Page 105 of Windlass

“There is one important rule to croquet, however, which I need to bring to your attention. We’ll play as many rounds as you’re up for, but the winner of the first gets to choose the songs for karaoke.”

Stevie and Morgan exchanged looks of horror. Angie burst out with a cackle of laughter that was downright villainous, and Stevie silently vowed to win at all costs or at least prevent Angie from winning.

Ivy pulled her aside as they cleaned up their dishes after a leisurely meal and stepped onto the porch. She looked less collected now, with a worried pinch about her eyes.

“Okay.” Ivy ran her hands through her hair. “Tonight.”

“Don’t lose the ring.”

“Why would you even say that?” Ivy blinked with genuine horror, and Stevie winced as she realized too late that Ivy was too keyed up to tease.

“It’s what happens in rom coms. I’m sorry. You won’t lose it, and if you do, I’ll find it.”

Ivy pressed a hand to her chest, drumming her fingers on her collarbones. The ocean view backlit her magnificently.

“What do you need me to do?”

“If she says no, I’ll need you to help cover for us. Keep people distracted. Lil can tell you if she wants, but I don’t want her to feel like I trapped her into this.” Ivy messed with her hair again. “God, I didn’t, did I?”

“No.” Stevie firmed her voice. “You want to celebrate with the people who matter most to her.”

“And me. You matter to me, too.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that because otherwise I’ll get sentimental on you, Holden. You’re not trapping her. She’ll say no if she isn’t ready, and just because she isn’t hypothetically ready now doesn’t mean she won’t be ready later. This won’t ruin things.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” Stevie glanced around to make sure no one else had come onto the porch yet. “You’re going to be okay. When she says yes, this will be an incredible memory. I’d say magical, but then I’d have to be sick because I can’t handle anything else sweet after the number of muffins I ate. And if she says no, she still loves you, Ivy. Anyone with eyeballs can see that.”

Ivy took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Thank you.”

“And seriously, don’t drop the ring down the rocks or anything.”

“Oh my god.” Ivy flicked her on the shoulder. “If that happens, I’ll make a new one out of your eye socket.”

“That got dark fast.”

“I’ll ask her if she wants to tell you all, assuming she says yes—”

“She will.”

“—and if she does, can you grab the champagne? Doesn’t matter what time of day.”

“We just had mimosas. I’m not judging. Are you sure you won’t want to, like, be alone together or anything?”

“If we do, we will.” Ivy took another calming breath. “Do I look . . .”

“Terrified? Only a little. Put your sunglasses on. That’ll help.”

“My sunglasses, where did I . . .”

“They’re on your head.”

“Fuck,” said Ivy, feeling for them. “Am I going to lose the ring?”

“Do you have it right now?” Stevie asked.

“Yes.” Ivy patted her jumpsuit pocket.

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