“Hey, fiancée.” Holden’s voice had warmth and humor in it that made up for that particular F word that threw me off. Then he leaned across the front seat, squeezed my hand, and kissed me. It was short, sweet, and enough to un-wilt me and send my heart hammering.

“Hey,” I managed, trying to sound as if that kiss was the benign peck he’d intended. I could just imagine how fast he would retreat if he ever found out how much I liked every moment of contact between us. “Thanks for picking me up. I’m not looking forward to this.”

We’d decided via text message today that we’d visit my parents as soon as possible, before they heard our news from someone else. Though word was likely starting to get around, there was a good chance my mom and dad had not heard the news yet since they’d never been very social. Just like me, they’d always been on the fringes of Dragonfly Lake life.

Holden had told his brothers we were engaged this morning at their weekly meeting at the restaurant, leaving out all the parts about our deal and the fake bit. Apparently Seth had stared at him for a few seconds, then said, That actually makes sense. I wasn’t sure how to take that.

Cash’s response was less surprising. The chef had questioned what the hell Holden was thinking with the suddenness.

Their sister, Hayden, had gotten wind of the news, likely from Seth, and she’d sent Holden congrats via text message and demanded we all get together soon to celebrate and, no doubt, so she could get all the details.

Holden drove along the undeveloped stretch between the hotel and town. Instead of continuing along Honeysuckle Road, which would take us through a residential area, then to Henry’s and back to Main Street and the heart of town, he turned off to the west.

I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, needing a few moments of escape from the crazy train my life had morphed into. I’d worn my engagement ring all day, but even though I hadn’t had much time to think about it at work, my thumb wouldn’t stop stretching over to it and fiddling with it, running the pad over the diamond, back and forth, like it was some kind of growth instead of a happy promise.

My eyes popped open when Holden took my hand in his and ended my fidgeting.

“Are you nervous?” he asked.

“Of course.”

It wasn’t just that we were telling them we were getting married. It was also that it’d been sixteen years since I’d been to the house where I’d grown up.

“How do you think they’ll react?” he asked.

“Surprised,” I said. “But they’ve always liked you and your family. I think they’ll be happy.”