Make-Believe Husband

by Vivi Holt

  A car pulled up to the curb outside and she raced from the bathroom to look out the front window of Brad’s apartment. Jax’s SUV sat beside the curb.

  She put the lid back onto the lipstick, hunted for her purse, tossed the lipstick in and snapped it shut. The knock on the door set her heart pounding and she hurried to answer it.

  Brad had already gone out for the evening with some friends. She’d begged him to stay behind to help break the ice, but he’d laughed, telling her to be herself and relax. Easy for him to say – he was easygoing and fun and everyone liked him. She never knew what to say or when. That was fine when she thought Jax would never look at her twice, but now he’d find out what she was really like and …

  She swallowed hard, took a deep breath and opened the door.

  Jax smiled at her and the ball of anxiety in her chest dissolved. “Hey.”

  She grinned. “Hey yourself.”

  “You ready?”

  She nodded and pulled the door shut behind her, slipping on her coat and looping her purse strap over her shoulder. “Let’s go.” Jax offered his hand and she took it, winding her fingers through his. His hand was warm and it felt right. He let go to use his crutches, and she slipped her arm through his and nestled against his side as they walked. Her heart was full. “So where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.”

  She climbed into his truck and crossed her legs demurely. If she could get through the evening without snagging her stockings on anything, she’d deem the entire date a success. She laughed inwardly at herself and set her purse in her lap.

  “Had a nice day?” asked Jax.

  She nodded. “Relaxing. I actually slept in this morning. Exactly what I needed – work has been crazy lately.”

  “Good for you. I tried to sleep in, but ended up exercising instead.”

  “To each his own.” She smiled and stared out the window as evergreens flashed by. Traffic was light, and as evening fell lights came on in the houses they drove by. Inside the truck it was cozy and warm, while outside a frigid wind whipped branches and hurried leaves across the dry grass.

  When they pulled up to Jax’s security gate, she arched an eyebrow. “Did you forget something?”

  He shook his head. “Nope.”

  “We’re going to your house?” She frowned. “I could’ve stayed in my sweats.”

  Jax laughed, his smile beaming. “I’ll lend you some if you like.”

  “I might take you up on that.”

  Jax parked in the garage, took her hand and led her inside. The house was lit by candles, every surface gleaming and flickering. Rose petals decorated the floor in a trail to the dining room, and the table was set with fine china, crystal stemware, silverware and a magnificent centerpiece of greenery, candles and gold ribbons. A delicious aroma floated out to greet them, and soft music filled the silence.

  Stacey gasped, taking it in. “You did all this?”

  “I had some help.” A man in a black shirt and pants entered through the kitchen door and waved. “This is my friend Wallace.”

  “Hello.”

  “I’m your chef and server tonight,” said Wallace with a wink. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me. The first course will be out soon.” He disappeared again.

  Stacey smiled at Jax. “This is amazing.”

  He cupped her cheek. “I’m glad you like it.” He pulled out her chair

  She sat. There was so much to take in – so much love, thoughtfulness and care had gone into preparing this meal for her. It was nothing like she’d thought a date with Jax Green would be. She’d been prepared for paparazzi, curious onlookers, anxiety, an expensive check. This was none of those things – and everything she would’ve asked for if she’d stopped for a moment to dream.

  Jax sat beside her and they linked hands, leaning close to talk. He poured her a glass of sparkling water and she sipped it as he told a story of a time he and Brad went fishing and ended up with three eels, two sunburns and no fish. She laughed along with him, and it felt natural to be there.

  Soon Wallace re-entered with two plates of bruschetta with goat cheese, pancetta, olive oil and fresh herbs. He deposited one in front of Stacey with a smile, then one in front of Jax. It was delicious – and only the beginning. There was homemade tomato soup, kale Caesar salad, whole wheat pasta in Alfredo sauce, and for the entrée, pork loin stuffed with apples in a white wine reduction. Each course came out fresh and hot and each was as mouth-watering as the one before it.

  Finally, after dessert – pumpkin swirl cheesecake – she and Jax moved to the couch, where she snuggled against him and he wrapped his arms around her. They talked and laughed for hours, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It was the only place she could imagine staying for the rest of her life.

  She couldn’t have imagined a more perfect first date.

  Jax shifted away from her and stood unsteadily to his feet, then took her hand and pulled her up to meet him. As he caught her, his lips found hers, and his now-familiar taste sent her head spinning and her pulse racing. He smiled and tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’m so glad you pretended to be my wife.”

  She laughed. “Who would’ve thought a fake marriage would turn out to be something so real?”

  “I know you think I didn’t see you, the real you, for many years,” he told her. “But I see you now. And I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “What …?”

  He smiled, then lowered himself carefully onto his right knee, his boot resting on the ground. He took her hand as her eyes blurred with tears. “Stacey, I know we haven’t been together long, and maybe you think this is too soon. But I’ve known and loved you most of my life, even when I didn’t realize it. I know how I feel about you and I also know that will never change. I want to spend our lives together, build a family together. Will you marry me?”

  Stacey sobbed, tears pouring down her cheeks. She sniffled, wiped her face with the sleeve of her pashmina, then finally cried, “Yes!”

  The following June …

  Jax adjusted his tie and stared at his own reflection. This was it, the big day. He’d been dreaming about this for months and now it was here. The butterflies in his stomach felt huge.

  “You ready, bud?” asked Brad, slapping Jax on the shoulder.

  “As I’ll ever be.” He followed Brad through the narrow wooden door into Bethel’s sanctuary. Brad went out the back of the church, through which shone a beam of brilliant sunshine, while Jax stayed up by the altar.

  People crowded the pews and even stood in the empty space at the back of the church. Flowers lined the center aisle. Soft piano music played under the hum of conversation. There were so many people, but he just wanted to see Stacey, hold her, spend his life with her. All those eyes on him made him sweat.

  When the music changed, Jax looked up and saw June walking up the aisle first, her blonde hair in soft curls around her face as she smiled. She wore a blue dress with a silver shrug. She winked at him and he felt the tension in his shoulders loosen.

  Then came Stacey in white, beneath a soft lacy veil, her hand resting on Brad’s arm. He couldn’t see her face, but his heart still shifted into overdrive. She was beautiful. He linked his hands in front of him as his heart leaped and the tension left his body with one slow exhale. He smiled as Brad gave him Stacey’s hand and he took the opportunity to slip her veil back from her face. “You’re stunning,” he whispered.

  She blushed and her smile widened.

  Kevin Murdoch had been promoted to senior pastor at Bethel. He’d only been in the role for three months, but was young and vibrant and preached passionate messages. Jax enjoyed his teaching and the two were building a friendship. It only made sense he’d be the one to marry them. He said the vows first, they repeated them, and soon they were married.

  Jax faced Stacey, his heart full of love and his eyes o
n hers. He kissed her and the building full of people erupted in applause and cheers. The kiss burned with passion and he longed for more even as he pulled away. “I’m looking forward to many kisses like that,” he whispered against her cheek.

  She chuckled. “Oh, just you wait. There are plenty where that came from.”

  That September …

  Stacey took a bite of hot dog and scanned the field. Jax was on the sideline, the defense was playing and the clock was counting down. The Rams were leading the Falcons 27-24 in the season opener, but with five minutes on the clock anything was possible.

  “So how do you like Georgia Tech?” asked Brad as he took another bite of his hot dog.

  She swallowed. “Intimidating, but fun. I got a little rusty from all those years out of school. Still, it’s good to be back.”

  “You’re finally going to become an engineer.” He grinned.

  She nodded. “I can’t wait.”

  “Momma says she wants to visit Atlanta for Thanksgiving this year, so I thought I might come down too.”

  Stacey’s eyes widened. “Really? That would be great. She still doing better?”

  “She’s doing so much better – sober for almost six months now. She’s even started dating an accountant from church.” Brad’s eyebrows arched for emphasis.

  Stacey laughed. “Wow. That’s amazing.”

  “She’s looking better too – healthy, filled out some.”

  Her heart filled with joy. It had been hard to watch Momma go through withdrawal, fall off the wagon, then climb right back on again. When she and Jax married and moved to Atlanta, she’d had to say goodbye and leave it all in God’s hands. It was good to finally see progress. It warmed her heart to think that Momma might one day be as happy as she was.

  Her attention returned to the field. The Falcons were running out of time, but Jax had yet to play. It was his first game back since his injury. Stacey bit her lip and stole another glance at the clock, her heart racing. 2:25 to go

  After the Rams punted and a short Falcons return, the offense came on the field, including Jax. She stood in her seat and pumped her fist. “Woo-hoo!” He couldn’t hear her, of course – not with 70,000 other fans shouting – but she was so excited. Her husband was a running back for the Atlanta Falcons and she couldn’t be more proud. Proud of him for being there, for fighting his way back from a debilitating injury, for never giving up. He amazed her.

  The team huddled, then took their places. Matt Ryan received the hike, took a five-step drop and scanned the field. Jax was boxed in by a linebacker, but cut around him toward the right sideline and sprinted downfield. Ryan spotted him and let fly.

  When Jax caught the ball, the entire crowd erupted, a sound like a thunderstorm. Stacey jumped up and down, chanting Jax’s name along with the crowd. He crossed the goal line untouched for a 68-yard touchdown reception, and she squealed in delight, kissing Brad on the cheek and handing him the remainder of her hot dog. “I’ve got to go see Jax!” she shouted over her shoulder as she ran.

  By the time she reached the entrance to the home locker room, the game was done – a 31-27 Falcons win. Jax found her and wrapped her in his arms, then twirled her in a circle. “That was amazing – you did it!” she cried, burying her face into his neck. “I’m so proud of you.”

  He laughed and kissed her hard on the lips. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I can’t believe it. It’s still so unreal.”

  “They’ll be talking about that touchdown for years,” she said.

  He grinned. “I’m just glad you’re here to share it with me. I couldn’t have done it without you. You kept me going – when I thought it was too hard, you helped me stay strong. Thank you, my beautiful wife.”

  Stacey Green’s heart leaped with joy. She smiled and squeezed him tight, resting her cheek against his thick chest. “Where else in the world would I be but right here with you?”

  THE BILLIONAIRE’S EMAIL-ORDER DATE

  Keep reading for an excerpt from the Christmas romance, The Billionaire’s Email-Order Date. Or buy it now.

  CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE SWEET ROMANCE?

  Read on for an excerpt from the first book in another sweet romance series by the same author, Dalton. Or buy it now.

  Coming soon…

  Releasing January 2019

  MAKE-BELIEVE PROPOSAL

  Jax Green’s sister June gets her story. The nanny and the billionaire. Don’t miss it!s

  To be notified when this book is released, join

  Vivi’s VIP Reader’s Club.

  You’ll also get a free book!

  Want more?

  SERIES READING ORDER

  Make-Believe Fiancé

  Make-Believe Wedding

  Make-Believe Honeymoon

  Make-Believe Husband

  REVIEW

  If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review where you bought it. Reviews help other readers discover my books, which in turn enables me to write another. Thank you! - Vivi Holt

  Excerpt: The Billionaire’s Email-Order Date

  A Christmas Romance

  Chapter One

  December 18th

  The top of the Christmas tree folded under the weight of the star, sagging against its own thin trunk. The pine needles rustled as the full skirt of Kate Grant’s dress pushed against them. She reached up again and pushed the star into place. Once again, it deflated, then it fell from the tip of the tree and landed with a thud on her big toe, one of the sharp points leaving a mark on her flesh.

  “Ouch!” she cried then lifted her foot to cradle it between her hands. She hopped about in a circle, her eyes squeezed shut, then aimed for the couch where she slumped down with a sigh. This was even worse than she’d predicted.

  She’d called last year’s tree a Charlie Brown tree, but it had nothing on this year’s. She’d bought it last minute from the reject pile at Branson’s tree yard down the block. It was the one tree no one else wanted, and she’d felt a kinship with it that went beyond words. That was, until she had to lug it up the two flights of stairs to her apartment. And now, when she’d attempted to complete her sparse decorations with the star handed down to her from her grandmother—and the tree all but rejected the ornament—she decided that the connection had been lost and it was nothing but a pitiful tree that she should’ve left on the lot with the other rejects.

  She frowned and regarded the room. The apartment was quiet without her roommate, Shanice Gold. Shanice had flown back to Chicago the day before to spend the holidays with her family, leaving Kate alone. Again.

  It wasn’t as though it was anything new. She’d spent many a Christmas on her own, but for some reason, this year it stung a little more than it had before.

  She sighed, letting her eyes drift shut. Just then, her cell phone rang, and her lids flew back open. She reached for the phone and pressed it to her ear, still slouched on the sofa, her dress splayed out around her legs.

  “Hello?”

  “Kate, it’s Shanice.”

  “Hi, Shan. How’d the flight go?”

  “It was fine. It’s cold up here! Phew!”

  “I’ll bet. Were your parents happy to see you?”

  Shanice chuckled. “They were so excited and surprised that I came early.”

  “That was a nice thing you did.”

  “You know, I really think you should reconsider my offer. Come up here, spend the holidays with my family. They don’t mind, honestly. I already spoke to Mom about it, and she’s happy for you to come.”

  Kate’s lips pursed. As much as she loved Shanice’s family, the idea of imposing on someone else’s Christmas didn’t appeal to her. Their invitation was kind, but she knew she’d just be in the way. Holidays were for families, and if you were one of the unlucky ones without a family, you just had to try and make it through on your own. It was the way things were and had been ever since her parents’ accident six years earlier.

  Kate shook her head. “I don’t want to impose�
�”

  “Nonsense. I want you to come. I can’t bear the idea of you sitting in our apartment with that poor excuse for a tree on your own. Please think about it.”

  She eyed the quiet living room, the sagging tree, the fridge she knew held nothing but some sliced turkey, a bag of bread rolls from the local bakery, a tomato, and a cucumber along with a carton of almost-gone milk.

  “Well…if you don’t think I’d be in the way.”

  Shanice’s voice bubbled with triumph. “Not at all. I’m really looking forward to having you here, and you can help me fend off the ex-boyfriend.”

  Kate laughed. “I’m not entirely convinced you want to fend him off.”

  “Please, girl, that ship has sailed. I’m not going back… If he wanted to marry me, he would’ve put a ring on my finger years ago.”

  Kate could almost hear the sway of Shanice’s head, picture the proud look on her friend’s pretty face as she flared her nostrils the way she did whenever the subject of the nameless ex-boyfriend came up. He was forever the one who got away, though Shanice always made it seem as though she’d left him. Kate knew the real story and how much her roommate’s heart had suffered.

  “Okay, well, since you need help with the ex, I guess I’ll just have to come.”

  “Wonderful!” cried Shanice. “And I have just the guy for you to meet.”

  Kate sighed, and her eyes rolled. “Seriously? Come on, I don’t want to be set up at Christmas with some guy I’ve never met before. And by the way, I know he must be sloppy seconds or you’d be all over him.”