Page 46 of Don't Fall For Your Fake Boyfriend

“Is my perfect nephew being a little cock block?” I ask.

“Fuck you,” he says, crossing his arms.

“Oh, everyone is allowed over here now?” Tripp asks, tentatively sitting next to Anya.

“Why wouldn’t we be allowed here?” she asks while looking at him.

I feel Willow tense beside me and I lean over, pressing a gentle kiss below her ear.

“We were in the middle of a private conversion,” I say, lifting an eyebrow as I narrow my eyes at him.

“Leave them alone, Tripp. It’s all new and exciting. It’s the beginning of something wonderful,” Anya says, smiling at us.

I want to tell her she’s ridiculous. I want to tell her she’s so damn wrong. I want to tell her she has no idea what she’s talking about. But I can’t. Because as my fingers lazily trace Willow’s shoulder, I do feel like it’s the beginning of something wonderful.

This relationship between us is fake, I know that, but what I’m feeling is so fucking real. I have no idea if Willow feels it and right now I don’t want to know. I’m having the best time with Willow and I don’t want anything to fuck that up. Even if it is just temporary.

The sound of a fork tapping on a crystal glass causes all of us to turn our attention in that direction. Paxton stands up and smiles, holding up his glass of champagne.

“First, I want to thank you all for being here. I know when Hartford and I came up with this destination wedding idea, it was probably a lot to take in.” We all laugh and he looks down at Hartford. “But, what my girl wants, my girl gets.” There are a few sighs and some aww’s from the crowd. “We appreciate you all so much for taking the trip out here and helping us celebrate our marriage. Hartford and I are so grateful for all of you and we are so thankful that you are here with us. Tomorrow when I get to marry this beautiful girl, I’m glad you are all here to witness it. So, here’s to all of you, loving us as much as we love you.”

It’s a nice speech coming from my brother. I wouldn’t have expected him to have such heartfelt words to say. I guess love really does change certain parts of you.

Hartford stands up and kisses Paxton, causing everyone to cheer. She laughs and looks over at Anya. “Usually when a bride picks her maid of honor it’s her best friend.” She looks up at Paxton and smiles. “But, I’m marrying my best friend.” He pushes a piece of hair off her face and nods. “So, I went to my best girl friend and that’s Anya. Being Paxton’s sister, I couldn’t have thought of anyone better to stand up beside me and I know she’s been dreading this, but it’s time for her speech.”

“Oh shit, you’re speaking?” I ask, laughing.

“Bite me,” Anya whispers.

“You’ve got this baby,” Griffin shouts.

Watching the way Anya and Griffin smile at each other is pretty amazing. Love really is in the air.

“She’s been so nervous about this,” Willow whispers, searching for my hand.

I link my fingers with hers and rest my hand on her thigh. “She’s going to kill it,” I say, watching Anya stand up.

“I’ve fought my entire life to be the best, but in this case, I’m incredibly honored to be second best.” We all laugh and she smiles at Paxton and Hartford. “It’s no surprise to most of us here that Paxton and Hartford are getting married. My brothers and I saw the love between them long before they admitted to each other. Paxton and Hartford have been friends since kindergarten and anyone who can put up with Paxton for that long is someone special.”

“Or someone crazy,” I shout.

Willow elbows me and I chuckle.

“Well, Brock isn’t all wrong. You have to be a little crazy to join this family.”

“You’d be crazy to not want to be a part of it,” Felicity says, standing behind Shepherd.

Shepherd reaches up and pulls her down for a kiss. It’s sweet and very unlike my brother. Although, I guess that’s not true anymore. The grumpy ass he was no longer exists.

I shake my head as I realize, it’s because he fell in love with Felicity.

“Hartford has been part of the Atwood family and I always considered her to be family. To be my sister. But tomorrow, she will officially be an Atwood, and my sister.”

Griffin steals the last chair at the table, staring at Anya as she looks at Paxton. “My big brother is going to be someone’s husband. I’m so happy for you, Pax. You’ve been my sounding board and always the one in my corner. I love you so much and I couldn’t have picked a more perfect person for you to spend the rest of your life with.” He blows her a kiss and damn, I think I’ve got some dust in my eyes because they’re a little watery.

“Now, please raise your glasses for Paxton and Hartford. Two amazing people who deserve all the happiness in the world. I love you both.”

Everyone cheers when she finishes and as Paxton and Hartford make their way over, Griffin grabs Anya and holds her tight.