Her words slowly became clearer. “Six, seven, eight, nine…ten.” Then her eyes fluttered to him.
“Were you counting?”
Maggie nodded, “It’s this thing someone taught me.” She took a determined step toward him and ran her hand through his hair. “I can’t believe I’m saying this—the old Maggie would never—but she’s ancient history… The new Maggie can’t think of anything better than getting to be Mrs. Chase Smith.”
A giant roar erupted. Chase looked around and saw the whole place going wild. Arlo took the stage, “Give it up for Chase Smith and his new fiancée, Maggie Eckland!” Another round of applause rang out. “And I am happy to announce that as of right now, we’ve raised $3,000! Grant Allen, the owner of The Break has generously decided to match whatever we raise so keep those donations coming. Let’s try to make it to $5,000! Now everyone, grab a table and clear the area in front of the stage. DJ Arletto is in the house!” With that, turntables were brought out. Arlo slipped on white headphones and threw his hands in the air, while simultaneously spinning a catchy beat.
Maggie covered her mouth with her hands.
“$3,000… which will become $6,000. That’s amazing, Maggie. Look what you did. I’m so proud of you.”
“It’s been a team effort. I’m just so thankful I got to be a part of it. It feels so good to be able to help out in a small way.”
Chase stood and squeezed Maggie tightly. “Can we circle back for a second? I still can’t believe you made me wait ten seconds.”
“I was picturing myself being married to you. I just had to try it out because you once told me, anyone can handle ten seconds, right?”
“I hope you’re planning on being married to me for more than ten seconds.”
Maggie laughed. “Oh don’t worry, you’re stuck with me for a very long time.”
“Here, you gotta put the ring on.” Chase slid a gold band with an emerald stone onto Maggie’s finger.
“Chase, this is beyond beautiful.”
“Then it’s perfect for you.” Chase brushed a piece of hair from her face with a coy smile and then softly pressed his mouth against her cheek, savoring the way her skin felt silky and delicate. From there he found his intended destination: her alluring lips. Maggie leaned into him. He held her tight out of fear she might get scared and run like last time. His worry was unnecessary though, because while they were kissing her fingers were busy caressing his jaw before cascading down his throat and onto his chest.
It was only when Arlo announced, “Time for a slow jam,” that they reluctantly parted.I don’t want it to end. I don’t want to be brought back to reality.But then it dawned on him.This is my new reality. I get to be with Maggie for the rest of my life.
“Wanna dance? For old times’ sake?” he asked.
“Do I get a choice this time?” Maggie grinned, grabbing his hand and pulling him near the front of the stage.
Chase wrapped his arms around her waist, and she held him close with her arms draped over his neck.Their hips swayed to the soft beat of the music. A familiar figure caught Chase’s attention. He spotted Arlo dancing closely with Ada. He nodded in their direction so Maggie caught a glimpse. They both restrained smiles as Arlo and Ada each discreetly winked their way at the same time.
Chase looked down at Maggie. Her smile sent goosebumps running down his spine.I can’t believe this amazing woman is gonna be my wife.
“You know,” she said softly. “You kind of ruined my plan.”
“What plan is that?” Chase raised his eyebrow.
“I was gonna fly to Alabama tomorrow.”
Chase’s eyes enlarged. “You were?”
“Yeah, I was planning to go full romcom. LikeSay Anything-style where I hold a boombox over my head outside your window. Whatever I had to do to convince you that I regretted leaving… and that I love you.”
“I can fly back to Alabama if you want to do your plan instead,” Chase teased.
“Nope, this moment is perfect.” Maggie rested her head on his chest.
“Hey, I kind of have an idea forming…”
“Oh yeah? I recall saying something similar to you one time.”
He brushed his lips against her cheek, “What do you think about taking this on the road? You’re so creative and did a great job with this benefit. I thought maybe I could sing, and you could organize the donations side of things. We could go on tour raising funds for local homeless shelters.”
Maggie stared up at him and Chase noticed a sheen beginning to cover her gaze.
