Page 122 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“Now it’s official.”

Luckily, Mom didn’t hear that exchange. A voice from down the hall calls out, “It’s time.” Shortly after, we hear the music.

Jeff and Tara loop arms, then Rachel and Trent, and finally Keaton and I, as the best man and maid of honor. Behind us are Gabriella and Caleb, followed by Alice and Dad. When Dad hands Alice’s hand to Noah, someone whispers how beautiful she looks. Dad’s voice cracks as he says, “That’s my girl. Beautiful inside and out. Treat her right.”

Through the whole ceremony, Keaton and I can’t keep our eyes off each other.

“I hope you know, everyone is talking about how gorgeous my dress is,” Alice tells me at the reception.

“Because you wear it well.”

“Maybe because someone designed it well for my body type.”

I pretend to think for a minute and then smile. “Team effort.”

Keaton interrupts us to take my hand and lead me out onto the dance floor. As we hold one another and sway to the music, he whispers, “You know, I could totally propose to you right now and steal their thunder.”

I laugh and shake my head at him. “I’m past that.”

“Just saying, I’d do it for you.”

“You’d propose to me for the sake of me being in the spotlight?”

“I’d marry you.”

“Oh, you’d take it that far?”

“I’ll always go as far as you’re willing to go.”

My stomach dips, and I feel butterflies. Is he actually hinting about marriage? I suck my lips in and then blink back a few tears. It’s already been an emotional day. I decide to change the subject, since now isn’t the time or the place. “I think I’ve already taken enough spotlight away from Alice with the dress.”

Keaton gives me a knowing smile. “It did steal the show.” We share a laugh and then he says, “In all seriousness, you did a marvelous job. I know how hard you worked on that for her.”

“Thank you. She looks so gorgeous in it. I’m so proud to see her like this, and to have shared this moment with her. She looks positively beautiful, happy and in love.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I could spend the rest of my life in his arms. If he asked me right now, the answer would be the easiest decision of my life. I’ve never been so certain about anything before.

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