“A million dollars,” someone shouted.
“Wouldn’tthatbe wild.” Stella giggled and tittered, removing the lid from a box. With a gasp, she retrieved a smaller box, glancing back at the bride.
“The old box-inside-the-box gag,” Chloe whispered up to him. “Classic. Now all we need is a pie in someone’s face, and the night will be complete.”
“Ooo, cruel, Miss Daschle, very cruel.”
She winced. “I’m kidding.”
Jesse nudged her. “As am I. Lighten up.”
Stella opened the small box and took a step back, her long fingers covering her red lips. “Ted, what did you do?”
Slowly, he bent to one knee and reached for her hands. Camera phones flashed all over the patio reception. “Stella Eva Epstein, will you marry me?”
“You’re kidding me.” Stella pulled him to his feet, tossing a glance at the bride and groom. “Did you know about this?” Then back to Ted. “M-marry you? Really?”
“Yeah, really.”
Next to Jesse, Chloe moaned under her breath. “Unbelievable.”
“What?” Jesse said. “That one guy is proposing during another guy’s reception? Maybe it’s a bit tacky, but they are brothers. I’d let my brother propose at my reception if he asked. I think.” Not that he’d ever have a reception. Jesse voided all thoughts of marriage when Loxley died.
“Babe,” Ted said, squeezing Stella’s hand. “You’re making me nervous. Will you?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, of course I’ll marry you. Yes!” She flung herself into his arms, visibly shaking when he slipped the ring onto her finger.
The guests of Dylan and Violet’s wedding applauded for Ted and Stella.
The band begin to play “Blue Suede Shoes” as the couples embraced, and the applauding guests returned to the dance floor.
“Now that you’ve mastered the waltz, want to learn swing?” Jesse bent to see her face. “Chloe?”
“She doesn’t really love him.”
Jesse leaned closer. “Come again?”
“She doesn’t really love him.” She stabbed her finger into his chest. “Seriously, you didn’t know he was going to do this?”
“He never said a word. What do you mean she doesn’t love him? Did she tell you that?”
“Not directly, but in so many words. Didn’t you see how she flirted with you when you came in?” Chloe brushed past him toward her table. “Marriage... love... they’re not games, something to win or lose, toss aside when you’re bored and want to play something else.” She reached for her shoes and handbag.
Something was eating her. But what? “Who said they were?”
“I know women who would walk on hot coals to get a man like Ted. But to Stella, he’s just next on a list of things to do. I’m not kidding. She flirted with you on purpose. To see which one of us you’d choose. She wanted to keep heroptionsopen.”
“She was joking.”
“No, she wasn’t.” Chloe released a long breath and pressed her fingers to her forehead. “Sorry... this is none of my business. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired and hungry.” She glanced toward the back of the mansion. “I don’t know when they’re going to serve dinner, and well, I think I’ve had enough dancing and romance for one night.”
“I know a great place at the beach.” Jesse offered his hand, tipping his head toward the parking lot. “Do you know a girl who’d like to get a pizza?”
She chuckled, shaking her head and pointing to herself. “The one with the pie on her face.”
“Why are you the one with the pie on your face?”
“Because I’m the only one—” She stopped and pinched her lips together. “Pizza sounds good.”
