Page 39 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

Brooks grinned. “And you love it.”

She shook her head. “I swear I’m going to cry. I just want to tell you how happy I am. You made this old lady’s week.”

Brooks grabbed my hand. “I’m thankful she smartened up and came to her senses.”

I squeezed his fingers a little too tightly. “And I’m so glad I finally gave in after he spent years trying to win me back.”

Brooks scowled, and Shannon swooned. “I truly enjoy it when love gives you a second chance in life. My Thomas and I broke up a few times before we got married. Sometimes men need to grow up and let puberty catch up to them before they can think clearly.”

Brooks smiled. “That’s why I’m not waiting another second to make this beautiful woman my wife.”

Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Oh, my stars. You two are getting married?”

Brooks wrapped his arm around the back of my chair. “We sure are. We figured it was long overdue.”

She let out a delighted sigh. “Well, isn’t that something? You both look so happy. It just makes my heart sing.”

Shannon was practically bouncing with excitement. I suppose for a small town, this was a love story for the ages. “Oh, this is wonderful news. When’s the wedding? Have you picked out a venue? I can talk to Father Austine. I’m sure he would be more than happy to perform the ceremony. And the ladies at the church love to put on a good potluck. You could even have the reception in the rectory basement.”

Jesus, take the wheel.

Brooks scratched the side of his head. “We haven’t nailed down a date yet. This is all new. We are going shopping for rings after lunch.”

She patted his leg. “You always were a good boy.” And then she turned to me. “And Harlow, you let me know when youdecide on a date. I’d be more than happy to help you plan the wedding.”

I forgot how overly friendly people in this town could be. There was a good chance that everyone who lived within a five-mile radius would know by dinner time.

“Thank you, Shannon. I’ll keep you posted, but we are trying to keep things simple.”

She winked at me. “You let me know if you need anything, dear. I have a lot of time on my hands, and I love a good old-fashioned wedding.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

She clapped her hands together. “I won’t keep you two, but you can bet I’ll be telling everyone the good news.”

I groaned internally because I had no doubt she was heading off to spread the news as fast as humanly possible.

“You two take care now.” She smiled at us one last time before sauntering away.

As soon as she was gone, I smacked him on the arm. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

He shrugged, seeming completely unbothered. “You want this to be believable, right? Isn’t that the whole point?”

I drained the rest of my drink. “Yes, but you just told her we’re engaged. The whole town is going to know before we even have a chance to come up with a solid plan. You might as well put a billboard sign up.”

He leaned in with a grin. “At least you don’t have to pick out a wedding venue or worry about food. I’ve heard Shannon won the chili cook-off last year. I’m sure I could convince my mom to make her famous cornbread.”

“I hate you.”

“Relax.” His voice dropped to that annoying, smooth tone that always seemed to get him whatever he wanted. It was thesame tone he used to charm his way into my heart. “Maybe this little charade will be easier than we thought.”

I looked down at my left finger. I couldn’t believe it had been a little over a week since I ran from the church. I was supposed to be in Barcelona, sipping on sangria. Instead, I was having lunch and shopping for an engagement ring with my ex. Talk about whiplash.

“Why did I ever think this would be a good idea?”

He stood from the stool when the server called us over. “Because you were desperate.”

He wasn’t wrong. I was desperate. So, when he threw me a lifeline, I took it. Time will tell if it was a smart idea or if I was a complete idiot for even going along with this.

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