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“That sounds good. And did you like me right away?” She gazes at me. “Or did it take time for you to fall for me?”

“I think we say we liked each other right away,” I say quickly and take a sip of my wine.

“Okay. And what was your first impression of me?” She looks like she really wants to know the answer.

I groan loudly. “I don’t think that’s on the paper, Rosie.”

“Yeah, well, I think we should know. What if your granddad asks me what your first impression of me was and I don’t know what to say?”

“Then you can tell him I thought you were beautiful.”

“Did you?” She takes another sip of her wine and looks at me intently.

“For what it’s worth, yes, I did.” I relay the information reluctantly.

“Oh. I didn’t know that.”

“What did you think of me?”

“I thought you were hot and grumpy, and I was right.” She giggles and shifts closer to me. “And when did you know you first liked me, Brett?”

“Sorry, what?” I blink at her.

“When did you know you first liked me? Or are we in love?”

“Are we in love?” I raise an eyebrow at her, and she takes another long sip of her wine. I can’t help but stare at her bare neck and her juicy pink lips.

“I’m talking about for when we’re at your grandparents’ this weekend. Not for real.”

“I know that,” I say quickly, blinking. “I mean, I knew I liked you after a few weeks, and I don’t know that we should pretend we’re in love.”

“But we have to pretend we’re in love.” She clutches her heart dramatically and falls to the side.

“Why?”

“Because you’re going to propose to me. Who proposes to someone they don’t love?”

“Oh. Yeah.” I slap my thigh. I completely forgot that part.

“Relax, Brett. It’s fine. We’re in love.” She grabs my hands and pulls me closer to her. “You love me, and I love you, and we’re about to get married, and I’m going to be the mother of your children, right?” She flutters her eyelashes. “How many kids do we want?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it.”

“I want three kids—two boys and a girl,” she says softly, and my heart tugs as I think of Charlie and the boys he wanted. “Boy, then girl, then boy. And I’d like to call the first boy …” She pauses. “Oh, should we be talking about baby names already, or is that something we should say we haven’t talked about yet? Do I know the engagement is coming or …”

“Good question. I haven’t thought that far ahead. And you want three kids for real or …” My voice trails off as she beams at me, happiness in her eyes.

“Yeah, I do. That’s why I’m looking for Mr. Right. Actually, I should give Marcus a call later to let him know I’m available for lunch next week.”

My stomach twists at her words. “Really? You’re bringing that up now?”

“I was just reminding myself that I need to call him.”

“We’re meant to be focused right now, Rosie. Practice makes perfect, and if we slip up in any way, no one’s going to believe us. I won’t get the trust. I won’t be able to open the nonprofit.” And then all of this will have been for nothing.

“There’s no need to sound so angry.” She frowns at me. “I’m sorry I brought him up. It’s not like I’m going to bring him up this weekend. How do I know you’re not going to accidentally slip up and⁠—”

“Because I’m not.”