Page 123 of A Little Luck

“Okay!” She does a fake fast-clap and skips over to the DJ, giving him the thumbs-up.

Liberty passes her the microphone, and the lights change to warm yellows. The DJ announces her name as Taker Slow singing “Love Story” in the style of Taylor Swift.

The banjo refrain begins, and my heart beats faster. I can’t believe I’m nervous.

Jemima inhales an audible breath, and I’d think she was nervous, too until I see Raif Jones walk through the glass front door. He stops just inside the restaurant with his eyes fixed on her like he’s starstruck.

Or is he Romeo? Who can say? I’m just listening for my cue. She said it’s after the long musical break.

I know this song pretty well from when we were in school, and all the girls would sing it. Jemima insisted we do it this way, because she said it’ll be, quote,The most romantic thing ever!

My ears quirk when she sings the part about Romeo saving her, and she waves her hand fast. She is not subtle at all, but it’s go time.

“Let’s dance.” Taking Piper’s hand, I help her slide out of the booth.

“What’s going on?” Her nose wrinkles. “This isn’t really a dance song.”

Jemima sings louder, growing more staccato with every word, as if she’s guiding me to my part. Piper is on her feet, and my palms are damp. Our entire group is on their feet, and I almost start to laugh. I can’t believe I let Jemima talk me into doing it this way, but here goes nothing.

She practically shouts the part about how he knelt to the ground, and I follow orders.

Lowering to one knee in the middle of the dance floor, I pull out the engagement ring I bought in Savannah. I look up at my favorite girl whose hands are over her mouth. Her eyes are wide and shining with tears, and I say it.

“Marry me, Piper.”

Jemima continues singing about never being alone, and the whole place is shouting the lyrics along with her. It all happens at once, but as soon as the question leaves my lips, Piper’s laughing and nodding.

Her eyes shine, and as I slide the ring on her finger, she drops to her knees as well, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me. “Yes, so much yes!”

Our tongues slide together, and I rise to my feet, lifting her off of hers. We’re both hugging and smiling and kissing.

The song winds down, and our friends rush around us in a mob.

“If she hadn’t said yes, I would’ve!” It sounds like Terra Belle, and a ripple of laughter floats through the group.

“You two! Let me see that ring!” Cass tugs on my arm, and I turn so Piper can show off the two-carat, square-shaped champagne diamond with white, rectangular baguettes on each side.

It’s elegant and her colors, and when I saw it, it seemed exactly perfect for her—which Britt verified.

Martha steps up from where she’d been hidden at Terra and Liberty Belle’s table. “Best wishes to my daughter.”

“Mom!” Piper turns to hug her. “What are you doing here?”

“I got a tip someone was proposing tonight.” She holds out her hand to me. “Congratulations, and I hope you’re both very happy.”

Taking her hand, I go to where she’s standing beside my future wife. “More than I can say.”

Her eyes shine, and I agree with Piper. It’s time we got to know the real Martha.

“There’s my favorite headline writer!” Jemima skips up behind Martha, placing her hands on her shoulders. “Did Piper tell you we miss you, and we want you back?”

“That is not how she put it.” Martha smiles at her daughter. “But perhaps we can win her over.”

“Yes, we can!” Jemima hugs her again, before turning to where Raif is now lurking at a high-top table in a dimly lit corner. “And I see someone in need of company.”

I slide my arm around Piper, leaning closer to her ear. “Ready to get out of here?”

She laughs softly, lifting her chin and blinking dreamy green eyes up at me. “I’m ready when you are, Romeo.”

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