Page 40 of Fauxmance

This was going so well, I thought. It was time to hit him with my brilliant idea.

"Oh well, he just texted to let me know he's on his way," I said.

"That's wonderful. I'll be glad to announce you both as soon as he arrives."

"Well actually, I was wondering. Since I don't want to hold up the wedding any more thannecessary—bridesmaids are always punctual—maybe you could walk me down? If you wouldn't mind?"

"Me?" he said. "But I'm here to work. I can't attend the wedding."

"It's just until my escort arrives," I said. "Which should be soon. Very soon."

His eyes narrowed. "Might I see that text you mentioned?"

I scoffed. "Are you calling me a liar?"

"No, just trying to verify the facts."

"This isn't a criminal case," I said, though if it was I'd be convicted outright. He'd called my bluff. "I'm not on trial. I was merely asking you to be chivalrous until my actual escort arrives, but I see it was too much."

"I beg your pardon—"

"No, I beg yours. You're clearly no gentleman."

As he sputtered, I considered rushing past him, the heck with the consequences. I thought I could outrun him. Maybe. But the dress would get in my way, and for an older man, he looked spry and agile. A picture of me tumbling down the stairs in my lavender dress, looking like a snowball intent on destruction, flashed before my eyes. But this could be my only shot. Who knew ifMrs.Wheeler would even come back? And did I really want to be that girl who'd gotten a pity escort from a total stranger? I'd just decided to make a run for it—when a hand landed on my shoulder.

It was a large, very male hand, I noticed as I looked to the side.

"Sorry, I'm late."

That voice made something inside me melt.

"Traffic was a nightmare, and I haven't worn this suit in years. Took me a second to dig it up."

When my eyes met his, Hayden was grinning.

"I hope you haven't been waiting long," he said.

I couldn't believe it. Was this a dream?

"Mr. Davenport," Phinneassaid, standing straighter before he gave a polite bow. "I didn't realize you'd be here tonight. This is a pleasant surprise."

"Is it?" Hayden said. "I'm still not sure. But I had to come for Magnolia's sake."

The words barely registered.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Where else would I be? I'm your escort," he said simply.

My mind was reeling. "But…you told me you hate these things. How did you even know where to come? I never—"

Hayden shocked me into silence by laying a kiss against my lips.

"As your boyfriend, I had to step in," he said. "I couldn't leave my girl hanging. Now could I?"

The words 'boyfriend' and 'my girl' clanged through my head.

"Phinneas, could you please announce us?"

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