Page 61 of The Friendly Fall

“Tell me, how did the two of you meet?” my mom asks, leaning in with curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

I swallow my turkey before answering. “I—uh … fell through Granny’s ramp the first day I arrived trying to carry my luggage inside—”

“AndIcalled the fire department,” Granny interjects, throwing Nick a playful grin. “That’s when this fine gentleman showed up and rescued her.”

“You’re afiremantoo?!” My mom practically squeals with delight.

Nick chuckles, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Well, I work as a volunteer firefighter in my spare time. It’s a way to give back to the community.”

“Well thanks for rescuing my daughter.” Dad grins. “She can be a bit clumsy sometimes.”

Nick smiles, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of amusement. “It was quite the dramatic entrance, I must say. But I knew from that moment that she was someone special.” He reaches over and tenderly strokes my hair, sending a shiver down my spine. I feel a rush of warmth at his touch, my heart skipping a beat.

Granny elbows me. “So, Eliza, how long have you and Nick been official, again?”

Everyone stops eating to look at me, Nick included.

“Um…” My mind isblank.Nick and I didn’t discussanythingabout our relationship history or what we’d tell people.

Bad move.

“Well, it all started with the Pumpkin Festival,” Nick jumps in, wrapping his arm around the back of my chair with ease. “I took her there initially as friends, but things just … felt right when we danced.”

My eyes flicker to him as my mom lets out an, “Aw…”

There’s somethingsogenuine about his words.

“It was cute seeing them dance.” Granny beams in agreement. “I just knew that they’d make a cute couple.”

“I tell you,” Mom adds, “those pictures y’all took were justsoadorable.”

“Thanks.” Nick breathes out a sigh, before twirling a strand of my hair with his finger. “I agree, they were really great photos. Eliza’s so talented at what she does. I’m proud of her for building her business so fast.”

“Thank you,” I say softly, touched. “That means a lot.”

He smiles at me. “Good, because I mean it.”

My eyes widen slightly, but I don’t show it, turning back to my plate. The conversation flows flawlessly, and I can’t help but sit in awe of Nick. He handles every question and comment with a grace that I’ve never seen before, and heactuallymakes my parents laugh.

He’s … perfect.

Chapter Twenty Two

Nick

Tonight has gone even better than expected.

While I never imagined myself in a situation like this, “pretending” to be Eliza’s boyfriend is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

Being by her side—holding her hand and feeling the warmth of her presence beside me—feels more like an honor than a lie.

The way her soft, slender fingers perfectly intertwine with mine—as if our hands were made for each other—feels like a dream come true.

I just hope she’s starting to see how perfect we could be together.

Because I never want this to end.

As the last bite of Thanksgiving dinner is savored and plates are pushed away, I eagerly offer to clear the table.

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