Husband Material (London Calling, #2)

by Alexis Hall

Liz leaned forward from the very back seat. “How about we get on the road? It might help you feel better. And your youth and hope might come flooding back to you.” “Hang on”—James Royce-Royce started bundling and strapping—“got to get Baby J settled again.” I thunked my head gently against the dashboard. “We are kind of on a clock here, James.” “Fine. I’ll just leave my child untethered so he flies through the windscreen the first time we brake suddenly.” “I think it’s more,” I tried, “that emergency marriage rescue and baby aren’t completely compatible?” I’d mostly meant that we should prioritise helping Bridge because she was the one having a crisis, but now everyone was staring at me like I’d taken the last After Eight mint without even apologising. “Luc,” said Bridget, definitely not crying now. “That’s an awful thing to say.” “It’s your fiancé we’re looking for,” I pointed out. “But not without Baby J.” Bridget sat back with her arms folded. “He’s part of the group now.” “I just thought it would be more efficient if we—” James Royce-Royce glared at me. “If we what? Left my child alone in an empty flat with a kitchen knife and a box of matches? Or am I not welcome amongst you now that I’m a father?” “Of course you’re welcome, James,” I tried, “I just… It’s only—” The truck lurched into gear and Priya eased us out into the road. “Drop it, Luc. You sound like a prick.” I dropped it. Because if Priya was telling you that you sounded like a prick, it meant you’d gone way o...