Page 83 of Always Been You

“But then, life happened, and I won’t get into it, but I messed everything up, starting with the terms of our agreement. She pretended to be my girlfriend but I wasn’t able to fulfill my end of the bargain. So tonight, I thought I would remedy that.”

A spotlight shone on the “dance floor” and everyone started clapping as Ethan set the mic down and took off his jacket, revealing a black, button-up shirt that looked identical to the one Patrick Swayze wore in the movie. Music started and Jess instantly recognized the song as “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life.”

Beside her, Ali was vibrating with excitement. “This is why I told you to wear the dress.”

Ethan walked over to Jess, who already had tears in her eyes as he whispered a modified version of the famous line. “Nobody puts Jess in a corner.”

A nervous laugh bubbled up as she placed her hand in his and wrapped her other around his bicep at the exact moment the cue for the first move came. Ethan dipped her back and swooped her in a half circle and when she straightened again he guided her so that her back was to him. She lifted her hand and as he ran his fingers down the inside of her arm she said, “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“A deal’s a deal.” He grinned right before spinning her out.

She hadn’t practiced the choreography in over a month but it came back to her.

As they got closer to the big finale, she breathlessly asked, “What about the lift?”

She knew that his shoulder was better, but better didn’t mean he could lift one hundred and thirty pounds over his head.

“Just follow my lead.” He winked at her.

It had been the same note that Miss Penelope was constantly telling her. And Jess relaxed and did just that.

When it came time, she turned and walked to the other end of the dance floor, like they’d rehearsed. When she turned back, she saw Ethan waiting for her. Their eyes locked and he nodded his head. She took a deep breath and started to run toward him but stopped midway when she saw him get down on one knee as he pulled a small box from his pocket.

She gasped as the momentum that she already had going propelled her toward him, stopping right in front of him. Her hands flew to her mouth. She was shaking her head in disbelief as she asked, “What are you doing?”

He smiled up at her. “A wise woman once told me that if I loved you, I should do something about it. So, I’m doing something about it. I’m sorry it took me so long.”

She felt her hands dampen with tears.

“I love you, Jess. I don’t know how one person can have so much strength, vulnerability, tenacity, humor, depth, passion, and persistence. It is truly mind-boggling. You are a beautiful contradiction, a perfect puzzle that I want to spend the rest of my life trying to solve.”

He opened the box and there was a stunning vintage ring with a single stone in the center surrounded by a floral halo of diamonds. It was unique, classic, and totally her.

“Jessa Nicole Myers will you drive me crazy for the rest of my life?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” She nodded as he slid the ring on her hand, stood, and pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

She didn’t even realize that there were people cheering until he broke their kiss. When he did, they were surrounded by friends and family.

Kade and Ali were the first to congratulate them.

“Thanks again for letting me hijack your reception.” Ethan said as he and Kade did the one-arm man hug.

“Are you kidding me? Seeing you dance was the best wedding gift we got.” He held up his phone to show he’d gotten video of it.

Ali playfully swatted her husband when Jess felt herself being pulled into another hug.

“Congratulations, sweetie.” Her mom said as she embraced her.

Jess teared up even more as she hugged her mom, suddenly very overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m sorry I lied to you about not really being a couple.”

Her mom pulled back and smiled as she shook her head. “Honey, the only person you were lying to was yourself if you thought that relationship wasn’t real.”

She smiled and hugged her mom once more before she hugged her dad and half of the population of Whisper Lake.

Once the excitement had calmed down, the music started playing again and everyone sort of dispersed, leaving Ethan and Jess alone at the end of the pier.

She looked up at him, and he smiled and cupped her face with his hands.

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