Page 14 of Summer Kisses

Elena pushed her tablet over to Hazel and tapped on the screen.

Hazel's eyes widened. "That's a lot of people, practically the whole town."

"The locals have known you two since you were babies. Everyone wants to celebrate your relationship with you."

"That's sweet," Hazel managed to say, and I rested a hand on her left thigh, squeezing in order to reassure her I was with her on this. She wasn't alone.

"We appreciate this, Mabel. But my family will want to contribute too." I didn't want the burden to rest solely on Hazel's family.

"They'll get the rehearsal dinner. That's tradition."

Except there wouldn't be a rehearsal dinner or a wedding. Now I knew why Hazel was nervous about meeting with her grandmother today. We were lying to her and everyone else. It didn't feel great even if we'd get what we wanted at the end.

I couldn't help but think I was getting more out of this deal. I was securing a designation that could lend credibility to my show, but Hazel wasn't getting the same kind of thing.

My viewers loved her. Maybe I could make her a permanent part of the show. Then I could pay her, and she'd be able to afford the beach house she'd always wanted.

I didn't like the idea of her living there alone though. Or dating someone else for that matter.

"I was thinking we could have arrangements around the room with white flowers. What do you think?" Mabel asked Hazel.

"What do you think, Brady?" Hazel asked me.

I moved my hand from her thigh to the back of her chair. "I want you to have whatever you want. The night should be magical, a celebration of our love."

I kissed her softly. It was part of the act, but I also wanted to connect with her, to show her everything was going to be okay.

"You two are so sweet," Elena said.

Hazel pulled back from me, a little confused as to what just happened.

Mabel grinned, looking at the two of us. "I can't wait until you two have some grandbabies."

Hazel sighed. "I think we're a long way from that."

Mabel waved a hand between us. "I can tell when a couple is in love. You two are going to make it."

We went through the drink and food menu, then set a date for the party in a few weeks. Hazel hugged her grandmother. "Thanks for throwing us an amazing party. It's going to be lovely."

Mabel patted her cheek. "I always knew you two would get together."

I tipped my head to the side. "How were you so sure?"

Mabel smiled. "A boy doesn't spend that much time with a girl unless he likes her."

It was the truth for me, but it felt weird hearing an outsider say it. I wondered if Hazel believed her.

"I guess you were right after all," Hazel said with a smile at me.

"I didn't want to step in though. I wanted you two to figure it out on your own." Grandma turned away from us, walking toward the door.

"You ready to get out of here? I told my parents we'd stop by after this meeting," I said to Hazel, hoping she wouldn't get freaked out by her grandmother's comments.

"Let's go."

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into my side. I was enjoying this easy way I could be with her now that she was mine. I leaned in to say softly, "It can't possibly be as weird as planning a fake engagement party."

She raised a brow. "Are you sure about that?"

---