It was nice to hear the sound of her tinkling laughter, Landon thought. She was getting such a kick out of this party. Thanks to Bailey. She’d really come through for Hattie.And for him. It might not have been a big Vegas blowout, but Hattie was clearly ecstatic about being able to check off another item on her bucket list.
As soon as Hattie prepared to take her first bite, all eyes were trained on her, eagerly awaiting her reaction.
“I can’t believe that I’ve waited my whole life to taste a chili cheese dog,” she said. “This is absolutely delicious.”
“Extremely underrated,” Caleb said. “Whoever decided to combine chili, cheese, and hot dogs is a culinary genius.” Caleb placed his fingers on his lips and raised them in the air.
“Ten out of ten,” Jaylen said, talking through a mouthful of food.
“Jaylen, slow down,” True urged her brother. “I don’t want you to eat too many and get sick.”
Hattie waved her hand at True. “Oh, don’t be so fussy. He’s a growing boy. He’ll be fine.”
Jaylen grinned in response, clearly happy to get a reprieve. He reached for another chili cheese dog, earning himself a frown from True.
Landon kept darting glances in Bailey’s direction. She was being on the quiet side, which wasn’t really like her. Had he moved too fast by telling her he was falling in love? Was she overwhelmed or not feeling the same way? Oh, this was agonizing. Waiting and wondering if he’d messed up or made a fool of himself.
As the dinner winded down, Hattie became emotional.
“Thank you so much for making this bucket list wish come true. I feel so very loved,” she said. “To be honest, this and one other thing were my top wishes. So now that you lovely people have allowed me to cross this off my list, I’m going to push my luck and pursue one more.”
Hattie turned toward Jacques, who was seated next to her.
“Marry me, Jacques. Let’s tie the knot.”
The older man sputtered and spat out his sparkling cider.
“You okay there?” Landon asked, gently patting him on his back.
“H-Hattie,” Jacques croaked. “What’s gotten into you?”
“I’m a romantic at heart. That’s who I am.” She held her head up high. “Yes or no. I don’t have a whole lot of time to sit around waiting for an answer.”
“But, Hattie, do we really need to get married to show our love?”
“How long have you known me?”
“I stopped counting ages ago,” Jacques quipped. “But it seems like a lifetime.”
“When I get an idea about something, it’s hard for me to let it go,” Hattie told him. “For quite some time now I’ve thought about the two of us getting married. This isn’t some impulsive decision by a dying woman. I love you, Jacques. That’s my only agenda. I know my days are numbered, but what an honor it would be to leave this world as your wife.”
Jacques took Hattie’s hand and raised it to his lips. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. Of course I’ll marry you.”
The room exploded in cheers and applause. Jaylen let out a loud whistle.
“When?” Hattie asked. “I’m not getting any younger.”
“Today, tomorrow, right now,” Jacques said. He gracefully bowed to Hattie. “Lady’s choice.”
“If you mean it, why not today?” Hattie asked. Landon had the impression she was almost daring Jacques to backout on his promise. “Christmas is only a few days away, and I’ve always thought getting married at Christmas was the epitome of romantic.”
Much to everyone’s surprise, Jacques held Hattie’s gaze and said, “Why not? I’ve got the perfect suit in my closet, and I know you have an assortment of elegant dresses to choose from.”
“Let’s do this!” Hattie said, raising her arm in the air. She looked around at her loved ones and shouted, “Start ringing the bells. We’re getting hitched.”
