Blessed by the Fake Boyfriend

That was because Garret was too busy chasing after things that didn’t last. Like popularity and the latest fashion. He lived his life t

hat way, in the fast lane. But as much as he’d hate to admit it aloud, there were times when Joseph wished he were more like his resilient little brother. He let things slide off his back like oil. His carefree lifestyle was something Joseph could never have.

No matter how much he wished in that moment that he didn’t care about Michelle.

“Just treat her well,” he said, patting his brother on the shoulder. “She deserves to be treated with respect. Don’t break her heart.”

He took a step toward the door when his brother’s voice halted him in his tracks.

“I know she’s special, Joey. I’m not going to ruin this.”

He turned, his expression pained. “I’m glad.”

Garret was watching him, his eyes reflecting a serious glow. “She’s too good for me. I know that.”

“I never said that—”

“She’s smart. Driven. Has her feet solidly on the ground.” He shoved his hands in his front pockets and sucked in his cheeks. “To tell you the truth, I admire her for it. She knows where she’s going to be ten years from now and I have no idea where I’ll be ten hours from now. She’s beautiful, and kind, and perfect. Don’t think I don’t know these things. I’m not as clueless as you think.”

Joseph grunted. “I don’t think you’re clueless.”

“Right.” He turned his head away and harrumphed. “You’re going to act like you don’t silently judge me for wanting to travel the world when I graduate? Or that I repeat every mistake you’ve ever made? Come on, admit it.”

Joseph chuckled and shook his head. Apparently, his kid brother had grown up without telling him. He’d underestimated his maturity. If he really felt all of those things about Michelle, then maybe he would treat her well. It was the least Joseph could ask for.

“All right, I admit it,” he said in a low voice. “I’m sorry if I didn’t take you seriously. It’s an older brother flaw, I’m afraid. One that I need to work on breaking.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of immature thoughts left in my head,” Garret quipped back, a goofy grin on his face. He took a sip of his Coke. “And plenty of mistakes to make. Don’t stop being my disapproving older brother just yet. I’ve still got miles to go.”

Joseph barked out a laugh. He really had underestimated his brother and how aware he was of his older brother’s disapproving eye. The guys in his troop had always lovingly referred to him as Papa Joseph, as if he were the overbearing grandfather of the group, keeping his cadets in line. Until now, he’d shrugged off the nickname as ridiculous, but apparently Garret had felt the same. He had judged them. He’d judged them all. Instead, he should’ve been focused on himself.

Garret would be okay, eventually. Maybe he still needed to sow a few wild oats, but he’d land on his feet. He always did. Now, Joseph needed to focus on living his own life. Moving forward with his new career plans. Putting his past behind him.

And that included his feelings for Michelle.

Chapter Nine

Michelle’s cheeks still burned with shame as she stared out at the small pond on the Benedict Homestead Heritage Farm. A few colorful ducks floated gracefully on the dark water, the shrill noises they made doing nothing to distract her from her misery. She couldn’t believe she’d run away from Joseph like that. The man deserved an answer and she’d been too overwhelmed to give him one. Her head was still reeling from the encounter, her heart aching in her chest.

Footsteps sounded behind her and she turned, hoping that it was Joseph and she could apologize to him. Set everything right and return to just a few hours ago when her greatest desire was simply for his younger brother to ask her to the Harvest Ball. But it wasn’t him. It was Garret, holding a Coke cup in his hand and the wooden sign she’d abandoned with Joseph just fifteen minutes ago.

“I think you forgot this,” he said, setting the sign on the ground and taking a seat on the log next to her. His long legs stretched nearly to the edge of the water. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled. “Are you missing school already?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m ready to graduate and come back home. I’ve missed this place. Blessings is a part of my soul.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I love it. Always have. The people, the small town life, and even the weather. You can’t imagine how much it rains in Rhode Island.”

“I guess I never felt the same way.” He leaned back, his hands splayed on either side of the log beside him. “I couldn’t wait to get out of this town. Going to school in Manhattan was a baby step away. Traveling the world after graduation will be when the real fun starts.”

She leaned her elbows on her knees and cradled her chin in her hands. A few of her friends at school felt the same way and had already applied for internships and jobs in exotic locations. She wished them well, but the warmth of home still called to her.

“Can I ask you a random question?” Garret scratched the back of his head and glanced at her.

“Sure.”

“Joseph said that you’ve been into me since we were kids. Is that true?”