Faking Forever (First Wives Book 4) Read online

  Praise for Catherine Bybee

  Wife by Wednesday

  “A fun and sizzling romance, great characters that trade verbal spars like fist punches, and the dream of your own royal wedding!”

  —Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Stars

  “A good holiday, fireside or bedtime story.”

  —Manic Reviews, 4½ Stars

  “A great story that I hope is the start of a new series.”

  —The Romance Studio, 4½ Hearts

  Married by Monday

  “If I hadn’t already added Ms. Catherine Bybee to my list of favorite authors, after reading this book I would have been compelled to. This is a book nobody should miss, because the magic it contains is awesome.”

  —Booked Up Reviews, 5 Stars

  “Ms. Bybee writes authentic situations and expresses the good and the bad in such an equal way . . . Keeps the reader on the edge of her seat.”

  —Reading Between the Wines, 5 Stars

  “Married by Monday was a refreshing read and one I couldn’t possibly put down.”

  —The Romance Studio, 4½ Hearts

  Fiancé by Friday

  “Bybee knows exactly how to keep readers happy . . . A thrilling pursuit and enough passion to stuff in your back pocket to last for the next few lifetimes . . . The hero and heroine come to life with each flip of the page and will linger long after readers cross the finish line.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick (Hot)

  “A tale full of danger and sexual tension . . . the intriguing characters add emotional depth, ensuring readers will race to the perfectly fitting finish.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “Suspense, survival, and chemistry mix in this scintillating read.”

  —Booklist

  “Hot romance, a mystery assassin, British royalty, and an alpha Marine . . . this story has it all!”

  —Harlequin Junkie

  Single by Saturday

  “Captures readers’ hearts and keeps them glued to the pages until the fascinating finish . . . romance lovers will feel the sparks fly . . . almost instantaneously.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick

  “[A] wonderfully exciting plot, lots of desire, and some sassy attitude thrown in for good measure!”

  —Harlequin Junkie

  Taken by Tuesday

  “[Bybee] knows exactly how to get bookworms sucked into the perfect storyline; then she casts her spell upon them so they don’t escape until they reach the ‘Holy Cow!’ ending.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick

  Seduced by Sunday

  “You simply can’t miss [this novel]. It contains everything a romance reader loves—clever dialogue, three-dimensional characters, and just the right amount of steam to go with that heartwarming love story.”

  —Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author

  “Bybee hits the mark . . . providing readers with a smart, sophisticated romance between a spirited heroine and a prim hero . . . Passionate and intelligent characters [are] at the heart of this entertaining read.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  Treasured by Thursday

  “The Weekday Brides never disappoint and this final installment is by far Bybee’s best work to date.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick

  “An exquisitely written and complex story brimming with pride, passion, and pulse-pounding danger . . . Readers will gladly make time to savor this winning finale to a wonderful series.”

  —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

  “Bybee concludes her popular Weekday Brides series in a gratifying way with a passionate, troubled couple who may find a happy future if they can just survive and then learn to trust each other. A compelling and entertaining mix of sexy, complicated romance and menacing suspense.”

  —Kirkus Reviews

  Not Quite Dating

  “It’s refreshing to read about a man who isn’t afraid to fall in love . . . [Jack and Jessie] fit together as a couple and as a family.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 3 Stars (Hot)

  “Not Quite Dating offers a sweet and satisfying Cinderella fantasy that will keep you smiling long after you’ve finished reading.”

  —Kathy Altman, USA Today, “Happy Ever After”

  “The perfect rags to riches romance . . . The dialogue is inventive and witty, the characters are well drawn out. The storyline is superb and really shines . . . I highly recommend this stand out romance! Catherine Bybee is an automatic buy for me.”

  —Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Hearts

  Not Quite Enough

  “Bybee’s gift for creating unforgettable romances cannot be ignored. The third book in the Not Quite series will sweep readers away to a paradise, and they will be intrigued by the thrilling story that accompanies their literary vacation.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4½ Stars, Top Pick

  Not Quite Forever

  “Full of classic Bybee humor, steamy romance, and enough plot twists and turns to keep readers entertained all the way to the very last page.”

  —Tracy Brogan, bestselling author of the Bell Harbor series

  “Magnetic . . . The love scenes are sizzling and the multi-dimensional characters make this a page-turner. Readers will look for earlier installments and eagerly anticipate new ones.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  Not Quite Perfect

  “This novel flows extremely well and readers will find themselves consuming the witty dialogue and strong imagery in one sitting.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Don’t let the title fool you. Not Quite Perfect was actually the perfect story to sweep you away and take you on a pleasant adventure. So sit back, relax, maybe pour a glass of wine, and let Catherine Bybee entertain you with Glen and Mary’s playful East Coast–West Coast romance. You won’t regret it for a moment.”

  —Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Stars

  Not Quite Crazy

  “This fast-paced story features credible characters whose appealing relationship is built upon friendship, mutual respect, and sizzling chemistry.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “The plot is filled with twists and turns, but instead of feeling like a never-ending roller coaster, the story maintains a quiet flow. The slow buildup of a romance allows readers to get to know the main characters as individuals and makes the romantic element more organic.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  Doing It Over

  “The romance between fiercely independent Melanie and charming Wyatt heats up even as outsiders threaten to derail their newfound happiness. This novel will hook readers with its warm, inviting characters and the promise for similar future installments.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “This brand-new trilogy, Most Likely To, based on yearbook superlatives, kicks off with a novel that will encourage you to root for the incredibly likable Melanie. Her friends are hilarious and readers will swoon over Wyatt, who is charming and strong. Even Melanie’s daughter, Hope, is a hoot! This romance is jam-packed with animated characters, and Bybee displays her creative writing talent wonderfully.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

  “With a dialogue full of energy and depth, and a twisting storyline that captured my attention, I would say that Doing It Over was a great way to start off a new series. (And look at that gorgeous book cover!) I can’t wait to visit River Bend again and see who else gets to find their HEA.”

  —Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Stars

  Staying For Good

  “Bybee’s skillfully crafted second Most Likely To contemporary (after Doing It Over) brings together former sweethearts who hav
e not forgotten each other in the 11 years since high school. A cast of multidimensional characters brings the story to life and promises enticing future installments.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “Romance fans will be sure to cheer on former high school sweethearts Zoe and Luke right away in Staying For Good. Just wait until you see what passion, laughter, reconciliations, and mischief (can you say Vegas?) awaits readers this time around. Highly recommended.”

  —Harlequin Junkie, 4½ Stars

  Making It Right

  “Intense suspense heightens the scorching romance at the heart of Bybee’s outstanding third Most Likely To contemporary (after Staying For Good). Sizzling sensual scenes are coupled with scary suspense in this winning novel.”

  —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

  Fool Me Once

  “A marvelous portrait of friendship among women who have been bonded by fire.”

  —Library Journal, Best of the Year 2017

  “Bybee still delivers a story that her die-hard readers will enjoy.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  Half Empty

  “Wade and Trina here in Half Empty just might be one of my favorite couples Catherine Bybee has gifted us fans with so far. Captivating, engaging, lively and dreamy, I simply could not get enough of this book.”

  —Harlequin Junkie, 5 stars

  “Part rock star romance, part romantic thriller, I really enjoyed this book.”

  —Romance Reader

  Also by Catherine Bybee

  Contemporary Romance

  Weekday Brides Series

  Wife by Wednesday

  Married by Monday

  Fiancé by Friday

  Single by Saturday

  Taken by Tuesday

  Seduced by Sunday

  Treasured by Thursday

  Not Quite Series

  Not Quite Dating

  Not Quite Mine

  Not Quite Enough

  Not Quite Forever

  Not Quite Perfect

  Not Quite Crazy

  Most Likely To Series

  Doing It Over

  Staying For Good

  Making It Right

  First Wives Series

  Fool Me Once

  Half Empty

  Chasing Shadows

  Paranormal Romance

  MacCoinnich Time Travels

  Binding Vows

  Silent Vows

  Redeeming Vows

  Highland Shifter

  Highland Protector

  The Ritter Werewolves Series

  Before the Moon Rises

  Embracing the Wolf

  Novellas

  Soul Mate

  Possessive

  Erotica

  Kilt Worthy

  Kilt-A-Licious

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Text copyright © 2019 by Catherine Bybee

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Montlake Romance, Seattle

  www.apub.com

  Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Montlake Romance are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

  ISBN-13: 9781503905221

  ISBN-10: 1503905225

  Cover design by Letitia Hasser

  Cover photography by The Belief Agency

  To Kayce and Libby

  Tulum will never be the same

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  “I’m going to have a baby.” Stunned silence met Shannon’s announcement.

  The First Wives, as they called their tiny club, consisted of four women, three of which were now married for the second time, and Shannon.

  “You’re pregnant?” Avery, the hostess, asked.

  Shannon quickly shook her head and set her wine aside. “Not yet. But I made my decision. I’m giving myself six months to do this the natural way. If that doesn’t work, I’ll schedule an appointment with a fertility clinic.”

  Shannon had hinted at her desire to become a mother several months before, but with Avery and Trina still in the honeymoon stages of their marriages, Shannon didn’t want to take away from their recent marital bliss and put the spotlight on herself. In fact, it wasn’t in Shannon’s nature to stand in the spotlight at all.

  Lori, the lady lawyer who had founded the group of First Wives, regarded her with a narrowing of the eyes. “Do we have a baby daddy in mind?”

  Shannon offered a placating smile. “If there was someone, you’d all know about it.”

  “You’re going to have sex with a stranger.” It wasn’t a question.

  Shannon glanced down at her slim frame. The last time she’d had sex, it was with her ex-husband . . . and he ended up being the biggest stranger of all. “We’ve all had sex with someone we didn’t know at one time in our lives or another.”

  Avery sat taller. “I might need something stronger than wine for this conversation.”

  Shannon waved Avery off before she broke out the hard liquor. “I’m only telling you guys so you’re not surprised when it happens. I want a baby. I’m not getting any younger. I have the means to support another person . . .” Her list of reasons to go through with her plan sounded off from her lips like a chant.

  “When was the last time you kissed someone?” Avery was the free thinker of the group, but even she was surprisingly against Shannon’s idea of conceiving a child from a one-night stand.

  Shannon considered her question and knew that her answer would open a negative stream of conversation. “I know how to kiss, Avery.”

  Three sets of eyes questioned her.

  “It’s been a long time,” she finally admitted.

  “And when are you planning on getting knocked up?” Avery asked.

  “I’ve been monitoring my ovulation—”

  “This is a stupid idea!” Avery jumped up and moved to her kitchen.

  Shannon watched as her friend found the tequila she’d threatened to break out.

  “I think what Avery is trying to say is . . . Have you thought this out completely?” Trina asked with a smile.

  “I’ve thought about getting pregnant more than I ever thought about not getting pregnant.” She turned her stare away from Avery. “I don’t want to miss out on the experience of being a mom, with all the good and the bad that comes with it, just because I don’t have a man in my life.”

  “Why not see a fertility doctor? Wouldn’t that be safer?” Trina slid a little closer on the couch.

  “Probably. It would also be sterile. Reading sperm donor profiles and picking a father for my chil
d by a list of attributes or checking boxes on an application makes me cringe.”

  “You’d at least know if the guy behind the sperm is healthy or smart.” Avery stood pouring tequila into tiny shot glasses.

  “What self-respecting college kid, and that’s probably who ends up in sperm banks, is going to say he’s struggling through his first year of general education? Not to mention choosing a daddy from a height, weight, and eye color chart makes me feel like I’m picking a breeder for a puppy.”

  “Still safer.” Avery walked over with the shots.

  “I want the father of my baby to be kind and witty enough to make me want to sleep with him. I know you don’t approve, Avery, but try and see this from my perspective. I could go to a clinic and get pregnant next month . . . or at least attempt to. Or I can find a perfectly willing candidate and have a night to remember. Don’t tell me for a minute that you’d pick the former.”

  All eyes moved to the youngest member of their club. Before Avery settled down, she was the one always talking about her endless prowess.

  Avery’s scowl softened. “When do you plan on finding this baby daddy?”

  “I’m shooting a wedding next month in Tulum. The bride’s family is putting me up in a hotel for a couple of days, and then after that’s over, I’m moving up the beach to continue my stay. According to my calculations, I should be ovulating by the following weekend.”

  “Plenty of time to scout out the right guy,” Lori said.

  “That’s what I thought. It’s away from here; chances are no one will recognize me. The wedding guests will all be long gone. There are a lot of expats living in that part of Mexico. Flirting bartenders.”

  “Bartenders are a good choice,” Trina said.

  Shannon leaned forward. “I almost went there in Colorado at the Peterson wedding. The guy I met was working the bar. Way too young, but that didn’t seem to stop him from hitting on me.”

  “What happened?” Trina asked.

  “I chickened out.” There was no other way to explain it. “But I considered it. I took it as a sign and extended my stay in Tulum. Even if it doesn’t work out, I’m making steps in the right direction to move forward with my plan.”

  “I think someone working a beach bar in a foreign country is ideal,” Lori said. “Every bartender I’ve known plays around a lot. Most don’t want more than a night or two. You can talk to them without commitment, make sure they’re not batshit crazy. Keep your real name out of it.”