Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 425

"Don't even think about it."

Cecilia revved up the engine.

"The first time I got hitched, there was no proposal, no wedding, just a piece of paper we signed, and that was under duress—no fond memories whatsoever. If I'm getting remarried, it's for keeps, and I'm taking it seriously. If you slip up on anything, I won't be walking down the aisle with you."

Cecilia’s firm words made Owen at a loss for words.

If he truly loved her, he couldn't let her down.

But they had already confirmed their relationship. They'd date for now, let the feelings deepen, and then tie the knot. There were still months before Christmas. Bringing her home before the holidays didn’t seem like a bad idea.

"Cecilia."

"Just spit it out."

Cecilia's eyes stayed glued to the road ahead, not even glancing in his direction.

Owen admired her profile, struck by her beauty—a classic case of profile perfection.

He was so preoccupied with looking at her that he found himself swallowing hard. He ached to kiss her, and maybe even more—to sweep her up in his arms and make her his in every way possible.

"What is it you want to say?"

Cecilia turned to give him a brief look before focusing back on the road.

Owen snapped back to reality, blurting out, "Cecilia, you're stunning! You match my dashing good looks. We're like a match made in heaven, a picture-perfect couple. With our genes, our kids are gonna be cute as buttons.

"Cecilia, I'm a bit greedy, I admit that. How about we go for a whole soccer team's worth of kids?"

Little did he know on a future day in the delivery room, he’d be so traumatized that he’d swear off having a second child.

"Owen, I get it, you're thick-skinned and love to toot your own horn. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've just started dating, and you're already thinking about having kids? What if, in the end, you end up marrying someone else?"

Ruby had turned herself in, and her sentence wouldn’t likely be long. Once she was released, she would certainly stir up trouble again.

And Megan had coaxed Olina back into her good graces. Although Olina couldn't dictate Owen's marital choices, she was his mother. With her meddling, who could guarantee there wouldn’t be a rekindling between Owen and Ruby?

Of course, Cecilia could also remarry into the Martinez family before Ruby's release.

"Unless you marry someone else, my wife will definitely be you. Cecilia, I've got a business dinner tonight, would you accompany me?"

"I’m no expert in your business dealings, so I won't be much help there."

Owen laughed, "I don't need your help. Just being there is enough for me."

"Since Lucinda's coming over to mind the store, and you're free, why don’t you come with me to the dinner? Lucinda always accompanies Stefan. You’ve never accompanied me before."

Cecilia couldn't help but smile, "Don't always compare yourself to Mr. Coleman."

It seemed like Owen compared everything to Stefan.

Owen pursed his lips, saying, "I can't help it. Ever since I met him, I've always been comparing myself to him subconsiously. It's been over two decades, and I can't break the habit. Otherwise, how would do you think we have become such arch enemies?"

Cecilia wanted to point out that they were not “arch enemies” now.