Page 36 of My Fake Fiancé

Church ends sooner than I want it to. I enjoyed the service and it helped me relax but towards the end, I grew nervous again. Throughout the service, people kept glancing back at us. Most of them send us small smiles. I try to keep my head ducked down as the organ music plays and everyone stands up to mingle before going about their day, the knots in my stomach return.

“Here comes your grandmother,” Kurt says quietly to me before he stands up to greet her. I stand up beside him. “Hi, how are you?” Kurt gives her a hug and then steps aside so she can get to me.

“Hi, Gram.” I lean in and give her a hug.

“How are you two doing? Can’t say I was surprised by the news. I always thought the two of you would find your way to each other. You two were such great friends when you were little.” Gram clutches my hand in hers and reaches for one of Kurt’s hands as well. She smiles up at the both of us. “I’m so excited for lunch today.” Gram beams up at us, looking back and forth at us and landing on me, smiling bigger.

“We’re excited too, Grams.” I smile back at her, a little suspicious. I look up at Kurt and he shrugs. I want to ask what’s going on but then Mrs. and Mr. Michaels come over to us.

“Hi!” Mrs. Michaels greets us all, pulling each of us into a hug. “How are you doing? Y’all ready for lunch?” Mrs. Michaels hooks her arm through mine and pulls me away from Kurt. I look back at him and he’s watching me while talking to his dad. Gram matches our steps and my mom falls in line behind us. “Juliana, I am so excited y’all are able to join us for lunch today. I know the engagement party was a bit much so we are grateful to have this time to sit down with just our families to celebrate and enjoy this beautiful day.”

“Thank you for the invitation to lunch,” I say then offer a compliment because it was great. “And thank you for throwing the engagement party for us. It was incredible.”

“Oh, it was no problem, sweetie. I love any reason to throw a party and this was a pretty special reason.” Mrs. Michaels squeezes my shoulders and gives me a big smile then she looks over at Gram and my mother. “Should the girls all drive over together?”

“Oh! That sounds like fun!” Gram claps her hands excitedly then excuses herself to go find my grandad.

“Sure, that sounds good.” My mom agrees then she turns to go off to talk to my dad and let him know as well.

“Kurt!” Mrs. Michaels calls out and I turn to see Kurt walking with his dad and my dad. My mother stays beside Mrs. Michaels and me while the three men walk over to us.

“Hi, Daddy.” I wrap my arms around my dad and give him a big hug.

“Hey, Juli, how are you?” My dad keeps his arm around me while we stand in a group talking.

“The girls have decided that we will all ride over to the restaurant together.” My mother tells my dad and he nods his head.

“You all have fun, don’t bombard Juliana with too many questions. I’ll see you guys in a few minutes.” My dad smiles at me and then gives my mom a kiss before going to their car.

Kurt pulls me aside when his mom starts informing his dad of the plans. I guess Kurt’s dad is riding with Kurt and Mrs. Michaels will be driving the girls in their car.

“Hey, are you going to be alright?” Kurt smiles at me, a sort of teasing smile. I bite my tongue to keep from saying something sassy but I give him a look that makes him laugh. “Yeah, you’ll be fine. We’re going to Flanagins. It’s only a few minutes away.”

“I’ll be fine.” I nod my head. I haven’t been to Flanagins in a while and I am starting to get hungry thinking about it.

“I’d better grab my dad and head over. Enjoy your ride with all the women.” Kurt laughs and winks at me. I smile and laugh a little too. I’ve really been enjoying spending time with him, my feelings for him have been growing stronger. They shouldn’t be, even though I know I shouldn’t act on my feelings, I often let them take control. Before he can walk away, I grab Kurt's hand and pull him to me, giving him a hug and a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“Aw, isn’t that so sweet?” Mrs. Michaels comes over to us and slides her arm through mine. I blush a little and look up at Kurt, he’s watching me with a mixed reaction on his face.

“Sorry,” I say automatically to Kurt, feeling bad that I did that. Especially in front of everyone.

“What are you sorry about, dear?” Mrs. Michaels asks and I freeze.

“Oh, uhm. Public displays of affection you know? Not always appropriate.” I make up my explanation on the fly and smile apologetically. Kurt is still watching me, a small smile growing on his face.

“Oh, don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Young love is beautiful.” Mrs. Michaels grins at both of us and waves her hand, dismissing my apology.

“You ready to go, son?” Mr. Michaels steps in and gains Kurt’s attention. He looks over at his dad and then back at me. He squeezes my hand and I smile. I didn’t even realize I was still holding his hand.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Kurt pulls his keys out of his pocket. He hesitates then takes a step towards me, still holding my hand. He leans down and kisses me. He kisses me on the lips, in front of his parents and my mom and grandma. When he pulls back, he smiles down at me and I bite my lip to keep from grinning up at him. “See you at the restaurant.”

After Kurt and his dad walk to his car and get in, Mrs. Michaels waves to them and then turns to face the three of us girls.

“Should we head out?” Mrs. Michaels asks.

“Yes, we should head over. My husband just left, I don’t want to keep him waiting too long,” my mother comments. She and Gram head over to Mrs. Michaels’ car. Mrs. Michaels and I follow behind them and I offer to sit in the back with my mother so my grandmother can sit up front.

“Juliana,” Mrs. Michaels calls from the driver’s seat. “I hope you don’t have any plans for the rest of the day because we have a surprise for you after lunch. I don’t know if it will take the whole day but you never know.” I look over at my mom sitting beside me. She smiles politely and usually, I can count on her to share any secret but she stays silent. “So, are you free for the rest of the day?”

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