I can’t.
Instead, laughter bubbles out of me. “Oh my God! Seriously? Who’s the lucky lady? I know you’re mad I didn’t invite you to my wedding, but I hope I get an invitation becausethisI have to see.”
He stares at me, deadpan. “You.”
I reach for my wine, taking a sip I don’t need. “Funny.”
“I’m not trying to be funny.”
My stomach dips, then twists when he doesn’t so much as smile. His gaze stays locked on mine as I peer over the rim of my glass, waiting for the punchline that never comes.
I clear my throat, the silence stretching thin and uncomfortable. I have no idea what to say, so naturally, I default to humor. “Can we at least elope to a Caribbean island? I’ve secretly always wanted to do that.”
“Jordan. I—God. I know it’s crazy, but I’m serious. I told my lawyer I was planning to get engaged. When he asked who my girlfriend was, I’d already mentioned you, and how Cole knows you. Ijust… sort of blurted out your name. Told him we’re together and could get married within the month.”
My brain short-circuits.
What the hell is he saying?
“Well,” I say slowly, grasping for logic, “obviously you’ll just have to tell him that you’re not getting married.”
There. Problem solved.I shake my head in disbelief and stab at my salad again.
He shakes his head harder. “No. My lawyer told the judge I’m in the process of establishing a two-adult household.”
“Okayyy.” I blink at him. “So tell your lawyer it was a mistake. You were nervous. People say stupid shit all the time when they’re under pressure.”
“I was in court. On the record.”
“Ever heard of a breakup?”
His face softens. “Jordan. Please. This could help me get Cole.”
My fork slips from my fingers, clattering against the plate.
Oh my God. He’sactuallyserious.
“What are you saying?”
He clears his throat, eyes dropping to the table before lifting back to mine. “I’m asking if you’ll marry me. Temporarily. Just for a few months.”
My throat goes dry, heat flashing through me as all the blood rushes to my chest. “You’re… serious.”
He nods once. “I know it’s a lot to ask. But you’ll?—”
“You know it’s a lot to ask?” My voice shakes despite my effort to keep it steady. “This isn’t just an ask, Matt. This is… God, I don’t even know what this is. It’s—it’s crazy!”
“Babe. Hear me out.” His voice tightens with urgency. “I’ve thought this through. We tell everyone tomorrow at the funeral that we’re engaged. We get married at the courthouse. Keep it quiet. Play the happy couple. After the final hearing… we end it. Clean and simple.”
I stare at him, heart pounding.
“I’m asking for a few months of your life. Five, tops. That’s it.”
I scoff. “Oh, is that all? Just fivemonths?”
He nods again.
That fucking nod.
