Page 44 of Wedding or Not

I gasp and cover my mouth as my eyes lower to the jeweler’s box in his hand.

He makes a nervous sidelong move before he lowers himself onto one knee and opens the box to display the pretty diamond solitaire that belonged to his mom.

None of us wanted to waste the money on a new ring for a fake engagement.

“Ella Blake,” he says. “Will you marry me and be snippy with me for the rest of our lives?”

The words surprise me so much I make a loud sound, half laughter and half sob. Then I nod passionately as I try to find my voice again to get the word yes said.

I have no idea where the thrill of joy and affection comes from since I know—I know, I know—this isn’t real.

But it feels real for some reason, and my heart is responding to it.

If Wes ever decided to propose to me for real, he might say exactly those words. His face might look exactly like that.

I make another silly sound and drag him back up to his feet. Then I throw myself into his arms and he hugs me tight, whirling me around like he’s too filled with joy to stay still.

When we finally pull apart, he takes my hand and slips on the ring.

Then he leans over and kisses me—not deeply but earnestly.

We didn’t practice the kiss. Natalie said it would be fine without it. But the kiss feels right.

Really right.

People start applauding from all over the garden, and I’m not faking my startled confusion as I look around.

I half forgot we were doing this for show.

There are a lot of people gathered around, all grinning and holding up their phones to film the moment.

Both Wes and I laugh sheepishly, and he wraps an arm around me as he guides me out of the garden.

If this were real, we’d want to get away from public exposure, so that gives us a perfect exit route.

We wave and smile at the people who congratulate us as we pass. I’m flushed hot and probably as red as some of the roses, but that will make it look real.

I can only assume we appear overcome with love and joy as we make our way out of the rose garden and then down the path toward the cottages.

Everything inside me is in an uproar.

This is fake. Nothing but fake. A show we’re putting on for the cameras.

So why is my heart hammering like this? And why are my hands trembling? And why do I love the look of the diamond on my hand and the feel of Wes’s arm around me?

Why do I wish the whole farce was real?

CHAPTER 14

This wedding dress has a fitted bodice.

A very fitted bodice.

I have to suck in my breath so Natalie can zip it up.

“Whew, this is tight,” she whispers, moving the zipper up my back as carefully as she can.

Six days after the proposal, Natalie and I are behind the door of the luxe fitting room of a small, high-end wedding shop in Baltimore. Things have been happening fast this week, and today we’re having a photo shoot here with a really big wedding influencer.