Page 22 of Reckless Chance
“Please stand facing each other about two feet apart,” the magician says, and they comply.
“Evan, please hold your left arm out, palm up.”
“Like this?”
“Exactly. Cassie, hold the rose in front of you in your right hand, and please keep your eyes on Evan’s left hand while everyone counts to three. Are you ready?”
“I’m ready,” Cassie says, smiling with anticipation.
“Everyone, I’ll need your help with counting down from three. After we reach one, we’ll all shout the password you used to enter tonight. Are you ready?”
The audience murmurs a soft “Yes.”
“You can do better than that. ARE YOU READY?”
A resounding “Yes!” erupts in response.
“That’s more like it. Here we go. THREE! … TWO! … ONE! … Shazam!”
A puff of white smoke instantly covers Evan’s left palm. When it dissipates, he’s holding a small, purple, velvet pillow with a large ring perched on top. In a single fluid motion, he sinks to one knee.
The audience gasps in unison.
You’ve got to be kidding!
My bachelor friend is proposing.
“Cassandra, when we met here about five months ago, you were unexpected. You mesmerized me and enchanted me fromthe first time we crossed paths. I had come here looking for something to give real meaning to my life. I didn’t know if I’d find it, but I did. It’s you. You fill me with love, purpose, and a path forward that I can’t imagine taking without you. Will you marry me and be my princess?” Evan asks.
Cassie says, “Yes. Yes. A million times yes,” as she stares at him with a look of shock, awe, and adoration.
Evan stands, sliding the ring onto her finger and pulling her in for a long kiss.
I’m still processing this totally unexpected development when the magician says, “Please join me in congratulating Prince Evan and the soon-to-be Princess Cassandra of Catalinius. Turning a lovely lady into a real princess. How’s that for a little magic? I can’t top that trick, so that concludes the show for tonight. Thank you for being here. I’m told a round of champagne is being delivered to everyone compliments of His Royal Highness. Enjoy the rest of your evening!”
With a big puff of smoke, The Virtuoso of Magic disappears.
Why the hell does Evan want to get married? Hell, I don’t even understand why he wants to be in a relationship. That’s not for me. No. Never.
Then it hits me.
Shit. I already did. I’m married to Lowri.
That doesn’t count. I didn’t do it on purpose.
15
LOWRI
When I run toward Cassie, a burly security guy steps between us.
“Get out of my way, you dumbass. You know damn well who I am. My best friend doesn’t need protection from me. Now, move it,” I demand, putting my palm on the chest of the black-suited giant, pushing him to the side and clearing my path to Cassie.
We hug and she whispers, “Pinch me. I’m not sure this is real.”
“It’s real. I’m incredibly happy for you. Let me see that rock he put on your hand. That’s the largest, most amazing emerald I’ve ever seen. And those diamonds surrounding it are sparkling like mini fireworks.”
“I can’t believe it. It’s the ring that caught my attention when Evan gave me a tour of the Royal Jewel vault. I had no idea he was planning to propose, much less this soon. I can’t believe you knew and didn’t give me a clue.”
