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Getting together with my best friend and her man was on the list. She just made sure it was moved up.

“I can’t believe we’re having dinner with Mattie freakin’ Lincoln,” Beau continues to gush as we make our way to Jitterbug Coffee.

I laugh.

“What?” Beau pauses, one hand on the door and the other at the small of my back.

“I just didn’t expect for thee Beau Montgomery, editor in chief of Blissful Bride and one of New York’s elite, would fangirl over a football player.”

“Should I call Mattie back so we can debate this?” He pretends to call after him. “Mattie!”

“Stop it.” I snort. “Trust me when I say everyone from Magnolia Grove knows about Mattie Lincoln’s accomplishments. The high school has a shrine and a football field named after him.”

“That’s what I thought.” He opens the door. “Now, point me to some caffeine.”

As Beau and I approach the counter at Jitterbug, the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelops us, pulling us further into its cozy embrace. The barista greets us with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with the promise of caffeine-induced bliss. “Welcome to Jitterbug! What can I get for you today?”

Beau turns to me, a playful gleam in his eye. “Caramel macchiato, right, Sunny?”

He remembered.

Before I can respond, a familiar, slightly too loud voice interrupts us from behind. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t my sweet little Lucy-bug!”

Granny!

She waddles over to us, her short gray hair permed and neatly styled, her eyes kind but mischievous. Granny may be small in stature, but her presence fills the room, and her voice carries like a trumpet in a quiet church. “Who’s this handsome young man with you? Might it be your fiancé you’ve been hiding from us?” she asks eagerly.

I feel a twinge of nervousness at the word “fiancé,” but I quickly compose myself and nod. “Yes, Granny, this is Beau Montgomery.”

“Beau?” Granny hums. “Beau Montgomery.” His name plays on her lips. “Well, honey—I thought his name was—”

Oh shit.

This is why I didn’t want to lie. This is why I didn’t think I could pull this off. I can’t fool my Granny.

“Pleasure, to meet you ma’am.” Beau saves the day and takes Granny’s hand planting a gentle kiss on the top of it, his newfound Southern charm shining through. I can’t help but smile at his graciousness.

Granny’s eyes twinkle with delight as she appraises Beau, her gaze lingering a little longer than necessary.

“Aren’t you just a sweetie.” Granny pats his cheek affectionately. “Let me get a good look at you.” She gestures for him to turn around so she can get a better look, her curiosity insatiable.

I feel a flush of embarrassment wash over me as I realize Granny is here with her church group, and they’re all watching.

“Granny, please,” I murmur, trying to suppress a nervous laugh. “Everyone’s staring.”

Granny just laughs, her voice booming like thunder on a summer afternoon. “Oh, they’re just curious about this fine gentleman escorting my beautiful granddaughter.”

Beau nudges me gently, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he nods toward a nearby table of old ladies who are whispering and stealing glances in our direction. I scan the coffee shop and realize all eyes are on us and a few cell phones too.

“I should get back to the table,” Granny declares, giving Beau’s hand a final pat. “But I want you two to come over for Sunday dinner. Lucy’s dad can’t wait to meet you, Beau.”

With a warm smile and a nod, we bid Granny farewell and make our way to the counter to order our coffee. I order my usual with a splash of cold water, and for Beau, a hot black coffee, dark roast, with a dash of cream.

I weave my way through the bustling coffee shop, my eyes scanning for an empty booth where Beau and I can settle in for a chat.

Spotting one tucked away in the corner, I start to head toward it, but Beau has other plans. “This way.” He gently grabs my arm, motioning toward another booth by the window. His expression is serious, reminding me exactly why we are here: to convince the town that we’re in love, and in order to do that, we need all eyes on us. The window seat is perfect.

“Good choice,” I mumble, letting him lead the way. I slide into the seat, and Beau doesn’t even hesitate, moving to sit right next to me. “Um—okay?”