Page 43 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

"Wow, Susan," I breathed, my voice cracking with gratitude. "This is incredible. Thank you."

"Wait, there's more!" Her face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "I've named a star after you. It is a tribute to your love for the night sky and the special moments you shared with your father."

"You named a star after me?" I asked in wonder.

Susan nodded, blushing. "I registered it with the International Star Registry. Now you have your own star in the Andromeda Galaxy."

I was speechless, completely overwhelmed.

"It's absolutely perfect," I whispered. "This is the most thoughtful, amazing gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you."

We held each other as the first stars winked into view, marking the start of our future together.

Susan pulled out her phone. "Let's see if we can find your star." She tapped on the stargazing app and handed it to me. "The coordinates are all set. You just need to follow the on-screen guidance."

"Ready for a celestial adventure?" I asked playfully, taking the phone from her.

"Always, Captain Nate!"

"Ah, there it is!" she exclaimed, pointing towards a particular cluster of stars. I followed her finger and focused the app on that area.

"Wow," I breathed, my heart swelling with love and gratitude as I gazed at the twinkling star named after me. "It's perfect, Susan. Just like you."

"Smooth talker," she teased, bumping her shoulder against mine. "But seriously, I'm glad you like it. I wanted to give you something that would always remind you of our connection, no matter where life takes us."

"Even if it takes us to outer space?" I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Especially then," she laughed, and I could hear the warmth in her voice as we continued to stare up at the night sky.

As the enormity of her gift settled in, I felt a tidal wave of emotion crashing over me. This incredible woman had done so much more than name a star after me. She had illuminated a path through the darkness, guiding me back to the dreams I'd once cherished and showing me a future filled with endless possibilities.

"Thank you," I whispered, my throat tight with emotion. "For everything. I am hopelessly in love with you.”

"Of course, Nate" she replied softly, squeezing my hand. "I love you, too."

Overcome with emotion, I turned and pulled her into another kiss. I poured all my love and devotion into that perfect moment, knowing we were unbreakable together.

As we finally broke apart, foreheads touching, Susan whispered, "I don't want to hide anymore. I'm ready for us to share how we really feel with Rivermint Cove."

I smiled and stroked her cheek. "Me too. It's time. No more pretending."

Together, we would create our own happily ever after – one laugh, one adventure, and one stargazing session at a time.

Chapter nineteen

Susan

Nate and I strolled into the park, holding hands, soaking in the warm spring air. Frances stood under the big oak tree, fiddling with her DSLR camera.

"Are you lovebirds ready for your glamour shots?" Frances teased. "These snapshots will be the talk of the town. The headline can be 'Swept Off Her Feet—For Real This Time.'"

Knowing Frances's love for gossip and taking photos, Nate and I decided to reveal that our engagement had been fake but had turned into a real-life love story through a series of pictures that Frances would put on the Rivermint Cove gossip mill.

I playfully rolled my eyes at the absurdity of it all. "As ready as we'll ever be."

Nate's laughter danced in the air as he squeezed my hand in silent reassurance.

Approaching the tree where Frances had set up her makeshift studio, complete with a patchwork quilt and an array of eccentric props, it was evident she took this impromptu photo session far too seriously.

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