Page 13 of Summer Kisses

Her expression softened. "He'll love that. He adores the beach."

Hazel frequently parked at my house and walked the beach with Max.

On the way to the senior center, Hazel was a bundle of nerves. "This will be a big test for us. You know how Grandma and her friends are. They gossip about everything, and they'll know we're not telling the truth."

I rested my hand on her knee to settle her fidgeting. "How are they going to know that?"

She gave me a look. "Because we're not really engaged."

"All we have to do is go along with the party planning and have a good time."

Her nose scrunched. "Don't you feel bad that they're planning a party to celebrate a fake engagement?"

"If we both get what we need, then it will be worth it in the end." It would be better if it were real, and I was still holding out a little bit of hope that I could convince Hazel to give me a chance.

She sighed and looked out the window. "I hope you're right. Grandma has been so happy since she found out we were engaged."

"That's all that matters."

She glanced over at me. "You don't think she'll be shattered when we break up?"

"I think she'll be okay because, ultimately, she wants you to be happy. Besides, she adores planning parties."

I pulled into the center's parking lot, and Hazel said, "That's true."

Inside the center, Mabel and her friends—Blaire Edith, and Sofia—were gathered at a large table along with a few of Hazel's friends: Ivy, Elena, and Kinsley.

Hazel kissed her grandmother's cheek. "I didn't realize everyone would be here."

"How were we going to plan your party without your bridal party?" Grandma asked.

Hazel frowned. "I haven't chosen my bridesmaids yet."

Ivy's eyes widened. "Are you saying we won't be in your bridal party?"

"No. Of course not. It's just?—"

Hazel was overwhelmed with everything: the stress of keeping up a facade and the futility of planning a fake engagement party. I rested a hand on her back to reassure her. "She's consumed with wedding planning."

"That's what you have us for," Mabel said eagerly. "Now sit down so we can get to work."

I sat next to Hazel and listened as Mabel led the meeting. "We were thinking you could have the party at the resort. They have a room with glass windows that will give you a view of the ocean."

"That would be gorgeous," Hazel said softly, and I wondered if that was where she'd dreamed of having her engagement party.

I wanted this to be real, to give her everything she'd ever desired. If only she'd pick me to be her man.

Mabel beamed. "I thought you'd like it."

"Do we know how much it will be to rent the room?" Hazel asked.

Mabel waved a hand. "Don't worry about cost. This is my gift to you."

"Grandma—"

"I won't hear about it. We thought we'd have everyone dress up, serve some finger foods and cocktails, do a few speeches, then dance the night away. It's a celebration after all."

"Who were you thinking of inviting?" Hazel asked.

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