Page 15 of No One Wants That (Blitzen Bay)

“Oh my God!” I say, my hands flying over my mouth. “Are you engaged?”

She nods, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I didn’t want to tell you because of whatever’s going on with Mateo.”

“What are you talking about?” I circle my arms around their necks and pull their heads against mine. “I’m so happy for both of you. You’re the most amazing couple in the world.”

“Thanks, Kit,” Nash says, kissing my cheek before pulling away and starting the car.

Elle throws both of her arms around me and presses her damp face against mine. “I wanted to wait to tell you in person. It’s been so hard keeping it from you.”

“Tell me everything,” I say, grabbing her left hand. “It’s gorgeous, Nash. Did you pick it out by yourself?”

“It was my grandma’s. I told Elle I’d buy her a new one, but she wanted this one.”

“Is it the grandma who dressed her chickens in the little outfits?” I say as I scoot back into my seat.

“Yes,” Elle says, tears still streaming down her face. “How could I not want to wear that adorable woman’s ring?”

“It’s perfect for you. How did he propose? And when? I want to hear every little detail.”

Elle takes Nash’s hand and gazes over at him. “It was on the Fourth of July. We were sitting on his back deck watching the fireworks over the lake and suddenly he was down on one knee. I don’t remember much more of it. I kind of blacked out until everyone started screaming.”

“Everyone? Who?”

“Just the Blitzen neighbors. You know Sam, Gabi, Izzy, Hank, Claire. Sam had a little party for us at his house after. I wish you could have been here.”

“Did anyone get a picture of the proposal?”

“Yeah, Izzy was hiding in the trees.” Elle starts scrolling through the photos on her phone and hands it to me.

Nash is on one knee holding Elle’s hand. Her other hand is covering her mouth. Red and white fireworks—exploding in the dark blue sky behind them—are casting a shimmering reflection on the lake below.

“So gorgeous. It’s perfect. Were you surprised?”

“Yeah,” she says, smiling as Nash squeezes her hand. “I mean, we had already talked about getting married, but I didn’t know he’d propose that soon. It was a little under six months since we started dating.”

“Have you set a date for the wedding?”

“We’re talking about this year, New Year’s Eve. In Blitzen Bay. A really small wedding.” She grabs my hand. “Will you be my maid of honor?”

“Of course I will. Who else would be qualified for that job?”

“Only you, but I didn’t know if you could come back to the states again. Will your work let you have time off?”

“Well actually, there’s something I’ve been waiting to tell you in person, too. I’m moving back here—”

“What?” Elle screeches. “You’re moving back where? To the U.S.?”

“Yeah,” I say slowly. “Probably in a few months.”

Elle throws her hands over her mouth to try to muffle her scream. It doesn’t work.

“Where? To Atlanta?” she says, letting out another little squeak as she starts bouncing in her seat.

“No. I miss my parents but I don’t want to live in Atlanta again.”

“Please tell me you’re moving out here,” Elle says, folding her hands into prayer position. “Please!”

“I was thinking about L.A. to be near you, but I don’t want to get in the way of the newlywed thing.”

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