Page 70 of The Havenport Collection

Astrid

D eclan had insisted that the Annual Havenport Christmas Tree Burn was the perfect venue for our first town event as a fake couple.

It was the only town festival or event in January, and it was dark, outdoors, and freezing cold, so no one would be paying too much attention to us.

He said we could try out our fake relationship and get a feel for how to sell it. So I bundled up and hoped for the best.

I had certainly never experienced anything like this before.

There were hundreds of people out in a frozen corn field chanting and yelling while the firemen lit up a giant pile of Christmas trees approximately the size of a small apartment complex.

The sun was starting to set, and everywhere I looked, bundled-up people ate, drank, and huddled near small campfires that were set up around the perimeter.

Kids ran wild, playing games and throwing snowballs across the vast open land.

“So am I dressed okay?” I was wearing a giant red winter coat and a red hat with a pom-pom on it. My legs were encased in thick thermal leggings, and I had just bought the cutest knee-high winter snow boots.

“You look great. It’s going to be really cold. Are you sure you’re warm enough?”

“Yup. Got new boots, and a hat, and everything. I’m ready.” I felt ready.

He drew me closer as we walked. “Are you really ready?” He gestured between us. “You know, to be my fake girlfriend?”

I gave him my best lawyer stare. “I was born ready. Are you having second thoughts?”

“About my gorgeous brilliant fake girlfriend? Absolutely not. I am ready to be the fake boyfriend of your dreams.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the action.

It was muddy, wet, and freezing cold but I was having a blast. After parking up on a hill in a muddy lot, Declan led me down to a large clearing away from the main fire area.

It was beautiful. I ignored how my new boots were pinching my feet—they had looked so comfy and chic at the store—and focused on drinking in this experience.

Booths and trucks flanked the median area, which was filled with picnic tables.

In the middle, a man with a chainsaw was creating elaborate ice sculptures while people looked on and took photos.

Local restaurants and stores manned booths, selling hot chocolate and yummy treats.

We spotted the Binnacle Brewery tent and headed right over.

I took a deep breath to steel myself. This would be our first test. Declan grabbed my gloved hand and squeezed. “Are you ready?”

I nodded.

He led me over to a large booth lit by string lights. In the front was a giant snowman dressed in Binnacle Brewing clothing and a pair of sunglasses. People were taking selfies in front of it and laughing. The whole vibe was fun and a bit silly. I felt more relaxed all ready.

Still holding my hand, Declan marched me around the side of the booth where several people were busy taking orders and filling beers.

A large bearded man who bore a striking resemblance to Declan immediately stepped out and greeted us.

Damn, Nora wasn’t lying—these Quinn boys were really good-looking.

“Dec, you’re here!”

“I am.” Declan pulled me close and wrapped his arm around my waist. “And this is Astrid.”

“Wow. The famous Astrid. I’m thrilled to meet you.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. I smiled as Declan squeezed me closer. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Liam.” I held out my gloved hand and he took it.

He pointed to the booth where a beautiful woman with wild curly hair was busy pouring beer. “That’s my fiancée, Cece,” he said. She looked up and waved at me. “And that,” he said pointing to a serious-looking tall woman who was working the cash register, “is her sister, Maggie.”

I gave them both a wave, not wanting to disturb them. The line was really long. Declan had mentioned how successful Liam’s brewery was and I could see it. Even in the freezing cold, people were lining up for it.

“After our shift ends, we’ll find you so you can be properly introduced. In the meantime, can I get you a beer, Astrid?”

I nodded, rubbing my hands together.

“Cece also convinced me to sell spiked hot chocolate if you want to warm up,” Liam said. He was tall, dark, and handsome, just like Declan. But for two people who looked alike, they had vastly different energy. Liam was open, friendly, and gregarious, where Declan was subdued and closed off.

“I would love to try your famous beer first. Declan talks endlessly about how good it is.”

Both men smiled at each other, and I felt like I had passed some sort of test. Liam looked giddy.

“I’ll be right back with beers for both of you.”

A few moments later, Liam handed us both beers and watched while I took a sip.

“This is great,” I said, taking another big sip. “Hoppy and fruity and crisp.” I smelled it. “Are these Centennial hops?” Liam’s jaw dropped. Declan turned and stared at me.

I shrugged. “I know a little bit about beer. A couple of years ago I represented Night Walker when they were acquired by Anheuser-Busch.”

“Sorry, what?” Liam looked gobsmacked.

“Astrid is a corporate attorney,” Declan offered.

“I do mergers and acquisitions. And in the process, end up learning a lot about my clients and their businesses. I spent two years prepping financials and learning about Night Walker’s business, and they gave me a lot of beer. So I learned to appreciate the good stuff.”

Liam continued to look at me like I had three heads. “And this,”—I held up my almost empty plastic cup—“is really good stuff.”

Liam leaned over, clasped Declan on the shoulder, and said, “Marry this woman.” I flushed crimson.

That was embarrassing and not what I was expecting.

When I had been preparing to meet Declan’s family, I expected a lot more formality and more doubt.

Liam was so kind and welcoming and clearly bought us as a couple.

He gave me a nod and went back to his booth where Cece and Maggie were busy selling beer to a long line of customers.

Declan was quiet so I stood there silently finishing my beer.

I took a moment to admire how good he looked all bundled up in winter clothes.

His Carhartt jacket barely concealed the thick muscular frame underneath, and his slouchy beanie highlighted his perfect bone structure.

It was cold, probably around twenty degrees, but he looked perfectly comfortable, at ease in his body and his surroundings.

I bumped him with my hip. “You doing alright?”

He looked down at me. “Yup. So I think we convinced Liam.” He threw an arm around my shoulders and crushed me to his chest. “So how about I get my girl something to eat? There is an incredible taco truck here.”

I felt a fizzy feeling in my chest at being called his girl. I was giddy, and it wasn’t the beer I had just drunk. Touching him and being with him just made me feel good.

As we walked toward the taco truck, with his arm around me, I let myself imagine, just for a moment, what it would be like if I really was his girl.

What if this wasn’t fake? I knew it was a dangerous game to play, but I couldn’t help myself.

My usual self-discipline seemed to desert me whenever Declan was around.

It had been so long since I had been in a real relationship.

And even then, it wasn’t half as comforting and secure as my temporary fake relationship.

Being here with Declan made me long for something real, something lasting.

I guess that was yet another thing I would have to deal with in therapy.

At this rate, I’d be a functional human being sometime in my midfifties.

I was studying the menu, internally debating between barbacoa and chicken Tinga when I felt Declan squeeze my hand.

I looked up from my taco daze to see two older people approaching.

A tiny, determined looking woman with a steel-gray bob was walking ahead of a tall, cheerful man walking with a cane.

Declan turned and whispered to me, “It’s go time. ”

Declan straightened up as the woman approached me.

“Declan, sweetheart. I didn’t expect to see you here.

” She didn’t let him respond before walking right over to me and grabbing both my hands.

She looked up at me. “This must be Astrid. I am so pleased to meet you, dear.” She held up my arms as her gaze traveled up and down my body before meeting my eyes.

I felt immediately self-conscious. I desperately wanted this woman to like me.

I didn’t know why, except that Declan loved his family.

I wanted them to love me too, even if I was just his fake girlfriend.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Quinn. And this must be Captain Quinn.” I tried to turn my attention to him, but she did not drop my arms. She stood, perfectly still, assessing me. Probably calculating how she could get rid of me since I clearly wasn’t good enough for her son.

So I was doubly shocked when she pulled me into a tight hug. For such a tiny woman, she was deceptively strong. “Oh dear,” she said, finally releasing me, “you are so lovely. And please call me Annie.”

“Mom, don’t overwhelm her. She just met Liam and he acted like a weirdo.”

“It’s just such a pleasant surprise to see you with such a”—she paused—“lovely and accomplished young woman.” She beamed at me. She turned to her husband who was walking slowly toward us.

“Captain, get over here and meet Declan’s girlfriend,” she clucked.

The Captain ambled over slowly and held out his hand. “Please excuse my Annie, she is overly invested in our sons’ love lives.”

I shook his outstretched hand and liked him immediately. His jovial, casual nature was in direct contrast to the tightly coiled intensity of his wife. “We’ve been hearing all over town how brilliant and accomplished you are. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”