Page 70 of Stick Work

“Identification,” the woman says in a no-nonsense manner, and more people file into the building.

Taylor and I both fish out our driver’s licenses, while Grandma turns to the next couple in line, a couple who are eager to get a license. Grandma gushes over the woman’s engagement ring. I take a deep breath. We don’t have one. That means we can’t actually get married, right?

I hand over my credit card.

The clerk stamps the paper.

After I pay, the clerk hands us an envelope with our shiny new marriage license, which Taylor promptly tucks into her purse—to dispose of later. She was right. Totally harmless. No big deal.

“I’ll Venmo you half the fee,” she tells me.

“Nah, none of this is on you. You’re just sweet to consider Grandma’s feelings.”

With the deed done, I’m ready to gather up Grandma and get the hell out of this place.

I turn and Grandma is right there. “Lovely,” Grandma says and pats my hand. “Now you’re all prepared.”

“Right.”

I guide Grandma back outside and catch her yawning.

I gesture with a nod toward our towering resort. “I think we should head back. Call it a night.”

Taylor nods. “It’s been a long day.”

We head back and make our way into the lobby, which is noticeably quieter now. Most people are off gambling their life savings away or watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat. I’m not interested in either. I guide Grandma toward the elevator, when Taylor suddenly stops, her eyes locking on a large sign.

* * *

Easton & Jenny’s wedding—December 31st. Location—Diamond Ballroom.

* * *

Taylor’s eyes go wide with excitement and mischief. “Let’s go peek.”

I shake my head, hesitant. “I don’t know if we should do that.”

“Oh, come on,” she takes my hand. “We’ll just take a quick look at the room. No one will know.”

I turn to see Grandma sauntering off. “Grandma, where are you going?”

She looks back. “To take a look at the room. Are you coming or not?”

“That woman is going to be the death of me,” I grumble, and Taylor grins.

We follow Grandma and she walks into the room like she owns the place. I’m about to step in behind her when my foot collides with something. I stumble, barely managing to keep my balance, and I glance down to see what nearly took me out.

A toy ring.

Seriously?

This is turning out to be a hell of a crazy night. I guess it can only go up from here.

I drop to one knee, picking up the plastic ring I nearly crushed as Taylor leans in to see what I’ve found and that’s when we hear it.

A loud, dramatic gasp.

We both freeze. Slowly as if in a horror movie, because yes, we do realize how this looks, we turn our heads toward Grandma. She stands there, her hand clutching her chest as her eyes sparkle with sheer excitement.

---