But he couldn't say any of that without blowing the whole thing.
So he just nodded. "I'm not going to hurt her."
"You better not." Hannah's expression softened. "But for what it's worth—I think you're good for her. She's been different since she came home. Lighter. And I think that's because of you."
Grant's chest ached. "Thanks."
"Don't thank me. Just don't screw it up." She paused at the door. "Oh, and Grant? You should probably check Facebook. Mrs. Henderson has made you two her personal project."
She left, and Grant stood there, staring at the empty doorway.
Don't screw it up.
Too late. He was already screwed.
Because somewhere between agreeing to this insane plan and holding Riley's hand at the reunion, he was forgetting how to pretend.
And now he was lying to everyone—including himself.
After Hannah left, Grant pulled out his phone and, against his better judgment, opened Facebook.
Mrs. Henderson's post was at the top of his feed.
Well, well, well! Looks like Pine Valley's favorite couple is BACK TOGETHER! Spotted Grant Lawson and Riley Monroe leaving their little holiday reunion last night looking absolutely ADORABLE. I always knew those two would find their way back to each other! #PineValleyLove #SecondChances #ChristmasMiracle
Below it was seven photos. Grant and Riley walking to his truck, hand in hand. Riley laughing at something he said. Himopening her door. The two of them inside the truck, faces close, talking.
The comments were already out of control.
Carol Monroe: I'm not crying, you're crying!
Diane Peters: FINALLY! We've all been waiting for this!
Bob Tucker: Took them long enough. Congrats, kids!
Sarah Mitchell: They're so cute together! True love always finds a way!
Mike Lawson: (Thomas's brother, apparently on Facebook now) About damn time, Grant!
Grant scrolled through dozens more comments—neighbors, old teachers, people he barely remembered from high school, all weighing in on his fake relationship.
His phone buzzed with a text.
Riley: Have you seen Facebook?
Grant: Unfortunately.
Riley: Mrs. Henderson has seven photos of us.
Grant: I counted.
Riley: My mom commented.
Grant: So did my uncle. Didn't even know he had Facebook.
Riley: This is a nightmare.
Grant: This is what we signed up for.
