Page 25 of Fake It Till We Fall
Meri looked up with an icing-covered face, and we all laughed before Craig rushed her off to clean her up.
“Are you having fun, sweetheart?”
I nodded and answered honestly, “I really am. I forgot how these town events bring everyone together. It’s lovely.”
“Just one of the many benefits of small-town life,” Grandma said.
Thankfully, she couldn’t start into a dissertation on how much I’d enjoy living in Trickle Creek again, because we were once again interrupted.
“Excuse me,” the young voice said. “Can I decorate a cookie?”
I turned to look into a set of blue eyes in a young girl who looked remarkably familiar. “Of course. Have we met yet?”
“I don’t think so.” The girl thrust her hand out. “My name’s Quinn.”
“Ethan’s daughter.” Of course. She had the Lyons eyes. I saw the family resemblance immediately. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Harper. I used to?—”
“I know who you are,” she said matter-of-factly. “You make the best lasagna.”
“Thank you.” I laughed. “It’s nice to meet another Lyons. You know, I used to know your dad when we were kids.”
“And my uncle, too? Right?” Her eyes glinted with mischief. There was no doubt this girl knew exactly who I was. But before I could answer, she continued. “Uncle Gray is the best,” she said. “Did you know he?—”
“Quinn.”
The voice was low, steady, and unmistakable.
I turned and there he was.
Grayson.
Tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair was dusted with snowflakes in the glow of the Christmas lights that made him look like he’d stepped straight out of a Hallmark movie. A shadow of whiskers framed his jaw, rougher than the clean-cut boy I used to know.
My breath caught. I still wasn’t used to the new version of him. So familiar, and yet, so different.
“We were just talking about you, Uncle Gray.” Quinn smirked, unbothered by his warning tone.
“I noticed.” Grayson gave her a look that was equal parts fond and exasperated before turning to Grandma. “It’s so nice to see you out and about, Willa.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “How are you feeling?”
She swatted his concern away. “Even better now. The only thing I love more than the light-up festival is seeing my girl here so happy.”
Without missing a beat, Grayson wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. “I would have to agree with you on that one.” He pressed his lips to my cheek as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Eww.” Quinn threw up her arms. “It’s bad enough Dad and Delaney are always kissing. Now, you, too?”
Everyone else laughed.
“It’s almost time for the tree lighting,” Grayson said to me. “I thought you might want to see it.”
“You know I do.” Automatically, I turned to Grandma, who waved me away.
“Go. I have a front row seat saved for me,” she said. “Quinn, would you mind helping an old lady through the crowd?”
“Nope.” The girl stuffed a cookie in her mouth and held out her arm for Grandma before the two of them disappeared into the crowd.
Grayson, his arm still around my waist, turned to face me. “Ready?”
I nodded.
