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Story: Flirting Lessons

“Happy New Year, family and friends! Thank you all so much for coming to our New Year’s Eve party to celebrate Greta’s birthday! We’re so grateful that you’re all here, for more than one reason. Because this is more than a party.” Beth and Greta walked out from behind the bar, Beth in a flowy off-white gown, and Greta in a perfectly cut tuxedo. “It’s a wedding. And we’re so thrilled that you’re all here to celebrate with us.”

There was a huge gasp from the crowd. Avery held back a giggle at Taylor’s very dramatic inhale.

Beth handed the microphone to their officiant, her ministergodmother, who was already at the front of the room, and they said their vows to many rounds of cheers. As soon as they kissed for the first time as a married couple, their officiant turned around and picked up two champagne glasses, and then handed them to the brides.

“A toast, to Beth and Greta!” she said. “A happy marriage to them!”

The whole crowd raised their glasses.

Three minutes later, Beth and Greta were on the dance floor. Taylor pulled Avery out there to join them.

A few minutes before midnight, Avery stood with Taylor at the railing as they overlooked the party on one side and the view of Napa Valley under the clear, starry sky on the other.

“You know,” Taylor said. “This is maybe my favorite wedding I’ve ever been to. Simple, low-key, a ton of fun. I’m into it. Weddings aren’t so bad if they can be like this.”

Avery grinned at her.

“You see how much I’m broadening your world? First baby showers, then weddings, I can’t wait to see what the next thing is that I’m going to change your mind about.”

Taylor took a sip of champagne.

“Would you maybe want to do this sometime? Like, I don’t know…with me?”

Avery carefully set her glass down on the railing.

“Taylor Cameron, are you proposing to me?”

Taylor shook her head.

“No, absolutely not. I’m not a Neanderthal, I wouldn’t propose at someone else’s wedding; even I know not to do that. When I do it, it’s going to be a surprise.”

“Did you say…when?” Avery asked.

Taylor smiled at her.

“You answer my question first.”

“Yes,” Avery said, without hesitating. “Now you answer mine.”

Taylor set her glass down next to Avery’s and leaned close to her, so close their lips were almost touching.

“Yes.”