You guys are doing it all wrong. You have to scam it the right way. You hide the engine at a friends place. then you buy her something she really wants within reason. Wait about a week, then drag home your new "good deal". It always works for me.
I just drag it home and put the stuff in the shop right next to the safe.
The wife never comes in the shop, so my money and parts are in a good spot.
But really, the wife never did give a crap about what I do, as long as I don't stray. lol