Page 46 of Knot Really Engaged
I bow and before leaving, I send a glare to Max. Something like, ‘control your brother before he fucks this up.”
Max, who stands between his father and Jake, elbows his brother. “I told you not to fuck this up.”
Before Max and Jake continue digressing and say or do something that either ruins this ceremony or unveils our fake engagement, I saunter away to take a seat between Mom and Grandma.
“Make it official, Liam,” Mom murmurs, hereyes filled with a knowing twinkle. “Do it before it’s too late.”
“Mom, there are things you can’t push and the wedding is one of them,” I say, my jaw clenching as I try to keep my emotions in check.
Mom is about to say something, but the music starts, a string quartet playing a classical piece that sounds like hope and new beginnings. I can’t help but shift my gaze to Audrey. She’s gliding next to her mom, beaming with happiness.
She’s stunning, without a doubt, wearing a shimmering silver dress that flows around her like liquid moonlight, the hem dancing just above her ankles.
The delicate fabric catches the light, creating an ethereal glow that seems to emanate from within her. There’s a grace about Audrey, the way she just is, as if she’s dancing through life. And just for a second, I wish I was the reason behind that smile, the cause of that effortless joy.
Her parents exchange vows, their voices filled with love and devotion. “My darling,” Audrey’s father begins, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, “after all these years, I still find myself falling in love with you every single day. I promise to cherish you, to support you, and to be your partner in all of life’s adventures.”
Audrey’s mother smiles, her face radiant withjoy. “And I promise to love you, to be your rock in the storms, and to celebrate with you in the triumphs. Together, we’ll continue to build a life filled with laughter, love, and endless happiness.”
But my attention is glued to Audrey. I’m just basking in that glow—the Audrey effect. It’s like she’s got this light inside her that makes everything else pale in comparison.
I watch her laugh at something someone said, clearly not paying attention to anyone or anything else. And just that laugh feels like a bolt of lightning, a jolt of pure, unadulterated happiness that courses through my veins and ignites my soul. This whole charade was supposed to be simple; pretend to be engaged, make my grandmother happy, done and dusted.
But no one warned me that fake feelings could start feeling real, that my fake fiancée could become the realest thing in my life. Her eyes catch mine across the sea of family and friends, and she winks—the same playful spark that I’ve grown accustomed to—and it hits me. Hard. Maybe, just maybe, what started as nothing might become my everything.
As Mr. and Mrs. McCallister kiss, everyone cheers, their applause filling the air like a joyful symphony. I join in, just as the music begins to play, a classic love song played by the quartet. It’ssomething or another that’s been covered more times than I can count, I just can’t remember its name.
Audrey walks behind her parents, her silver dress shimmering in the sunlight, a radiant smile on her face. As she reaches me, I can’t help but pull her into my arms, the warmth of her body against mine feeling like home. She fits perfectly, as if she has always been meant to be there.
“Well, well, well,” she whispers, her breath tickling my ear, “looks like someone’s getting into the role of doting fiancé.”
I chuckle, my hand resting on the small of her back as I pull back just enough to look into her eyes. “What can I say? I’m a method actor.”
Audrey laughs, the sound like music to my ears, and I feel the tension in my chest ease, replaced by a fluttering sensation that I’m not quite ready to name. “Is that so?” she asks, quirking an eyebrow. “I guess I’ll have to step up my game, then.”
“Bring it on, McCallister,” I grin, my fingers intertwining with hers as we turn to face the congratulatory crowd. “I’m ready for anything.”
But as the words leave my lips, I realize that I’m not just talking about our little farce anymore. I just don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do with what’s happening.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Liam
We’re seated at a table,enjoying lunch with Ethan, Lily, Max, Caleb, and Jacob. The conversation flows effortlessly, filled with laughter and good-natured ribbing about work and life. Audrey’s eyes sparkle with mirth, her smile radiant as she leans into me, her hand resting on my thigh beneaththe table.
Suddenly, the music shifts, and a catchy tune I can’t recognize fills the air. Audrey’s face lights up, her body already swaying to the beat. “Oh my God, I love this song,” she exclaims, her excitement visible. “We have to dance.”
Lily grins, grabbing Ethan’s hand and pulling him toward the dance floor. “Come on, babe, let’s show them how it’s done,” she teases, her hips already moving in time with the music.
Audrey turns to me, her eyes pleading and her lower lip jutting out in an adorable pout. “Please, Liam? Just one dance?” She bats her eyelashes, and I feel my resolve crumbling.
“Okay, okay. Just a reminder I have two left feet though,” I chuckle, rising to stand and offering her my hand. “Let’s go, gorgeous.”
She beams, her hand slipping into mine as we make our way to the dance floor. The warmth of her touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I pull her close, my arm wrapping around her waist.
We step onto the dance floor, and I’m acutely aware of the eyes following our every move. Audrey’s body molds to mine, her curves fitting perfectly against me as we start to sway to the rhythm.
“I keep feeling like we’re in a show—the Liam and Audrey show—and I’m afraid I’ll forget the lines,” she whispers, her lips barely moving as herbreath tickles my ear. Her eyes are wide, a hint of vulnerability shining through.
