I try not to snort. He doesn’t watch the news—thinks it’s boring—and his family apparently hasn’t updated him about my new status. Maybe they disowned him. Wouldn’t that be great?

He continues, “I don’t know why you waste your time like this. Look, I’m happy to let it go if you’ll just see the light and change your mind about our—”

“Don’t hold your breath.” He’s dumber than I thought, bringing up the engagement when I still can’t find enough mind bleach to erase seeing him with my sister.

“There you are,” comes Sebastian’s voice from behind me. “Oh, hello, Preston.”

When he stops next to me, I put my arm around his waist. “What perfect timing.” I smile up at him.

He gives me a mildly curious look, but wraps an arm around my shoulders.

See? This is what you get when you’re with a smart man. He knows the role you’d like him to play without your having to spell it out. The fact that he’s willing to play along without some prior commitment to reciprocate warms my heart. So many people want something first before doing anything for me.

Preston’s brow knits as he takes in the tableau. “You guys are together?”

I triple the wattage of my smile. “Preston, have you met my husband, Sebastian Lasker?”

“What?” His shout rings in the wide-open space. “You can’t marry him!”

“I can’t? Oh, that’s too bad.” I tighten my hold on Sebastian, pressing my side against his. “’Cause I kinda already did.” I extend my left hand, so Preston can see my gorgeous Toi et Moi ring and the wedding band.

Sebastian flashes his as well. Man, we make a great team.

Preston blinks rapidly, his eyes fixed on our hardware. Finally, he jerks his head up, his face blotchy. “Why would you want him when you could have me?”

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I ask.

“I can see well enough to know those diamonds are tiny compared to the one I was going to give you!” He points at my finger.

I drop my gaze to his crotch for a second before lifting it back up. “His is both bigger and better than yours.”

Preston looks like he just got punched in the face by Mike Tyson. Sebastian shakes against me in silent laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Preston snarls.

“You.” Sebastian lets the laugh out. “You’re third-rate comedy, but at least you’re entertaining.” He wipes tears from his eyes.

Preston turns to me. “You bitch! It’s all your fault he’s mocking me!”

Sebastian steps forward, pulling away from my arm around his waist, as the mirth melts from his face. “Watch your tone if you want to keep your teeth. Nobody talks to my wife with disrespect.”

I pat his back a few times, to let him know it isn’t necessary for him to react like this. Part of me is flattered and moved that he’s defending me, but another part feels a bit unworthy of his protection because… Well, I did force him to marry me.

Preston slashes the air with his arm. “She’s my fiancée!”

“She was. You call my wife your fiancée again, and I’ll break your face.”