“I mean, as long as the ceremony isn’t legally binding and it’s just for show, I could help you out,” he says. “I know how important this wedding is for your company. You’ve worked too hard to see it disappear. Let me help you out.”

I understand what Raj is saying, but I have a hard time believing he’s serious.

“You’re saying you’d pretend to get married?” I clarify. “Like, put on a suit, say ‘I do,’ that kind of thing?”

“I mean, this sounds like a fancy wedding. I’d rent a tux, but yeah,” he says.

I stare at him over the bar. I swear I can feel my intestines sweating.

“Isn’t that too . . .” I search for the right word. “Nice? Grand? Insane?”

He straightens up and runs his hand through his hair again. His eyes lock with mine while he considers how to respond.

“How’s this,” he suggests finally. “I already have plans when I get off work in an hour, but how about you come with me? We’ll give this a try for real. It’ll be a date. If all goes well, then we can consider what comes next.”

“And here I was thinking the surprise party was the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me,” I say.

I don’t dare assume that anything good will come from our date tonight—for all I know, I could ruin this, too. And I don’t take Raj’s gesture lightly. The fact that he’d even offer his help to me after what’s happened between us is enormous. I want to make sure he truly feels comfortable going through with the wedding, if it comes to that. But for the first time in weeks, I have a plan that could potentially save Brooklyn Jewels. That’s enormously comforting. I lean across the bar to hug him, then pull back to give him another kiss. I stand up and collect my purse and jacket.

“What, where are you going?” he asks, looking confused.

“Heading home to get dressed,” I say, walking backward toward the door. “I have a date tonight.”

• Chapter 27 •