The Singles Table (Marriage Game #3)(98)

Third, his reduced hours meant he had more time to look after little Zayn so his mother could focus on being the best lawyer and community theater star she could be. She was trying out for Maria in West Side Story, and going by the beautiful lullabies she sang every night, he was sure she’d get the part.

He looked down at his son sleeping in the baby carrier against his chest. Almost four months old, he was too heavy for his mom, so now baby carrier outings were Jay’s responsibility. Not that he found it a chore. He would have carried Zayn around all day if Zara would have let him, but their house was constantly full of relatives desperate to hold him. Little Zayn had even brought Zara and her mother together and they’d all spent many evenings and weekends talking through the issues that had driven them apart.

Finally, giving up his CEO duties meant Jay could be on the paintball field for another of Zara’s cousins’ bachelor-bachelorette parties, and this time he was out for revenge.

“I’m heeeeeeere.” Zara came running through the field to the practice range. Dressed in camo, her hair tied back in a ponytail, she was even more beautiful now than the first day they’d met.

“The cake is in the fridge. Food platters are ready. I got a job offer from Lucia and I turned her down. There’s extra milk in the car for Zayn—”

“Whoa. Back up.” Jay held up a warning hand. “What do you mean you got a job offer from Lucia?”

“She heard that my class action suit settled and saw my interviews in the news. She said I was still the kind of lawyer she was looking for. She offered me a good salary and access to her celebrity clients. She said she could make me an entertainment-law star.”

“It’s what you always dreamed about.”

She pressed a kiss to his cheek and one to Zayn’s head. “I have everything I need right here. And I’m not planning to leave Cruz & Lovitt anytime soon. They’re my people. They gave me a chance. They believed in me. And they’re quirkier than I am. They’re also willing to listen to my ideas to expand the firm and make it a little less . . . tiger.” She gave a little roar and mocked a scratching claw.

“Method acting?”

“I learned from the best.” She grinned. “Bob was so happy with the settlement, he gave me a few lessons. He was rehired for Day of the Night of the Evening of the Revenge of the Bride of the Son of the Terror of the Return of the Attack of the Alien, Mutant, Evil, Hellbound, Flesh-Eating, Rotting Corpse Living Dead Parts 7 and 8: In Shocking 4-D and he got a part in Zombies in Paradise 6: Return of the Day of the Night of the Living Undead Dancing Mutant Zombie Chicken-Loving Strippers: In Glorious 4-D. He’s huge now, and he’s referred all sorts of celebrities to me. And this morning . . .” She bounced up and down in excitement. “I got a call from Chad Wandsworth! He still had my card from the day I spilled a milkshake all over my boobs. Can you believe that?”

Jay could indeed believe it, and he didn’t like the idea of the Man of the Year staring at a card and thinking about his wife’s breasts. “I hope you told him to get lost.”

“Darling, your possessive side is showing, and I have to say it turns me on.”

“Not in front of the baby.” He put his hands over Zayn’s ears to shield him from Zara’s naughty talking.

They walked over to the practice range and Zara zipped up her coveralls. “Why are you wearing camo?” she asked.

“You didn’t think I’d come to a paintball field and not play? I asked to be put on your team.”

“Not with a baby, you’re not.”

Jay laughed. “Your mom is just parking the car. She’s going to take him for the afternoon. I couldn’t give up a chance to get my revenge for the last time we played at a bachelor-bachelorette party. Someone is getting shot in the ass today and it isn’t going to be me.”

Zara leaned up to kiss him. “That was a fun time.”

“It was the best time.” He pulled her close so he had his entire family in his arms. “It was the day I met you.”





Acknowledgments


Writing this book during a global pandemic was a challenge. Some days it was hard to be funny. You can only watch so many videos of cats and cucumbers before your laughter becomes a snicker becomes a sigh. If not for all the people in my life who supported me and bought me treats, I might still be watching those videos today.

My mom, dad, and siblings, who encouraged me to tell endless stories on long car trips as a source of free entertainment. Gee, thanks.

Sarah B. and Alice, my childhood friends who are always the first to like my social media posts no matter how self-aggrandizing they are. You guys rock!

Anne, my rock and good friend, who makes me run up mountains both physical and metaphorical without a GPS.

My editor, Kristine Swartz, for her insight, wisdom, and constant inspiration in the department of delicious baked treats. And the entire team at Berkley—Brittanie, Jessica, Lindsey, Randie, and many more—who designed such a beautiful cover, helped me polish the story, and launched it into the world with all the fanfare an author could want.

My agent, Laura Bradford, who excels at soothing savage beasts, aka authors in a panic, and telling them all the nice things they want to hear.

My husband and children, who have learned how to forage for food and clean clothes and how to entertain themselves because MOMMY IS WORKING. All very useful skills in the event of a zombie apocalypse.