been a week. We’re like little robots already knowing which way to go, a synchronized dance.
“I can’t tell them I’m marrying someone for any reason besides love. And I don’t expect you to understand, but—”
I put my hand on his arm. “I get it. And no judgment.”
His body almost deflates as though he thought I’d be upset about it. “I love them.”
“Easton, I get it. Families come with a lot, and it’s your decision to make, not mine. I just wanted to know how much I have to touch you and be affectionate.”
“Well.” He swings his arm around my shoulders. “You can touch me anytime.” I push him away, but he secures me in a bear hug. “Hey.” He lowers his eyes to meet mine. “Thanks for doing all this.”
“Thank you.” I stare at the ring on my finger resting against his chest. “I mean, you didn’t have to go and get me a real diamond, though.”
“Who said it was real?” I tilt my head, and he laughs. “I actually enjoyed shopping for it. Who would have thought?”
“None of the women in your little black book, that’s for sure.” I slide out of his embrace and walk over to the couch.
“Who told you about my little black book?” He chuckles, bringing his iPad over and positioning it on a stand on the table.
“It’s all over the baseball blogs. Women are dying to have their name in it.”
He shakes his head with a smile. “Well, you’re the only one with four stars.”
He winks.
I know we’re joking, and there’s no real black book, but what’s happening in my stomach doesn’t feel like it. I can’t catch feelings for him. But I have enjoyed spending this time with him. He’s no different than when we slept together, though, so why is that?
He presses the call button on his mom’s cell and sits back, putting his hand on my knee.
“Don’t worry, they’ll love you just like I do,” he whispers.
There goes that trapeze artist in my stomach again.
Alarms are blaring in my head, but I ignore them.
Easton Bailey is temporary. I know this, so there’s nothing to worry about.