Page 117 of Imperfect Arrangement

My grip on her tightens. I have to close my eyes for a brief moment, gathering the courage to say something I’ve never spoken out loud. “Quill isn’t my biological daughter.”

Her sharp inhale cuts through the air. “You’re sure?”

“I never took the test, because I don’t need to.” My mouth suddenly feels dry. “I was with Quill’s mom for one weekend, and the timing doesn’t match.”

She processes that for a beat, her brows pulling together slightly. “Does anyone else know? Your cousins?”

I shake my head. “It’s not that I don’t trust them or anyone else in my family. They all love Quill, and I know this wouldn’t change that a bit.” I swallow hard, the gravity of the truth settling deeper now that it’s out in the open. “But I don’t want them carrying the burden of this secret when it’s only mine to bear.”

Understanding flickers over Willow’s face as she reaches for my hand and threads her fingers through mine. “I’m going to say it again, Ray—you’re the best surprise of my life.”

A NEW CHOICE

WILLOW

Six months later

“You did it, Willowbean!” Nana pats my cheek as I reach the table where she’s sitting with Mom and, surprise, surprise, Decent Joe, who looks ridiculously put together in a navy-blue suit and yellow tie. “Your gramps would be so proud of you.”

They say nothing goes faster than time, and the past few months have been proof of that. I feel like I’ve lived a lifetime in such a short span. Blooming Quillis officially open for business as of today, as we celebrate its grand opening ceremony. DJ finally worked up the courage to ask my mom out last Christmas. Penny Hawthorne, Daisy and Charles’s daughter, is half a year old, and judging by her ability to command an entire room with a single tantrum, she’s right on track to be a full-fledged diva.

As for our bug, she’s stepped into her new role as a big cousin with the kind of determination and passion that makes my chest ache with pride. She still prefers signing over speaking, but every now and then, she’ll respond to her dad with actual words. And I know what it does to him, his whole world shifts whenever she says anything out loud.

“I got you something.” DJ’s voice drags me from my thoughts as he pulls a small square box from his jacket. “It’s nothing big.”

“You got me a gift?” I blink, genuinely surprised. “DJ, you didn’t have to.” But my hands are already peeling away the silver wrapping paper. When I lift the lid, my heart stutters. Inside, nestled against soft fabric, are two crocheted sunflower keychains. My throat closes as I trace the delicate threads with my fingers.

“I know you’re the one who leaves those sunflowers behind on the Ferris wheel.” His voice is gentle and thoughtful, reminding me why he’s one of my favorite people in this town. “Then you started coming with Quill, and there were two. So, one is for you…and one for your daughter.”

My daughter.

I’m not sure why those two words knock the air from my lungs. Maybe because they sound so right coming from him. Maybe because I’ve spent so much time trying to convince myself that I don’t belong in that role.

Before I can gather myself, Mom claps her hands together, eyes shining. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you and Ray were the first to get married here?”

And there it is, the other thing that has escalated over the past few months. Our families have become outright obsessed with taking Ray’s and my relationship to the next level. I don’t know if it’s because we’re setting up a wedding estate and everyone’s getting ideas or because they’re just bored and desperate for a reason to throw a party. Either way, I can’t go a single day without being asked when our big day is.

“Mom, I told you, Ray and I are in no hurry,” I say, exasperated. “We’re focusing on the business right now.”

“That’s total nonsense.” Nana scoffs, crossing her arms. “You two live together, and by the looks of how happy you are, I’m sure you’re getting some between the sheets?—”

“Nana!” My entire face combusts into flames as I choke on air. “Oh my God.”

She waves me off, completely unbothered. “What? You think your mother and DJ aren’t?—”

“Nope. Nope. Absolutely not.” I slap my hands over my ears. “I cannot listen to this.” I make my escape before she can traumatize me further, heading straight to my girl gang.

“What was that about?” Daisy asks as I slide into the seat next to her.

“Nothing. The same craziness.” I huff out a breath. “My family wants Ray and me married yesterday.”

“Can you blame them?” Elodie lifts a shoulder. “You two look like the most perfect, swoon-worthy couple of Cherrywood.”

I narrow my eyes and mumble, “You do remember this whole thing is fake, right?”

“So we’re still sticking tothatstoryline?” Violet raises a brow.

I groan, grabbing the plate of hors d’oeuvres from her hands. “What’s in these? Because clearly, they’re causing mass delusions.”