Page 99 of The Valentine's Bet

And it only gets stranger.

There’s no one in the lobby.

“Did they cancel...?” I glance around, but Parker is already pulling me toward the double doors to the small theater.

And it’sempty.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, babe,” Parker says, smiling.

“What?” I nearly shriek as The Band Allen starts setting up the stage. “What is this?!” I turn to him.

“I may have paid for a private showing.”

My mouth drops open. “So, this is all just for us?”

He shrugs. “Yep. They’ll play a second concert at the scheduled time, so it’s not like everyone else won’t get a chance to see them.”

“Happy Birthday, Amy,” the frontman says into the microphone. “This whole set is just for you.”

I nearly come unglued, grabbing Parker’s hand and dragging him down to the front of the theater. “This is so amazing!”

“Oh, it only gets better from here,” he says into the microphone. “This first song is dedicated to you, from Parker. Even though this whole concert is for you, he wanted us to make sure we dedicate this first song to you... Apparently, it’s important.” The band breaks into a piano riff, and I immediately recognize it as my favorite song—the love ballad.

“I can’t believe you did this.” I turn to Parker, fighting back another round of tears. “This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

“Yeah, I have no idea how I’m supposed to top this next year.” He chuckles, grabbing my hand and pulling me against his chest. “But I’ll figure something out.”

“Next year, huh?” I raise a brow. “I thought you didn’t think love could last?”

He smiles down at me. “Oh yeah, I still have my doubts ... about everyone else. But you and me? I think we can go the distance.”

“I love you.” I cling to him as we sway back and forth.

“I love you, too, Amy,” he says, leaning down and resting his head against mine. “And you know what? You’re worth every single risk. I’ll take them all with you.”

“Even skydiving?”

He laughs. “Guess we have next year’s Valentine’s Day plans figured out.”

Epilogue

Amy

One year later...

“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Eliza gushes, adjusting the lace on my wedding gown. I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for having her by my side. I couldn’t imagine this moment without her.

A soft pink glow illuminates the room as I gaze at myself in the full-length mirror. The reflection staring back at me is a vision I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl.

My mermaid gown hugs every curve, the delicate lace cascading down to a sweeping train. A cathedral-length veil trails behind me,shimmering with tiny crystals that catch the light. I reach up to touch it, hardly able to believe this day has finally arrived.

“Thank you, Eliza,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, overwhelmed by the moment. “I can’t believe this day is finally here.”

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she steps back to admire me. “You deserve all the happiness in the world. And today is just the beginning.”

I take a deep breath, my heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and excitement.

Today, I get to marry the love of my life.

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