Page 126 of Fake it ’Til Fall

Liam’s attention locks in.

There it is.

The calculation.

Wolfcraft. Hockey. Reputation. Boyfriend? Real? Threat? Useful gossip?

“Forrest Wolfcraft,” Liam says, extending a hand. “I’ve heard about you.”

I look at his hand.

Then at his face.

Then I shake it because Daisy’s rule is the only thing standing between this moment and a headline.

“Not surprised,” I say. “This town likes to gossip.”

Daisy hums. “Winterberry doesn’t gossip. It performs unpaid narrative management.”

Carla smiles. “It’s lovely that Daisy has someone with her.”

Lovely.

Daisy’s fingers twitch once at her side.

I catch it.

Liam catches me catching it.

Interesting.

Daisy slides her notebook open. “Let’s start with the ceremony space, then the tasting room layout for the welcome dinner. We have a lot to cover, and the tasting room opens at noon.”

Liam glances at her notebook. “You always were good at taking charge.”

Daisy smiles brighter.

Too bright.

“Yes,” she says. “It’s my gift. Some women inherit jewelry. I inherited logistics, emotional over-functioning, and the urge to apologize to furniture when I bump into it.”

Carla laughs lightly, like she is not sure whether she is allowed to.

Daisy turns and walks.

They follow.

So do I.

The walkthrough is a master class in Daisy hurting quietly.

She discusses the aisle runner. Chair placement. Floral arch. Welcome dinner flow. Weather contingency.

Liam keeps saying things like, “You always were the best at this,” and “I knew your eye would make it perfect,” and “This place really is you.”

Every compliment sounds like theft.

At the ceremony terrace, Liam falls half a step behind with Daisy.