Page 72 of Fake It Till We Fall
“I knew that if I didn’t let you go—no, push you away, you would have stayed in Trickle Creek.”
“I wouldn’t have?—”
“You would have.” He cut me off. “We both know that’s true.”
I closed my mouth and nodded. He was right.
“The truth is, Harper, I loved you too much to let you stay for me. You deserved to chase your dreams and live the life you were meant to live. And I knew, even then, that wasn’t in a small town with a small-town boy.”
My heart broke all over again. Deep down, I think I always knew why Grayson had done what he’d done. Maybe selfishly, I didn’t want to face it because by not admitting the truth to myself, it was easier to let myself leave. Because as much as I loved him, and I did, going to culinary school in Paris was my dream, too.
“And it worked.” He shrugged. “You left. And the things you’ve accomplished…” He shook his head, his eyes bright with pride. “I wouldn’t change what I did. But I couldn’t let go of this.” His eyes dropped to the ring again, and mine followed. “This has always been yours.”
The tears pricked at my eyes before I could stop them. My hand trembled as he lifted the ring from the box and pressed it into my palm. It felt heavier than a thin silver band should, like all the years between us were weighing down on us.
“Grayson…” My voice broke, and I had to clear my throat. “These last few weeks…this Christmas…being with you, it’s been…” I shook my head and laughed a little at my inability to find the words to tell him my news. “It’s been the bestmonth…can you believe it’s only been a month?” I shook my head in disbelief before continuing. “But it’s been the best I can remember in a very long time.”
His jaw tightened at my confession. “Harper, I?—”
“There you two are.” We both jumped back to see Grandma in the doorway, already bundled in her coat. “I think I’m ready to head home.”
Grayson straightened and tucked the ring box into his pocket before she could see. “I’ll grab my keys.” His voice was steady, but I caught the flicker of something in his eyes before he turned away.
I closed my fingers around the ring, my chest aching with everything left unsaid.
“I’ll go say goodbye.” Grandma went back inside, leaving me alone on the porch.
I opened my hand and looked down at the ring still resting in my palm. My chest squeezed, but it was no longer uncomfortable.
My heart thudded as I turned it over once, twice, and then slid it onto my finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had never been gone.
Chapter 19
Grayson
Icarried the empty pie plates and containers of leftover turkey dinner Brody had packed up for Willa, up the stairs and set everything in the kitchen while Harper helped her grandmother off with her coat. My eyes were pulled to the Christmas tree in the corner of the warm apartment.
It really was the perfect tree.
“Grayson.” Willa clasped my hands. “Thank you for everything. It was a lovely day.”
I pulled her in for a little hug and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you for bringing the pies, Willa. I’m not sure how we all found room, but they were absolutely delicious as usual.”
She waved her hand in dismissal. “Everything was absolutely scrumptious. I very much appreciate the invite. Now, don’t disappear on my account. There’s more of that homemade Irish cream in the fridge; you must try it.”
“I don’t think I could say no to that,” I told her.
“Good.” She gave me an over-the-top wink before turning to Harper. “It was the perfect day, dear. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Grandma. Sleep well.”
We waited until Willa disappeared into her room, the door clicking softly behind her.
Harper shook her head with a little smile. “You really want some Irish cream?”
“You know I do.” I pretended to be shocked. All I really wanted was Harper. It wasn’t a secret anymore.
Harper disappeared into the kitchen for a few minutes before returning with two glasses. The sweet scent of the cream mixed with the whiskey reached my nose as she handed me a glass.
