He glances over his shoulder. “You’ve been quiet, Wells. That’s usually my move.”
“I’m thinking.”
“That’s your first mistake.”
I huff out a laugh,but it dies fast.
He narrows his eyes, catching it immediately. “All right, spill it. You’ve got that look that says you’re about to do something heroic or really stupid.”
“Maybe both,” I admit.
Knox flips a rack of ribs, sets down the tongs, and gives me his full attention. “Hit me.”
I take a sip of my beer, staring out at the yard. “I went over to Kate’s place yesterday.”
He smirks. “Well, that explains the stupid part.”
“Not like that,” I say, though he’s not wrong. “We were talking about the custody case.”
His expression sobers. “How’s she holding up?”
“Barely,” I say quietly. “Her lawyer thinks Daniel’s got a strong case on paper. Kate’s terrified she’s gonna lose time with Evie.”
Knox’s jaw tightens. “That’s bullshit.”
“Yeah.” I lean forward, elbows on my knees. “So I made her a proposition.”
He looks at me. “What did you do?”
“Told her we should get married.”
Knox’s eyebrows shoot to his hairline. “You proposed to her?”
“Not likeproposepropose,” I say, dragging a hand through my hair. “I told her we could fake it. Make it look like she’s got the same kind of stability he does.”
For a long moment, Knox just stares at me. Then he laughs. Hard.
“Jesus, Cam,” he says, shaking his head. “That’s one way to declare your feelings.”
“It’s not like that,” I argue, though even Idon't sound convinced. “It’s practical. Strategic.”
He gives me a look. “Right. Because when I think of fake marriages, I thinkpractical.”
I groan. “I’m serious, man.”
“So am I.” He wipes his hands on a towel, expression softening. “Have you thought this through?”
“More than I want to admit.”
Knox leans against the railing, studying me. “You’re in love with her.”
It’s not a question, and I don’t bother pretending. “I don’t know what I am,” I say honestly. “All I know is that she’s breaking, and I can’t just sit back and watch it happen. She could use the help, and the idea that some guy who skipped town gets to swoop in and play father of the year? No way.”
He nods slowly, understanding flickering in his eyes. “You want to protect her.”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
Knox leans back against the railing, arms crossed. “So you help her keep full custody of Evie.” His brow pinches. “And what’s left when the mediation’s over and everything settles?”
