“Beautiful.” Ruth took the bouquet from Nick. “They will make the table look so festive.”

He pulled her in for a quick one-armed hug and planted a kiss on her lips. “I’m glad you like them.” Letting go of her, he lifted his shopping bag from the floor and followed her to the table. “You still didn't tell me what the occasion is. Is it your cousin’s birthday or something?”

Avoiding Nick’s smart eyes, Ruth put the bouquet in the center of the dining table. “No, it’s not.” Searching her brain for a good excuse, she came away with nothing. “I’m trying to be more social, that’s all.” As if he were going to believe that.

Nick’s smile turned forced. “I see.” He put the shopping bag on the table and pulled out a bottle of Scotch. “Just in case, I got him a good whiskey. Macallan is a top brand. He is Scottish, right?”

“He was born in Scotland, yes. That’s very thoughtful of you. I’m sure Brundar is going to love it.”

“Good.” Reaching into the bag, Nick pulled out two bottles of wine. “Anything need cleaning?” he asked as he put them on the table.

“Only a few dishes in the sink.”

“I’m on it. Anything else?”

“No, I’m done. Everything is ready.”

“Then I suggest you take a break and get some rest. I’ll finish up here.”

“Thanks.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll grab a quick shower.”

Actually, Ruth was planning on taking a long one and not coming out until the doorbell rang.

Keeping herself in check and hiding her anxiety from Nick was draining, she wasn’t that good of an actress. And then there was the guilt. Reminding herself that there was no other choice wasn’t helping much.

The game plan was simple. Roni and Brundar were going to goad Nick into drinking excessively, then at some point slip a sleeping potion into one of his drinks. When he was out, Brundar was going to bite him.

Even though it was necessary, Ruth hated the deception.

Except, she preferred to live with the guilt of lying to Nick than the guilt of ruining his life and taking away his freedom.

The lie was a lesser evil.

Repeating that sentence throughout her shower and while doing her hair and getting dressed helped a little, so she kept the mantra going as she stood at the window and waited for her guests to arrive. She didn’t dare leave the bedroom until Sylvia’s car was parked in the driveway.

“Hi, Ruth.” Roni was the first at the door. “I got tequila and whiskey and vodka.” He lifted a liquor store shopping bag. “I didn’t know what Nick likes.”

“I’m not sure either.” When they were together, Nick mostly drank beer and usually no more than one. “I think he is a lightweight.”

“I’ll say.” Sylvia leaned in and kissed Ruth’s cheek. “Do you remember how drunk he was at Eva’s wedding?”

“How can I forget?” She’d kissed him for the first time that night.

“I, on the other hand, can’t remember a thing,” Nick said as he walked into the living room. “Except for the kiss, that is.” He wrapped his arm around Ruth’s shoulders. “That’s when Ruth and I finally started dating seriously.” He chuckled. “That sounds corny.”

She snuggled closer and lifted her face to plant a quick kiss on his jaw. “It sounds sweet.”

“I agree.” Sylvia followed Roni inside.

Ruth was about to close the door when Brundar’s car pulled up to the curb.

“My cousin is here.” She wrapped her arm around Nick’s trim waist. “He is a little odd, so don’t think it’s because of you. He’s like that with everyone.”

“Odd in what way?”

“You’ll see. Just don’t offer him your hand for a handshake.”

“Got it.”

As always, Nick was easy. No long explanations were needed, and no rebuttals were voiced. He just accepted things the way they were. Hopefully, this attitude would carry over to his post transition reaction.

“I must’ve been really drunk,” Nick said as Brundar got out of the car and walked to the other side to open the door for Callie. “The dude is not someone easily forgotten. What’s with the ponytail? Is he a rocker?”

Ruth chuckled. “Not as far as I know. I’d be surprised if he can carry a tune.”

“Good evening,” Brundar said as he and Callie approached. “I’m Brundar, and this is my mate Callie.”

“Hi,” Callie said with a small wave of her hand. “Nice to meet you, Nick.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Nick bowed his head instead of offering either one his hand. “Please, come in.”

He was being overly formal, which was a good bet when meeting new people. Apparently, Nick wasn’t as socially inept as he pretended to be. It seemed that his goofy, oddball character came out to play only with people he considered friends.

“I hear that you’re an awesome cook,” Callie said as they sat at the dining table.

“I’ve heard the same about you.”

The girl blushed. “It’s a hobby. I like trying new recipes. I was even thinking about opening a restaurant in the village.”

“In New York?” Nick asked.

“No, in Woodland Hills,” Callie said without batting an eyelash. “But the rent is too steep.”

The girl was quick on her toes.

“Running a commercial kitchen is not the same as cooking for fun. Did you ever work in a restaurant?” Ruth asked.

“I was a waitress, so I know exactly how crazy it can get in the kitchen.”

“Speaking of a kitchen, I’d better check on my beef cake. It should be just about ready.”

“I’ll help.” Sylvia jumped up before Nick could open his mouth.

“Do you mind if I join?” Callie asked. “I want to check out your cookware.”

“I’ll gladly show off my culinary toolkit.”

As the three of them ducked into the kitchen, Roni took charge. “I’m dying to taste this tequila. The guy at the liquor store said that this one is the best. You guys want to join me?”

In the kitchen, Ruth leaned against the counter, inhaled deeply, and then exhaled slowly through her mouth.

“It’s going to be okay, Mom.” Sylvia pulled her into her arms.

“Brundar is very gentle,” Callie whispered. “He only looks brutal.”

“I’m not worried about that. I just hate deceiving Nick, and I’m scared that it’s not going to work.”

Sylvia squeezed her tighter. “It’s going to be fine. You’ll see. Nick is going to transition, and you guys are going to live happily ever after. But just so we are clear, I’m never calling him Daddy.”