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it?”
    “What’s the cash advance limit on your credit card? With mine, we’ll double it.”
    “You think we can do this and not get caught? Not even by…” She thumbed heavenward. “You know.”
    “Oh, God already knows, and He approves.”
    “What?”
    “Lies are only bad when they’re told for selfish reasons, meant to hurt other people. This little… thing …we’re talking here? It’s like playacting, a harmless charade that will help Grandpa go to his grave in peace.”
    This still didn’t feel right to Connie, but she couldn’t think of another way out of the horrible corner she’d painted herself into. Would it really be so wrong to bring a handsome friend home for the party? Help everyone get through the weekend intact without causing a big scene with her melodramatic news: Constance Marie Oliver has lost — yet another — groom.
    Just then, the door to Hank’s office opened, and the two men emerged.
    “Is he going to be all right?” Linda asked with concern.
    “Oh yes, he’ll be just fine. Ankle’s merely twisted. Nothing’s broken,” Hank said. “And that other small concern you had?” He made a tugging motion beside his throat like he was yanking on a rope. “All a big misunderstanding.”
    Connie breathed a sigh of relief. “Really?”
    Mac gave her a tilted grin, and her heart fluttered. “Totally,” he said, appearing amused. “Facts are, I was up in that tree fully intending to stow my grub for the night. To keep it away from bears.”
    “Bears, you see?” Linda said, elbowing her. “I told you there was a logical explanation. Connie glared at her sister, knowing she’d said no such thing.
    Connie pursed her lips a beat, then asked tentatively, “Maybe he should still have his head examined?”
    “You’re right on that.” Hank snapped his fingers. “Already gave the guys at the clinic a call. They’re expecting you.”
    “Us?” Connie asked with surprise.
    “Until we’re sure there’s no brain swelling, it’s probably best if Mac doesn’t drive. I’d take him myself, but I can’t leave things unmanned here.” He glanced at Linda, then met Connie’s eyes. “You don’t mind?”

    A few hours later, Mac approached the girls in the clinic waiting room, waving a stack of papers. They stood to greet him as he drew near.
    “Tests all came back negative. Doctors say I’m fine.”
    “Other than your ankle?” Connie asked.
    “Already feeling better.” He shot her a smile. “After the X-rays, they rewrapped it pretty well. Said ice it for a day. Keep it stable. Before you know it, I’ll be as good as new.”
    “That’s great news, isn’t it, Connie?” Linda asked.
    “Really super.” Connie swallowed hard and glanced at her sister. The whole time they’d sat in the waiting room, they’d been discussing their plans for bringing Mac back to Napa. They’d agreed in advance not to invite him if he received a negative doctor’s report. Now that he was in the clear, there wasn’t anything to stop Connie from asking. Other than levelheaded reason.
    “Um, Mac,” Linda said sweetly. “Connie here has something ask you.”
    “Oh?” He turned his handsome face toward hers, and Connie’s cheeks flared.
    This wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Just a little bit of make-believe, for just a few days? “Um, yes,” she said, feeling her voice falter. She collected her courage and strode toward Mac. “We… I…actually have somewhat of a business proposition.”
    “Business?” he asked, seeming mildly intrigued.
    “It’s my grandpa,” she began uncertainly. Just how could she phrase it, other than blurting out the truth? She heard her voice crack as she said, “He’s dying, Mac. Doesn’t have much time left at all.”
    He studied her sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Connie. That must be terribly hard.”
    “Harder than you know.” She met his gaze and felt lost in the depths of it. “He thinks… He wants…”
    “Connie’s supposed to be