The Fake Wife

Home

Jake

"Is this our home?"

"No, that's my home, Alison." She stared at me, confused. "That's where I grew up, my family home."

We were currently outside my parents' house to collect the children. My mum wanted to bring the children to wait for us at the house, but I could not let that happen. Matt's team needed time to set the cameras in place, and somehow, I knew Mrs Nora Stewart would disapprove of my plan.

Mum was pretty taken by Alison in a way she never was with Gracie. My mother always wanted to have a daughter, and as it never happened, she would be happy to settle for a daughter-in-law. Gracie never filled that sweet spot in her heart when we dated. She always said it was Mother's intuition.

The butler opened the door and welcomed us inside. Alison looked everywhere, taking everything in like a little lost pup with a bright smile. She liked what she saw, and what was not to like? The place was amazing and huge. I loved growing up there. There were so many things to do and places to hide while playing.

"This place is beautiful, my love." Her eyes locked on mine, and she beamed like Tommy.

"Sure, it is! Olly and I had a happy childhood here. We have wonderful memories of this place from when we were kids."

Her eyes lost the sparkle when I said that. She might have no memory left, but deep inside, she must feel the void. I felt sorry for her. Alison must have had a crappy childhood. I cannot even imagine what it is like being abandoned at somebody's door by your parents. Gracie abandoned the boys, but at least they have me and the family. She has no one.

"Olly? Your brother Oliver, right?"

"Yes. You will meet him today. He slept here last night." Or should I tell her he had been sleeping for the past three days to do everything Mother wanted at the house to welcome her?

"Daddyyyyyy!!!!!"

Tommy came running and hugged my legs. Chuckling, I bent down to get him into my arms for a proper hug. Olly came right into my view carrying Jamie, with Mum trailing behind.

I watched Alison's actions. Tears streamed down her face, and when Jamie got closer, she asked Olly, "May I please hold him?"

Olly looked at me for permission, but Mum said in a tone there would be no argument there. "Let her carry the baby, Oliver."

Alison smelled Jamie as soon as she grabbed him. She cleaned her tears and smiled at Tommy in my arms. "Hi Tommy, remember your mama?" Her question was full of emotion.

It had been almost 20 days since he last met her. He might remember her face but not her name. I was hoping he would not call her Alison. But if he did, that was her name. She would think he had learned to say it.

"Say hello to your mama, Tommy." My mother told Tommy, and he gave Alison the same smile from the day at the diner. He remembered her face. She had been nice to him before. They were friends, and he would welcome her into his life without a doubt.

We moved to the couch, and Tommy sat beside her. Alison moved the baby to her lap and secured her arm on Tommy's shoulder, pulling him closer to her body. She closed her eyes and sighed, content. For days, she asked me to bring her home. Now Alison was home, and I could see how relieved she appeared to be there.

Mum and Olly looked at me, and I rolled my eyes at them. I was not a time bomb that they had to keep watching, afraid it would explode.

"Hi Alison, welcome home. I am Olly, your only brother-in-law." Olly smirked. He was a lawyer, and the sarcasm lived in his body. If the children were not involved, I think he would volunteer to become her husband for the time being.