Page 49 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

"So this is the young man who finally captured Susie's heart," Aunt Leslie said. She had always insisted on calling me by a nickname. They approached the poster board. "We better brush up on our trivia!"

I laughed. "The quiz is all in good fun. Though I have to say, some of those stories are a bit embarrassing."

Aunt Leslie waved her hand. "Oh, we love embarrassing stories about you, dear."

Soon, more family and friends filled the hall, drawn to the trivia station with amusement. It warmed my heart to hear the sounds of laughter and speculation as they tried to puzzle out the stories.

Lost in the joy of reminiscing, I didn't notice Nate sneak in. He slipped his arms around me from behind.

"I hope you didn't give away all our secrets," he whispered in my ear.

I turned and melted into his embrace. "Just enough to entertain our loved ones. But some memories are just for us."

Nate smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Then here's to making many more." He pulled me close in a tight hug and planted a kiss on my lips.

I smiled up at Nate, still thrilled that he was here by my side after everything. Our guests were immersed in the games Emily and Amelia had orchestrated, laughing and sharing stories as they pinned paper hearts along our relationship timeline.

A sudden yowling rose over the chatter. We turned to see Baxter poised in the middle of the room, his bow tie slightly askew, baying his heart out. The room erupted in applause and whistles. Baxter sat back on his haunches, tongue lolling, clearly pleased with himself.

"Trust Baxter to steal the show," I said, giving his velvety ears an affectionate rub.

"He certainly knows how to make an entrance," Nate chuckled.

As Baxter's impromptu concert ended, my mom stepped up to the microphone.

"If I could have everyone's attention, I'd like to share a few words." She gave me a playful grin. Oh no. I knew that look. This would be humiliating.

She cleared her throat and began. "Now, many of you know Susan as the quiet girl who always has her head stuck in a book. But let me reassure you, there was a time when she wasn't so composed."

My mother recounted tales of my childhood: climbing trees in frilly dresses, orchestrating elaborate stuffed animal tea parties, and even my attempt to cut my own hair at the age of six. The hall rang with laughter as she recounted my childhood misadventures.

I buried my burning face in Nate's shoulder. "Why is it always the hair stories?" I groaned. But secretly, I cherished these memories and saw the joy they brought our loved ones.

Nate wrapped me in his arms. "You were pretty cute," he teased, pointing to the table with some of our childhood pictures displayed.

I whispered, "Yeah, well, just wait until Emily gets to tell your stories."

He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my cheek. "Oh, I'm all for fairness. My life's an open book for you." The promise in his eyes sparked a flutter in my chest.

As the laughter died, I saw Frances and Mrs. Grace approach, holding something behind their backs.

"We have a little something for you," Frances said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

They presented me with a beautifully bound antique edition of Pride and Prejudice. I ran my fingers over the embossed cover, overwhelmed. It was perfect.

"I remember how much you loved reading Austen together," Mrs. Grace said warmly. "May your love story be as timeless."

"Thank you," I whispered, blinking back tears as I hugged them tightly. "This means the world."

Just then, Emily bounced up to the microphone.

"Hello, friends and family!" She beamed, gesturing toward me. "I'd like to welcome my new sister, Susan, into the Reynolds family!"

Emily continued radiating with warmth and excitement. "We've had a lot of laughs, a few tears, and countless games of checkers. If there's one thing you should know about my best friend turned sister-in-law," she grinned at me. "It's that she cheats at checkers."

Chuckles rippled through the room, Nate joining in the laughter with an exaggerated nod. "Oh, she definitely does," he called out, making everyone laugh harder.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, playfully swatting his arm as the room filled with cheer. Cheating at checkers was a running joke between us that had now become public.

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