Page 46 of Penny & Royce

“Maybe we should keep this a secret for at least a little while until we can test the waters.”

Royce studied her. He didn’t love the idea. Not because he wanted to parade her around like some prize he’d won, butbecause secrets had already caused enough damage between them.

“I don’t want to hide you,” he said.

Her gaze softened slightly. “I know.”

“And I don’t want another secret to hurt you.”

“It wouldn’t be the same kind of secret if we decide together. This is our lives. We’ll tell them, but we can wait till we’re ready.”

That was true.

It still sat uneasy in his chest.

“I don’t want to hide behind that for too long,” he said. “Not after I already kept my name from you.”

“Yeah,” she murmured, “you’re probably right. I don’t think my brothers care that much about your little feud with my cousins, but they would definitely think something’s wrong with me for making such a rash decision. What if we ‘dated’ for a while before admitting we’re married? After you figure out how to break it to your siblings.”

Royce leaned back slightly, trying to think it through instead of reacting from the gut. “I don’t love the idea of lying.”

Her brows rose.

“I know,” he said. “Coming from me, that’s rich.”

“At least you said it before I did.”

He gave her a sheepish look. “I deserved that.”

“You did.”

“But maybe there’s a difference between hiding the truth and keeping something private until we’re ready to share it.”

Penny nodded slowly. “That’s what I mean.”

“Then we set a time limit,” he said. “We don’t leave it open-ended.”

Her eyes searched his. “What kind of time limit?”

“Until after Jason’s wedding?” he suggested. “That gives us a little time to figure out my family and keeps from turning your brother’s wedding into a family war.”

“That’s probably wise,” she murmured.

“I’ll just tell my brothers I’m looking for a place to stay on my own. My house is crowded enough as it is. They don’t have to know where I’m staying right away.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And honestly, with Lincoln and me, an argument might happen whether I plan one or not.”

Penny was chewing on her lip again as she heard him out, but eventually, she nodded. “You take care of your family, and I’ll take care of mine. We’ll figure out the rest together.”

“Good,” he said, his voice softening, “because after losing you for a couple hours today, I don’t think I can handle losing you again.” He leaned forward and kissed her brow. When he pulled back, she was staring at him with a sparkle in her eyes—one that made him believe in miracles. “Ready?”

11

PENNY

Ready?

That was the ultimate question, wasn’t it?

As Penny stared at the Vegas chapel, she knew there was no going back after she took this step. More than anything, she knew in her heart of hearts that she wasn’t going to want a divorce. She didn’t take marriage lightly.