"It's called being organized!" Emily called out.
"Chris: Most Likely to Wear the Same Ugly Sweater Three Years Running."
"It's vintage!" Chris protested.
Jenna grinned. "And now, for our favorite couple?—"
Grant tensed.
"Riley: Most Likely to Expand Her Business to Three More Towns."
Riley blushed as people cheered. Her marketing business had exploded over the past year. What started with the farm andMrs. Patterson's bakery had grown into a full client list spanning three counties.
“Oh wait… That’s not it. While it’s true…” Jenna grabbed a pen, scribbled on the paper and wrote something down, then said, “I have a revision.”
Riley’s eyes got huge.
Jenna continued. “Riley, we have actually voted you ‘Most Likely to Get Married Next.” She gave herself applause and encouraged the rest to do the same.
Riley stiffened in Grant’s arms. “I’m sorry; that’s not funny,” she whispered to Grant. He had a grin on his face like the cat who ate the canary.
“It’s fine, babe. It’s almost done,” he said, barely able to contain his excitement. He wanted to laugh.
"And Grant—" Jenna's smile turned wicked. "Most Likely to Finally Propose."
The room went silent.
Grant felt every eye turn to him. Beside him, Riley had gone completely still.
"Jenna!" Hannah hissed, but Jenna just winked at Grant.
The crowd laughed nervously, and Grant knew this was it. It was set up perfectly.
Riley was looking up at him now, her eyes wide, and Grant pulled the ring box from his pocket.
The room erupted in gasps and quiet cheers, but Grant only had eyes for Riley.
"So," he said, his voice surprisingly steady, "I guess it's time."
Riley's hand flew to her mouth. "Grant?—"
"I planned this with Jenna," Grant admitted, loud enough for the room to hear but looking only at Riley. "Asked her to put it on the list. Figured if we started this whole thing at last year's reunion with that naughty list, we should take the next step at this year's reunion the same way."
Grant dropped to one knee, and the crowd lost it completely. Phones appeared, camera flashes going off, but Grant ignored all of it.
"Riley Monroe," he said, opening the box to reveal the ring he'd spent months picking out—a simple diamond on a gold band, elegant and classic, just like her. "A year ago, we walked into this party pretending to be together. Fake dating so people would stop teasing you about being single, and so I’d stop being asked to be everyone’s plus one through the holidays."
Riley laughed, her hands shaking, her eyes bright.
"But the thing is, it was never fake for me. Not for one second. From the moment I offered to be your fake boyfriend, I knew I wanted to be your real everything."
"Grant," Riley whispered.
"This past year has been the best year of my life. Growing the farm with you. Waking up next to you every morning. Watching you build your business from nothing." Grant's voice roughened with emotion. "You're my best friend. My partner. My home. And I don't want to spend another day without knowing you're going to be mine forever."
Riley was beaming now, her whole face glowing.
"So, Riley Monroe—will you marry me?"
