Page 44 of The Spare

For the most part, everyone seems genuinely excited. But when I spot Sebastian, the room seems to fall silent. He’s leaning back, his eyes narrowed as he studies us with that cold, analytical surgeon’s scrutiny.

Shit. He isn’t buying this for a second.

As Lexi’s grandfather scoops her into his arms for a hug, Sebastian moves in for the kill. “You two are suddenly getting married?” he questions, his voice level. “That’s quite the about-face, Sam. Last I checked, you didn’t believe in having a… wait, how have you referred to my wife?” He taps his finger dramatically on his chin. “A ‘ball and chain’.”

“I’m taking a page from my big brother’s book. You’re quite the salesman,” I joke. “The more I got thinking about it, you’re right. Marriage isn’t as bad as I’ve made it out to be. Who wouldn’t want a hot blonde to come home to every night after a long day’s⁠—”

“Oh, cut the crap. Something tells me there is far more to this than you’re letting on. Last I heard, you were going to reach out to Aaron Sterling about a possible emergency fund that could save the vineyard. And we’ve both heard the rumors about a marriage clause. Now suddenly, your arch-enemy is wearing a big ass rock on her finger.” He shakes his head as if he’s reaffirming I’m the dumbest guy on the planet. “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. But for Lexi’s sake, your secret is safe with me.”

His statement makes me go rigid. I want to tell him not to do me any fucking favors. But decide it’s best I keep my mouth shut.

“You couldn’t find anyone else trustworthy to fill the role? I didn’t think the two of you could stand one another,” he jabs.

I ignore his question, not wanting to accidentally confirm or deny his suspicions. If nothing more than to honor my commitment to Lex that it would stay between us and our attorneys. “If memory serves, the same could’ve been said about you and Bella.”

He catches me off guard when he throws his head back in laughter. “Touché. Although, I think it was only Isabella who couldn’t stand me. That woman put a hex on me the day we met.”

“Things change,” I reply, gazing adoringly at my fiancée.

Fiancée?

“Sometimes you realize the person you were looking for was right there all along,” I add. It’s a line. A beautiful, scripted lie. Well, for her, I’m sure.

But as I peer over at Lexi, and she smiles back with a look that could pass for love in the right light, I realize it’s not the next twelve months that’re going to be the biggest challenge of my life.

It’s walking away when it’s over.

Lexi

“Oh my gosh,” Georgia yells.

“Wait, what?” Lilly gasps before the two of them let out simultaneous, ear-splitting squeals that practically shake the chandeliers overhead. Lilly grabs my hand, jumping up and down so hard her wineglass nearly splashes over. While Georgia throws her arms around my neck in a suffocating bear hug.

Emilia and Everly exchange stunned, wide-eyed glances before swooping in to crowd around the table. “Okay, spill every single detail right now,” Emilia demands, resting her hands on her hips, a slight pout tugging at the corner of her lips. “I mean, I know Everly and I have been totally drowning in work and missing girls’ night lately, but when were you going to tell us you were hot and heavy into someone?”

“Yeah, how long have you been hiding this from us?” Everly chimes in, crossing her arms.

Lilly quickly raises her hands in defense. “Don’t look at us. It’s as much a surprise to us as it is to you. We were literally in the dark until five minutes ago. The last time we talked about studly over there, his name was preceded by a swear word.” Lilly giggles.

“Not to change the subject, but can we help with the planning?” Georgia gushes, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she squeezes my arm. She steeples her hands together under her chin. “Please?”

“Oh my god, a vineyard wedding,” Lilly adds. “We need to start looking at dresses tomorrow. When’s the date?”

“Um, soon, actually. We talked about it and decided we don’t want a long engagement,” I answer awkwardly, taking a deliberate sip of my water to keep my hands from shaking. “In fact, we’re going to keep it very small.”

Georgia’s eyes spring wide. She slowly lowers her wineglass, leaning into my space until her nose is practically touching mine. My eyes nearly cross trying to focus on her as she silently mouths, “Are you pregnant?”

Claire steps up beside her, leaning over Georgia’s shoulder. “Why are you whispering, Georgia?” Claire asks deadpan, staring at her like she’d grown a second head. “Pregnancy is not contagious.”

Georgia glares at her, swatting the air between them. “Sakes alive, Claire. I know that. I just didn’t want to announce to the entire room that Lexi was…” She glances around the crowded tasting room as if she’s a spy handing over a state secret. Once she feels comfortable the coast is clear, she leans back in and mouths, “with child.”

“Fuck’s sake,” Claire mutters, rolling her eyes to the ceiling.

I immediately smack Claire’s arm. “Will you two knock it off? I’m not pregnant.”

Lilly takes a long gulp of her wine. “Summer’s going to be heartbroken she couldn’t make it tonight when she finds out she missed the announcement of the century.”

As the rest of the group drifts toward the bar to grab another bottle of wine to celebrate, Claire lingers behind. She rests her hip against the heavy wooden table, twirling the stem of her glass. Her sharp blue eyes lock onto mine with the precision of a professional interrogator.