Page 41 of Fauxmance

"Of course, Mr. Davenport. Of course. Anything for you."

The fog didn't clear immediately. Even as Hayden slipped my arm through his and walked us to the edge of the grand staircase, I was in a daze.Phinneastook his stance by the podium and prepared to do his thing. And I still didn't know if this was real.

"Breathe, Maggie," Hayden whispered into my ear.

"How are you even here right now?" I asked.

"I rode my bike."

I lifted a brow and lowered my voice. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. Why did you come? There has to be a reason."

Hayden's face gave nothing away.

"I couldn't stop thinking about you," he said, and my heart tried to escape my chest—right up until he added, "Your strange fear of peeps and how you refuse to eat without a napkin really made an impression."

"Ha ha," I said.

"But seriously, we spent so much time together last night. You kept talking about the wedding, and I knew they'd never let you in without an escort."

I swallowed. "How could you know that?"

"I've got tons of insider-wedding knowledge."

Apparently, I thought. He knewPhinneasby name, and the older man had recognized him on sight as well. My brows furrowed as I remembered something strange.

"Hey," I said, "why did he keep calling you—"

"Ladies and gentlemen"—Phinneas'svoice poured out of the speakers surrounding the space before I could finish my question—"it is my pleasure to present our maid of honor. The lovely Miss Magnolia Wilhelmina Mills."

Seeing Hayden's grin, I elbowed him in the ribs. Yes, now they all knew my middle name. But you couldn't hide something like that forever.

Case in point…

"Magnolia is being escorted tonight by her boyfriend, Mr. Hayden Bartholomew Davenport the Third."

I didn't know what part to focus on: First, Phinneashad actually called Hayden my boyfriend, out loud, to a room full of people. Second, Hayden's middle name was Bartholomew. Bartholomew, for goodness sakes! No wonder he hadn't wanted to share. And third—this was what my brain chose to latch onto—I must've been hearing things because there was no way I'd heard that last name correctly.

Covering his microphone with a hand, Phinneasgave Hayden a nod. "Again, it's such an honor, Mr. Davenport. Your grandmother will be so pleased you could make it."

"I'm sure she will," Hayden muttered.

"Why did he just call you 'Mr. Davenport'?" I asked as we stood poised to descend the staircase.

He shrugged. "Because that's my name."

I took a deep breath, fighting for calm. "Are you in any way related to Constance Davenport?"

"Hmm, she's my grandmother."

"And you're just telling me this now?" I squeaked.

Hayden looked to me then with a twinkle in his eyes. "It's not a big deal."

"You…I…"

"Magnolia," he said, leaning down to speak into my ear, "this is your moment.Phinneasis still watching us like a hawk. He's already told everyone I'm your boyfriend. Would it be so bad if we pretend it's true?"

I shook my head. "No…but you should've told me."

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