Page 125 of Once Upon a Fake Date

Audrey blushed. “Yeah. Eventually.” We hadn’t talked about our future

Leaning down, I rasped against her ear, “I like the sound of that.”

“I told you, you’re stuck with me, Parker Maxwell.”

“Maybe you’re the one stuck withme, Audrey Rose.”

One day, I’d ask her to be mine. To marry me. But not yet. That wasn’t what tonight was about. Tonight was about us. Taking another step towards our future together.

She hummed, taking a long drink of her sparkling pink drink. “Once Upon a Time, there was a boy and a girl. And they were very best friends.”

“Once Upon a Fake Date,” I corrected. “And the boy loved the girl very much, but he was afraid to tell her. He didn’t want to ruin their friendship because he liked having her sunshine in his life. Liked all of her pink and the glitter she left behind.”

Audrey giggled. “Well, the girl loved the boy, too. She’d been doodling his name in her notebook since she was little. Hoping to marry him one day. But then he moved away. And she didn’t see him for nine years.”

I didn’t need a summary of the rest. I remembered every vivid detail since running into her at that Halloween party I’d been dragged to. Her pink witch costume. The song she’d been humming when I found her outside. How everything had fallen back into place like we’d never spent any time apart.

“I like the beginning of our story, Rosie Girl. But I think the rest is going to be my favorite part.” I leaned down, kissing her softly, tasting the strawberry champagne on her lips. The cotton candy was sweet, sugar particles clinging to her lips. Pulling away, I ran my tongue over her bottom lip. “Mmm. Delicious.”

She blinked up at me, lust clear in her eyes. Pressing a kiss to her neck, I slipped the strap of her pink dress off her shoulder.

“Yes?” I asked her, waiting until she nodded before slipping off the other strap and kissing her bare skin. “God, I fucking love you. So sweet. So perfect for me.”

We were cheesy and ridiculous, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But this wasn’t happily ever after—not yet. We were just getting started.

For the rest of our lives, this was exactly where I wanted to be. Right next to her.

Right next to the love of my life.

Extended Epilogue

AUDREY

SEVERAL YEARS LATER…

Abouquet of pink roses sat on my dressing table, a note attached to the top.

Rosie. My heart fluttered. Picking up the note, I slid the card out of the envelope, tracing my fingers over Parker’s careful penmanship.

Come out to the stage, baby. I have a surprise for you. There’s a dress and shoes waiting for you in the closet. Put it on and come find me. I’ll be waiting. -P

I rested my hand over my heart. What was he up to? The man never failed to find ways to surprise me. In the little ways—bringing me flowers home, surprising me with my favorite food—and the big. Like this. I loved him so much. A smile curled over my face.

When I opened the door, I found a beautiful pink dress, covered in pink flowers and sparkly material, that reminded me of the one I’d worn in the school musical all those years ago. A note, this one in my twin sister’s handwriting, was attached to the hanger.

Ro,

When you first told me about you and Parker, I knew you’d met your one. The man you were going to have your happily ever after with. You deserve this so much, Audrey. I love you, and I’m so happy to be your twin sister. When Parker reached out to me and asked me to make this dress for you, there was no way I could say no. Because I’d do anything for you.

I don’t have to say I hope you love it because I already know you will. Because I know you as well as I know myself.

Thank you for doing life with me. I’m so grateful every day that you’re my sister and that we’re here together.

Ella

PS: Don’t forget the shoes.

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