One and Only (Wilder Family, #1)

by Karla Sorensen

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

A father’s love for his daughter. What a powerful, unique thing. They watched us grow and wanted to protect us. They wanted to make us strong and confident and brave, and be by our side when it mattered.

“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.”

Beckett dropped his chin to his chest, and only I was close enough to hear his relieved sigh. “Thank you,” he breathed. Taking a chance, I tilted up and placed a featherlight kiss against his cheek. I didn’t look at his face as I walked toward Josie and Olive, and I didn’t look at his face as I picked up the box of samples and took a seat on the couch to show them some of my ideas. But I felt him staring at me the entire time.

“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.”

“Your daughter has spun my world around since I met her. And I think she feels the same way about me.”

“I’ve got seven adults walking around this earth, and they all have pieces

of my heart. I can’t get them back, and I wouldn’t want to, even if I could.”

“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’d never thought of that as a trait I’d find attractive in a woman, but there was something about her, knowing that no matter who came up against her, she’d never back down easily. It made me wonder, just for a moment, what she was like in submission.

This answer, the biggest piece of who I was, mattered to her. And that, in turn, mattered to me.

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

Never fully in one place, never fully settled anywhere. And I hate that she suffers the consequence of my choices because I can’t give her the thing I want.

Greer turned, mouth gently hanging in shock. “Did you just … mark your territory?” she whispered, a gleeful smile curving her lips. I clenched my jaw. “No.”

“Touch her and I’ll break every fucking bone in your hand,”

When he took a few steps closer, I saw the fire roaring in his gaze. “I’m here to get my wife.”