Page 61 of Fake To Forever

He cups the side of my face and pulls me down into a hard kiss. I gasp and he slides his tongue into my mouth. The kiss is hot and demanding and I’m breathless when he pulls back and smirks up at me.

“So you don’t forget who you’re coming home to,” he growls.

Grinning, I move off his lap confused as to why he would think I’d be going home to anyone else. “I’ll text you later.”

“Have fun,” he calls as I stride back out of his office.

Marie arrives minutes later and I open the door to meet her out on the porch.

“Oooh, you look sexy,” she says with a whistle.

“Thank you,” I reply with a grin. “Let’s get going. I ordered us a car.”

“You ordered us a car? Jesus… I’m going to enjoy having a rich friend,” Marie teases.

The car arrives moments later and we crawl in to head downtown.

The cool, crisp air of Blue Ridge wraps around Marie and me as we step out onto Main Street, the sky already deepening into shades of indigo and lavender. It’s peaceful, familiar, but tonight, there’s an undercurrent of excitement running through me. Marie is practically bouncing beside me, her arm hooked through mine as we walk toward the first stop of our night—The Blue Lantern, the local pub we’ve been coming to for years. The neon sign flickers above the door, casting a soft blue glow over the sidewalk.

“I know it’s not New York, but I promise we’re going to make this night unforgettable,” Marie says with a grin, her eyes twinkling under the streetlights.

I laugh, feeling my nerves settle a bit. “It doesn’t need to be New York. This feels perfect—just what I need.”

Inside the pub, it’s cozy and warm, the wooden beams overhead making the space feel like a mountain lodge. The familiar faces of locals greet us as we walk in, a few raising their glasses in acknowledgment. Marie gives a little wave, and we make our way to a corner booth, settling in with a view of the whole place.

“Okay,” Marie says, pulling a small notebook from her bag with a mischievous glint in her eye. “I’ve got a plan. First up, we start with cocktails. Then, we hit the dance floor at The Ridge, and maybe—if you’re feeling brave—we stop by the karaoke bar.”

I groan, but a smile tugs at my lips. “Karaoke? Really?”

Marie grins, flipping through her notebook like she’s got the whole night meticulously planned. “Oh yes. This is your bachelorette party, and I fully expect you to let loose tonight.”

The bartender swings by, and Marie orders us something fruity and strong. The drinks arrive quickly—vibrant, colorful cocktails with little umbrellas perched on top—and I take a sip, the sweet and tangy flavors instantly lightening my mood.

“To you, the future Mrs. Tallow,” Marie says, raising her glass.

I laugh, clinking my glass with hers. “To us, and to an amazing night.”

The pub fills up as the night progresses, more familiar faces popping in to join the festivities. A few of my old friends from high school show up, and soon our small booth becomes a hub of laughter and conversation. It’s not a wild, extravagant party, but it’s exactly what I needed—surrounded by the people who know me best, in a place that’s always felt like home.

After a couple of rounds of cocktails, Marie insists that we make our way to The Ridge—a tiny but lively club on the outskirts of town. It’s a place I haven’t been to in years, but as soon as we walk in, the familiar pulse of music and the low, colorful lights bring back a flood of memories. The dance floor is small, but it’s packed, and the energy inside is contagious.

“Come on!” Marie yells over the music, grabbing my hand and dragging me toward the center of the floor. I laugh, already feeling the music pull me in as we weave through the crowd. The beat is heavy, the kind that makes it impossible to stay still, and soon we’re dancing like we’re the only two people in the room, twirling and laughing, completely caught up in the moment.

I lose track of time, the hours blending together in a blur of music, dancing, and laughter. The tension that had been sitting in my chest for weeks—the pressure of the wedding, the arrangement, everything—melts away. Tonight, I’m just Haven celebrating a night that’s about more than just the wedding. It’s a reminder of who I am, where I’ve come from, and the life I’m building.

Some time later, the music continues to pulse through the club, a steady beat that vibrates under my feet and echoes the excitement thrumming in my veins. Marie and I are perched on high stools at the crowded counter, sipping colorful cocktails with little umbrellas—her idea, of course. The bartender winks as he slides another drink our way, and we clink glasses, laughing at nothing and everything.

"This is exactly what I needed," I shout over the noise, tossing my hair back. "A night to just let loose!"

Marie grins, her eyes sparkling. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

"Not a chance!" I reply, grinning from ear to ear. "Just enjoying my last night of 'freedom,' as they say."

She raises an eyebrow mischievously. "In that case, maybe we should find some trouble to get into."

I laugh, but something—or rather, someone—catches my eye across the room. Sitting alone at a small table near the back is Garrett, hunched over a glass, his gaze distant even amid the swirling energy around him.

"Is that Garrett?" I nudge Marie, pointing subtly in his direction.

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