One and Only (Wilder Family, #1)

by Karla Sorensen

In my own defense, the decision to hire a husband wasn’t actually a bad one. It was the execution where I stumbled.

“You want to …?” When my voice trailed off, he nodded slowly. “Be your fake husband. If you’ll be my fake wife.”

“First Adaline, and now you,” he said, referencing our sister who was happily with one of his former teammates. “I am never introducing my sisters to anyone ever again,” he mumbled, walking out of the room with a scoff.

“Jobsite dictator,” I said absently, studying the bones of the room. “Making changes and breaking the hearts of every man in the room who thought the plans were finalized.”

“What’s your favorite food?” I asked her. Even though the question came out rough, my voice ragged and tired and not at all how I wanted it to be, Greer exhaled a short burst of laughter. “Apple pie,” she said. “That’s a dessert.” “So?” Her eyes were shining. “Who says dessert can’t be your favorite food?” “But…” I scratched the side of my jaw. “Your favorite food is something you’d have for a meal.” “You’ve clearly never had leftover pie for breakfast, and it shows.” She patted me on the stomach.

“She’s fearless,” I said. “Some people are too afraid to love that way, undaunted by whatever might come next, which might look like sweetness to some. But I just see a big, brave heart.”

“I don’t know that Greer needs me to take care of her, but I do know that I need her in my life. That she makes everything just a bit easier when she’s around.” I cleared my throat. “She gives the best hugs. And her mind is the most terrifyingly incredible thing I’ve ever seen.” Greer grinned. “Is that your way of saying I scare you?” “Only a little,” I admitted.

I crossed my arms and watched as he let himself in the house. His eyes landed on me and his mouth curved in an adorably crooked grin. “Wife,” he said in greeting. My eyebrows arched slowly. “Husband.”

I had a feeling—something I couldn’t ignore even if I wanted to anymore—that my husband was very much my type, and I had no idea what to do about it.

“I’m not mad,” he said again. His eyes were on fire. “I’m trying very hard not to kiss you right now.”

It didn’t feel fake. It didn’t feel like a lie.

“What are you doing here?” Patience, as it turned out, might be a work in progress for me. When he took a few steps closer, I saw the fire roaring in his gaze. “I’m here to get my wife.”

“Start something real with me, Greer Wilder. You’re the only person who I want it with.” Her hands clutched at my back, and she lifted her head to look up into my face. “If I say yes, are you going to kiss me?” I smiled. “Yes, ma’am.” Her eyes sparkled. “Then you should know that my entire family is probably watching us right now.” Sure enough, when I glanced up toward the house, five or six bodies conspicuously darted back from the windows. I laughed, tightening my arms around her. I slid my hand over her jaw, tilting her chin up. “Then let them watch,” I murmured before I took her mouth with mine.