“Meeting in the garden could become a habit.”

Eliza’s gloved hand stilled on the weed she’d been pulling. She glanced up and shaded her eyes with her hand. Despite all that had happened today, the sight of Kyle had a smile lifting her lips. “I needed to think. I thought I might as well tackle a few weeds at the same time.”

Kyle crouched down beside her, all rugged male in his faded jeans and T-shirt. He grabbed a spiked leafy weed and added it to her pile. “Everything okay?”

“It depends on your perspective.” Eliza stared unseeingly across the garden, then rose and pulled off her gloves. “Take a walk with me.”

Kyle pushed to his feet and held out his hand. “With pleasure.”

Eliza hadn’t expected to walk down the sidewalk with him holding hands. Heck, she hadn’t expected to be walking down the sidewalk at all, not dressed in clothes earmarked for digging in the dirt.

“You look good in jeans.” Kyle leaned back, and his gaze lingered on her backside. “Sexy.”

A warm rush of pleasure filled her. She rolled her eyes, just for form.

“Tell me what’s troubling you.” The concern in his deep voice matched what she saw in his eyes. “Surely there’s something I can do to help.”

“I don’t think so.” Eliza inhaled a breath and let it out slowly. The air was always so clean and fresh here. The lawns green and well-tended. Blooming flowers dotted the landscapes of nearly every home they passed.

Good Hope deserved to win the competition. The business owners deserved the publicity. But without a bride and groom, they would be forced to drop out of the competition.

His hand tightened around hers. “Tell me.”

“Lindsay called off her engagement with Dan.” The words hung in the air for several seconds.

“Because of Owen?”

Eliza slowly shook her head. “I don’t think so. Lindsay likes and respects Owen, but I believe they are, at this point anyway, just friends.”

“It’s difficult to be blindsided.”

At first, Eliza thought Kyle was referring to Lindsay hitting her with this news so close to the showcase. Then she realized he was talking about Dan.

“I think he truly believed Lindsay loved him.” Kyle’s tone was heavy with sympathy.

Of course, Kyle would identify with Dan. He’d had a fiancée, a woman he loved, dump him unexpectedly.

The thought of Kyle loving another woman brought a sharp pang to Eliza’s heart. She attempted to tug her hand away, but his fingers tightened around hers.

“I learned a valuable lesson from my experience with Jessica. Lasting love is a two-way street.” Kyle brought their joined fingers to his mouth and kissed the top of her hand. “I’m glad it didn’t work out with her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here now. With you.”

Eliza’s stomach somersaulted, but when she spoke, her voice was even. “Lindsay feels horrible about breaking up with Dan so close to the showcase. I told her to let me worry about the competition.”

“It’s a great compliment, her coming to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“She felt she could be straight with you. She knew you’d understand and be on her side.” The approval that ran through his words warmed her. “You’re a good friend, E. She’s lucky to have you.”

Some of the weight that had settled on her shoulders slid off and fell at her feet. “I only wish she’d decided this a couple of weeks ago.”

For a second, Kyle appeared confused. Then a knowing look filled his eyes. “The competition. Once again, you don’t have a bride and groom.”

“That’s right.” Though she felt more like crying, Eliza gave a little laugh. “And it’s too late to find an acceptable replacement.”

Kyle stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, put his hands on her arms and turned her to face him. His gaze searched her face. “What are you going to do?”

Eliza shrugged. “Good Hope will have to withdraw.”

“Are you positive you can’t find another couple?”

“I’ve been racking my brain for anyone who might work, but I’ve come up empty.” She sighed. “Even if I could find someone who’s willing, the odds she’d fit into the dress and be prepared to handle the interviews are practically nil.”

When Kyle began to walk, Eliza fell into step beside him. Missing the feel of his hand against hers, she took his arm. Somehow, she always felt better—stronger—when he was close.

“I may have a solution.” He tossed the words out there, then waited.

She squeezed his arm, tight enough to make him yelp.

“Hey, what was that for?”

She smiled sweetly. “You tormenting me.”

Confusion furrowed his brow. “How?”

“You say you have a solution but then clam up.”

He laughed. “You just have to promise me that when you hear it, you won’t punch me.”

How was it that this man could make her forget her troubles with a simple flash of a smile?

“I’m not promising anything.”

Eliza wasn’t sure what to think when the laughter faded from his eyes and his expression turned serious. She held her breath when he turned toward her and took both her hands in his. “I think you and I should be the couple.”

* * *

I’ve lost my mind.

That was the only explanation Eliza could come up with. She’d let Kyle convince her that not only would pretending to be engaged allow Good Hope to continue in the competition, but it would take the heat off Lindsay for backing out at the last minute.

“You’re doing fantastic.” Ami gave Eliza an encouraging smile as she positioned herself for more pictures.

The film crew had kept a close eye on her all morning. Everywhere she went, they followed.

They were there when Eliza stepped out of Swoon’s dressing room in the black satin gown. Thanks to a few adjustments by Piper, it fit perfectly. Margo, the producer, appeared to enjoy the boutique owner’s story of how Lindsay had made Eliza model the dress so she could see how it looked from another vantage point.

Margo nodded in approval when Piper finished. “That’s a sweet story. Our viewers will love it.”

Marigold’s shop was next on the grand tour. Because of her experience in Chicago with couture fashion shows, the youngest Bloom sister was at ease in front of the camera. Marigold demonstrated her skill for sound bites while arranging Eliza’s hair in the striking vintage style they’d both admired at Rakes Farm.

Makeup was applied when they reached the farm. Once again, a Bloom sister shone in front of the camera. By the time Fin finished applying Eliza’s makeup, even Eliza was impressed.

A section of the barn had been set up as it would be at the reception, complete with antique furniture pieces and wedding photos of Lindsay’s and Dan’s parents arranged on a black, natural-wood credenza.

The black and white Chanel-inspired cake with its pearls and broach had been artfully arranged on a marble-topped table. Ami had brought plates and a cake knife with her when Eliza mentioned they might film her and Kyle cutting the cake.

Kyle had arrived thirty minutes earlier. From several comments she overheard, Eliza gathered Kyle had had a busy morning with his own entourage.

“We need the groom over here.” Margo motioned to Kyle.

Eliza and Kyle strode to the table and were expertly positioned next to the cake. She knew they made a striking picture.

As they waited for the cameraman, Ami stepped to her and whispered in her ear, “I’m so happy for both of you.”

It was an odd comment, considering Ami and the rest of the Bloom sisters knew this “engagement” was simply so Good Hope could continue in the competition. If they won the showcase, plans were to find another couple willing to step in for the actual wedding.

Beck had gone over the rules, and there was nothing in them preventing a community from substituting one engaged couple for another.

“You make a beautiful bride.” Kyle leaned close. His warm breath against her ear had her insides jittering.

“You don’t look half bad yourself,” she whispered back.

She was as surprised as everyone when he threw back his head and laughed, then tugged her close for a kiss.

The crowd that had gathered around applauded as Fin hurried over to retouch Eliza’s lipstick.

“You two need to behave yourselves.” Fin spoke with mock sternness even as her green eyes glittered.

Kyle’s hand tightened around Eliza’s and gave it a squeeze, letting her know he was there for her.

Out of everyone there, he knew how hard it was for her to play this part. But he’d been right. Stepping in had immediately taken the heat off Lindsay and Dan.

Margo wagged a finger. “No more kissing.”

“Cut them some slack,” someone called out. “They’re in love.”

“Yes, you are in love.” Ami leaned in close to adjust the neckline of Eliza’s dress. “Even if you’re too stubborn to admit it.”

Words of protest rose from the onlookers when Anita pushed her way through the crowd to stand in the front row. Lindsay’s mother had received an invitation to attend both the preliminary shoot today and the one in the church on Tuesday. The invitation had been extended when she’d been the mother of the bride.

Eliza knew Anita had been furious at her daughter for breaking the engagement. That’s why it surprised her that Anita had shown up today. Of course, the woman always liked being in the middle of any action.

Eliza had to admit Anita made a fetching sight. Her ivory summer dress showed off a trim figure, and her dark hair, styled in an elegant chignon, suited her angular face.

Anita shifted her gaze, and Eliza felt the cold punch of it. She must have shivered, because Kyle reached up to stroke her arm. In reaction, she leaned her dark head against his.

The photographer went crazy, while most of those in attendance exhaled a collective sigh.

Their reaction and Margo’s clap of pleasure propelled Anita forward.

“This is ridiculous.” Anita lifted a hand high in the air. “I demand an end to the charade immediately.”

If they’d been in a theater, Anita’s voice could have easily reached the back row.

Like sharks smelling blood in the water, the film crew began to circle. Though Eliza had tried to tell herself otherwise, there was no denying this competition was barely a step up from reality television.

“You’ll edit this part out.” Eliza spoke in her best no-nonsense tone.

Ignoring her, the cameraman zoomed in as Anita took several steps closer and jabbed a finger at Eliza. “You encouraged my daughter to break her engagement to a wonderful man just so you could take her place.”

A stir of excitement ran through the film crew.

“Anita.” Jeremy stepped closer and tried to take her arm, but she shook him off.

Kyle’s arm slipped around Eliza’s waist.

“You should leave.” Kyle’s tone brooked no argument. “Nothing here concerns you.”

As Eliza expected, the comment was like tossing kerosene on a fire.

“Don’t you tell me what to do.” Anita’s brown eyes turned as sharp as her voice. “My daughter was pushed out by this conniving, back-stabbing bitch who pretended to be her friend.”

Beside her, Kyle began to vibrate.

Eliza clutched his arm and leveled the gaze that had brought many a Cherries member to her knees. “You’re making a fool of yourself, Anita. You need to go.”

“Everyone in Good Hope knows it’s always about you and what you want. You don’t care about Lindsay. All you care about is this competition.”

Steve Bloom suddenly appeared and took Anita’s arm.

The brunette started to pull away until she realized who it was beside her. Despite her vehement denials, everyone in Good Hope knew Anita still cared about this sweet, gentle man she’d once dated.

“Come with me, Anita.” Steve’s eyes were as soft and soothing as his voice. “Let’s go somewhere, get a cup of coffee.”

Eliza breathed a sigh of relief when Anita’s shoulders slumped. Then she whirled and that finger was in the air again, pointing from Eliza to Kyle.

“Mark my words, when this all comes out as being a sham, you two won’t be able to hold your heads up in this community.” With a half sob, Anita shook off Steve’s hand and took off, the film crew in hot pursuit.

Eliza stared down at the emerald-cut diamond with the elaborate filigree that Kyle had placed on her finger yesterday, “just for show.” She wasn’t sure where he’d picked up the ring that likely wasn’t even a real gemstone.

Surging emotion made rational thought impossible. Eliza might have walked off the set if Kyle hadn’t reached out and grabbed her hand. “Steady.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Eliza saw one camera swing to them, while the other remained trained on Anita, who was now shoving her way through the crowd.

“Take a deep breath.” Kyle’s voice remained low, for her ears only. “A few more photos and we can go home.”

Home.

For a second, Eliza imagined how nice it would be to sit in the parlor and share a glass of wine with him. Somehow, without her quite realizing how it had happened, he’d become incredibly precious to her.

Yet, what had she done? She’d put him in a situation where he would be embarrassed and ridiculed.

He might have volunteered, might have even suggested the charade. But she’d lived here her entire life, and Eliza knew the fallout Kyle could face when it came out they were just “pretending.” Especially with Anita determined to bring him down.

Eliza could handle whatever garbage Anita tossed her way. What she couldn’t stand was having the man she loved hurt…and knowing she was to blame.