Page 187 of A Very Merry Enemy
I turn the envelope over in my hands. It’s heavier than I expected. “What is it?”
“If I told you, it would be a death wish.” Hudson grins, but there’s something in his expression I can’t read. “But seriously, don’t give it to her early. Right after midnight, got it?”
“Why would she care—” I stop.
He claps me on the shoulder. “Don’t be a stubborn ass and just listen to me. Congrats on the engagement. You two are so good together. You always have been.”
“Thanks. You sure you can’t stay? Even for one drink?”
“Nah, I need to get back. Emma’s handling three kids under six by herself right now, including a very energetic Colby, who’s convinced he can stay up until midnight. Doesn’t help that Mawmaw sent him home with a candy basket.” He laughs. “I just promised I’d deliver that. Midnight, remember. Not a second before.”
“Got it. Midnight.”
Hudson just grins and heads back through the house. I hear the front door close a minute later.
I look down at the envelope, then tuck it inside my jacket pocket and head back to the party.
When I go back inside, Holiday’s laughing near Claire and Jake at the food table. One of Wendy’s friends—Tara, I think—is holding Holiday’s hand up to examine the ring in the light.
“It’s exactly what I would’ve picked,” Holiday explains. “Simple, classic.”
“Lucas has good taste,” Tara says.
“He does.” Holiday looks over and catches me watching her. She excuses herself and makes her way over to me. “Where’d you go?”
“Hudson stopped by real quick.”
“Is everything okay? Emma and the twins? Colby?”
“Everything’s fine. He just had to drop somethingoff.”
“Oh.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “Good. I’m having the best time. Everyone’s so happy for us.”
“Me too.” I kiss the top of her head.
The party continues, and we dance in Jake’s living room to everything from Beyoncé to old country songs. Holiday requests a few songs and pulls me close, and we sway together while our friends whistle and cheer.
Someone starts a game of beer pong in the kitchen as Claire sings to the music. Her voice is slightly off-key from the champagne, but she’s having so much fun that nobody cares. When she finishes, everyone cheers, and she takes an exaggerated bow.
The night blurs together. We have more drinks, more dancing, and more celebrating. At one point, Holiday pulls out her phone and snaps a photo of us kissing and tells me it’s going on our fridge.
After eleven, I pull Holiday onto the back porch for some air. It’s freezing outside, but we’re both overheated from dancing and drinking. The stars are out, and I can hear fireworks already going off in the distance as people celebrate early.
“I think this might be the best week of my life,” Holiday says, leaning against the railing. Her cheeks are flushed from the champagne, and she’s never looked more beautiful.
I wrap my arms around her from behind. “I have to agree.”
She turns in my arms to face me. “Did you think this was possible?”
“In my dreams.” I brush hair away from her face. “It’s what I wished for.”
“I feel so lucky,” she says.
“Me too.” I kiss her softly. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
She laughs and wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Peaches.”
