Our lips meet in a soft kiss, which he breaks all too soon. Tucking my messy hair behind my ears, he says, “We have a few hours before we have to be at my aunt and uncles. Anything you want to do? We could go into town if you want to check it out.”
“Actually, I did think of something I want to do, but it’s kind of silly.”
“I enjoy silly sometimes. What is it?”
Biting my lip, I try not to giggle with excitement at the thought of doing such a childish activity, but I can’t help how giddy just the thought of it makes me. Looking up at him, I ask, “Do you want to build a snowman with me?”
He roars a laugh. “That’s what you want to do?”
I blush, nodding enthusiastically. Even if he doesn’t want to, I can still go out and do it myself. “Yes.”
Grabbing my hand, he pulls us from the couch and tugs me further into his home. “Okay, if we’re going to do this, we have to do it right. Tell me what you want your snowman to wear.”
As I throw out ideas, he leads me down the hall, tapping his finger to his lips in thought as we set off in search of supplies.
“I think I might be sick.” Shaking my hands nervously, I look over at Miller, wondering if my face reflects a shade of green since I’m feeling like I might vomit.
I’m about to come face-to-face with the family I lied to. Face-to-face with the man Ifake-dated.
Blowing out a very shaky breath, I look out the window, my foot bouncing against the floorboard of the truck.
“It’s going to be fine.” Miller reaches over and squeezes my knee. “Just relax, Snow Angel.”
“I just can’t shake the feeling that this is all about to blow up in my face.”
“I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Tim and Tina are reasonable people. You’ll see.”
“And Lincoln?”
Miller takes a right-hand turn onto his aunt and uncle’s street.
“What about him?”
“What if he’s decided this is too weird for him? He’s had time to think. What if his fake girlfriend ofone daydating his actual cousin is too…awkward?”
“I think you are overthinking this way too much. I promise you everything will be fine.”
In the next breath, we’re pulling into the familiar driveway of Tim and Tina’s house, up alongside Lincoln’s car. The sun is setting, darkness beginning to shroud all around us, and it feels like a warning, which doesn't give me a lot of comfort.
Coming around to my side of the truck, Miller opens my door and extends his hand, helping me hop out. He presses a chastekiss to my lips as he closes the door, then laces his fingers with mine and leads me up the porch.
He barely lifts his hand to knock when the door is practically pulled from his hinges.
“Miller! Holly! It’s so good to see you both. Please, come in, come in.” Tina smooths her hands against her apron and steps aside for us to enter.
She kisses my cheek in greeting and I send a panicked look in Miller’s direction before he helps me shrug out of my coat. Squeezing my hip reassuringly, he turns to his aunt and wraps her in a hug.
I’m about to explode with nerves.
“Seems like the five of us have some things to discuss!” Tina claps her hands. “C’mon, Linc and Tim are in the living room.”
A wave of guilt hits me at the mention of Lincoln’s name, and as I follow her into the other room where the men are, he instantly greets me with a wide smile. Pushing up from his seat, he walks over to meet with his arms open, pulling me into a warm hug.
“Hey! You look well.” He kisses me on the side of the head, like a brother would do to a sister.
Dropping my voice, I look up at him. “I need to tell them. Sooner than later.”
He nods, understanding shining through his eyes. “Whenever you’re ready.”
