Page 98 of I Think He Knows?

“It’s stunning,” I gush.

“Wedding planning is exhausting,” she says dramatically.

“That’s what I’ve heard.”

Suddenly she looks around. “Are you here with anyone?”

I shake my head. “Not tonight. Tonight is all about my best friend.”

“I didn’t expect the party to be this elaborate,” she says. “Mason must really be trying to impress everyone. It’s a bit over the top for a birthday.”

I force a smile. “I think he wanted Eliza to have the best birthday ever.”

Oh, I can’t wait to see her face when Mason and Eliza walk in and make their announcement. I want a front row seat for her reaction. I should probably record it for Eliza. And her head will probably explode when she finds out they already have a relationship with the famous wedding planner.

“I should check in and see if anyone needs help,” I say, trying to escape this conversation. “Nice talking to you, and I’ll see you later.”

Everyone is anxiously waiting for Mason’s text letting us know they’re almost here.

I stop to grab a water bottle when Eliza’s mother starts shouting.

“Less than five minutes everyone. It’s almost time. Be ready to yell Happy Birthday.”

I move closer to Eliza’s family because I want to be one of the first to see them walk in.

The lights are dimmed, and a hush falls over the room.

“Mason, what’s going on?” I hear Eliza ask. “What else did you do?”

All at once the doors open, the lights flash on, and we all shout Happy Birthday.

Eliza’s eyes grow wide as she scans the room. She brings her hands to her face, and there it is—a huge diamond on her left hand. It’s sparkling under the lights, and instantly it hits me that my best friends are officially engaged.

Eliza’s parents and grandmother are the first to greet her with big hugs. The tears are already streaming down Eliza’s cheeks by the time I’m able to get to her.

Her hand is shaking as she holds it out to show me. I nod knowingly and hug her.

“Wait,” Eliza’s mother shouts. Her eyes land on the ring, and her jaw drops.

“We’re engaged,” Eliza shouts through her tears.

Cheers erupt, and Eliza’s mother begins sobbing uncontrollably.

I notice Mason hanging back letting Eliza soak up every second of this incredible moment.

“You did it,” I exclaim, giving him a tight hug. “I told you she’d say yes.”

He laughs. “You were right, as usual. Everything went perfectly.”

“Give us all the details,” Eliza’s mom says when she finally calms down.

A server brings two glasses of champagne to Eliza and Mason as they describe their perfect engagement. I’m dabbing the corners of my eyes as I watch them together.

I’m so proud of Mason. He has come so far over the years. I’m impressed how he created every detail, including taking Eliza on a trip down memory lane of their ten-year friendship, making different stops and then ending at a romantic gazebo filled with bouquets of flowers.

After they finish describing the proposal, everyone is invited to enjoy the food, and music fills the air. The guests are all crowding around the happy couple, so I wait patiently to talk to them. I can’t help but notice that Dean and Caitlin haven’t greeted them yet. I’m sure this exciting news has knocked the wind out of Caitlin’s sails. She’s no longer the only bride to be or the center of attention. Admittedly it’s kind of fun to watch. I get a plate of food and take a seat with Eliza’s co-workers.

“Did you know about the proposal?” Addie asks.

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