I can’t answer. Instead, I notice that she quickly glances to my cousin, reminding us all that we need to keep our words appropriate. My cousin’s three-year-old brain is like a little sponge, it’s crazy.
“What the duck, Connor!”
“Duck it,” the parrot volleys.
Nope. Still not sure what to say.
“And who might the lucky bride be?” my uncle asks, even though I can tell he is already brushed up on the info.
I take a deep inhale. “Hadley.”
“What the duck!” my aunt repeats her earlier sentiment.
Uncle Declan, or Declan in this situation because I know he is in business mode, puts my cousin down then walks to me and places his hands on my shoulders. Shit, he is in super-serious mode.
“The team publicist called me just now. You have exactly three hours before this hits the media.” He waves his long finger at me. “You tell your parents.Now.”
“I am. Hence the need for a bouquet of flowers.” I raise a brow at him.
“You’re going to need the entire bucket of sunflowers. A bouquet isn’t going to cut it.” My aunt sounds panicked.
I flash her a grin. “You’re right. I need a bouquet for my new mother-in-law too, so whatever April likes.”
Declan blows out a breath. “What happened?”
I shrug out of his hold. “Don’t worry. We’re staying married, at least for the off-season. I’m sure this will be positive press.”
Declan pauses for a second and seems to be thinking. “You’re right. We can work this angle to our advantage. Maybe you two can have a photoshoot, make this somewhat believable. But you’re right. Baseball royalty marries hockey royalty, throw in the Spinners a few times in the interview, and it could be good. You’re settling down.” He’s trying to convince himself it’s a grand idea, but really, that’s the angle I was going for.
“See? The bachelor settles down.” I grimace and turn all my attention to my aunt, because Declan can stew in his plans without me. “So, about those flowers. Let’s just go all out, shall we?”
She points the stem of a sunflower at me. “Your dad and mom are going to lose it.”
My lips quirk out as I think about it. “No, they won’t. Or at least they’ll get over it fast. They love Hadley, they’ve been shipping us for years. It’s their dream come true.”
She shakes her head at me. “No, not like this. They will be heartbroken that they missed your wedding, didn’t get to do all of that traditional stuff.” She growls to herself. “Duck it, Violet, do not speak like this is a real marriage.” Scolding herself seems to bring her into a more focused mode. “Connor, don’t be stupid. I don’t know what you and Hadley are playing at, but don’t break her heart.”
“Trust me. It’s cold as can be for me,” I promise.
“Then how are you going to explain this to your parents? They won’t be on board with a fake marriage,” she adds softly.
I sigh. “You’re right. That’s why Hadley and I are kind of going all in on this. We have a story, can fake it for a few hours in their presence, so I’m going to need those flowers.”
She turns sharply to her husband. “Do something,” she instructs.
Declan raises his hands in surrender. “No can do. The last thing I want is a quickie wedding and divorce in the press for my star player. Besides...” He snorts a laugh. “These two kids will come to realize they have a good thing underneath those angsty jabs.”
“I mean…” My aunt’s face softens. “You have a point.” Her eyes whip back in my direction. “Fine. I’ll go along with this, but I mean it… don’t break her heart,” she warns again.
A little late for that. I already did long ago.
I swallow. “Sure.”
My aunt begins to grab flowers. “Okay, so most expensive flowers, no family discount—”
“Whoa, why no family discount?” I protest.
She raises her brows at me. “You’re in the doghouse. Now let’s just get these flowers to impress gathered.”
