I nod, smiling at the memory.

"I didn’t think it would be this long before I came back, honestly. Life just... happened."

Mrs. Walker gives me a knowing look.

"It always does, sweetheart. But we’re glad you’re here now." She leans in conspiratorially.

"And we’ve heard you’re staying with Nate. That must be... interesting."

I try to keep my face neutral, but I can’t help the slight flush that rises in my cheeks.

"It’s been... different. Max is a handful, and then there’s Boomer, of course."

Miss Ruby waves a hand dismissively.

"Max is a darling, and Boomer is quite a lovable thing. But what about Nate?" She gives me a pointed look, her lips twitching in amusement.

"You know, folks around here have always been curious about him after... well, you know."

Before I can respond, a firm but gentle grip is on my hand, and I glance down to see Nate’s hand closing over mine. When I look up, he’s standing beside me, his expression serious but calm.

"Hey," he says softly. His voice is steady, but I immediately recognize an underlying tension.

I frown, confused by the sudden change in him. I glance around to see if something’s wrong. That’s when I spot her. Becky. She's standing a few feet away, glaring at us, her eyes full of venom and accusation.

Mrs. Walker and Miss Ruby had not yet noticed Becky, and one claps her hands together, beaming at the sight of Nate and me standing so close.

"Oh, you two are just the cutest couple! I always knew there was something more with you living together," she gushes, her eyes twinkling.

Miss Ruby nods in agreement, her smile widening.

"Finally found someone better than that dreadful ex-wife of his."

Before I can even respond to the awkwardness of their comments, Nate leans down and presses a kiss to the back of my hand. The warmth of his lips sends a jolt of electricity through me, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

His touch is light, but the gesture feels intimate. And I can’t help but notice how everyone around us is watching, waiting for our reaction.

"Thank you," Nate says, the charm in his voice making it sound like we’ve been doing this for years. "We’re lucky to have each other."

The women swoon, giggling like schoolgirls.

"We’re so happy for you both!" Mrs. Walker practically squeals.

"It’s about time you found someone special, Nate."

Miss Ruby adds, "And Liz is perfect for you. Better than that other woman ever was. You’ve really upgraded."

I force a smile, feeling out of place in this role I’ve somehow fallen into, but I nod along, playing the part as best as I can. Nate’s grip on my hand remains firm, grounding me, but I can feel the tension rolling off him. His hand is still linked with mine, even though Becky isn’t watching us anymore. My heart races, and I can’t help but wonder if Nate is as affected by this charade as I am.

The soft rustle of fabric catches my attention. I glance up to see Becky storming toward us, her face twisted in fury. My body tenses instinctively, and I brace myself for whatever’s about to come.

"Nate," she snaps, her voice dripping with irritation.

"I need to talk to you. Alone."

Nate’s hand tightens around mine for a moment, as if silently reassuring me before he speaks.

"Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Liz."