Page 129 of Third Time Lucky

I laugh, getting to my feet and helping her up.

‘I love you so much,’ I whisper to just her. ‘Thank you for saying yes.’

‘No wasn’t even an option,’ she says, her voice filled with emotion once again, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck.

Elvis strikes up a celebratory tune on his guitar.

‘I can’t believe this is happening!’ Madi exclaims, tears of joy streaming down her face.

I wrap my arms tightly around Lucy, holding her close as the music, cheers and applause of our friends and family fill the Neon Boneyard. Mitzi is practically jumping with joy, Elvis is singing even louder, and I can feel Paul’s proud gaze on us.

The ring sparkles on Lucy’s finger in the neon lights as she celebrates with her family and friends.

‘Congratulations, son,’ Paul says, clapping me on the back. ‘I’ve no doubt you’re the one she’s been looking for all these years.’

‘I am,’ I say, sure of it myself.

My God, she said yes. She wants to spend eternity with me. Wow. Suddenly, the world seems to spin a little slower, as if savoring this precious moment in time.

‘I love you,’ Lucy says as she steps back into my arms. ‘We’re getting married!’ she says. ‘Not in Vegas, I hope…?’ she asks nervously.

‘Anywhere you want. Tomorrow or a year from now. I don’t care, as long as you’re there.’

She beams. ‘It’s gonna be perfect.’

‘Just like you,’ I say, pecking another kiss on her lips.

The rest of the night is a blur of laughter, music and celebration as we dance under the neon lights, our hearts full to bursting with love for each other and for the friends who have become family. As Elvis sings another ballad and Mitzi twirls around with Aaron, I know that this moment will be etched in my memory forever as the best day of my life. Until the next one, when she walks down the aisle and becomes my wife.

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