Page 161 of Spies Don’t Fall for Their Best Friend

Owen: I’m starting to understand why joining this family came with paperwork.

Evelyn: I am going to need everyone to stagger the weddings.

Miles: Mom, I proposed twenty minutes ago.

Evelyn: And I love you very much. Please stagger the weddings.

I stop being Dr. Dad long enough to stop Siri from reading my messages. Before I can even close out of my texting app, more have come in.

Owen: For the record, Charlie and I are very open to scheduling negotiations.

Charlie: We are?

Owen: No. I was trying to help your mother.

Reese: For the record, I have planned absolutely nothing yet.

Charlie: LIAR.

Reese: Okay, I have planned nothing that Miles has officially approved yet.

Miles: This is accurate.

Emerson: I’m betting Charlie has already created a spreadsheet for hers and Owen’s wedding.

Reese: I can confirm that she has.

I send my own text.

Blake: I’m muting this chat.

Charlie: YOU CAN’T MUTE LOVE, BLAKE.

Blake: Watch me.

Ledger: Careful, old man. At this rate you’re next.

Blake: No.

Charlie: FOURTH ENGAGEMENT COUNTDOWN BEGINS NOW.

Blake: Muted.

As soon as I send the text, I turn off my screen and put my phone face down on the bed. Blessed silence.

Heidi looks very happy about the Lancaster family news. I can almost see the little gears moving in her head right before she says, “Daddy?”

I shift my gaze from Bunny’s mouth to my daughter’s face.

“When are you gonna get married?”

“Someday.”

Her little nose wrinkles. “You always say someday.”

“Because it’s always true.”

“You said you’d find me a mom and you haven’t yet.”