Page 71 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming

“My dad is the guy Aimee was talking about. He’s the inspiration for the prince in her books.”

People murmur loudly, saying things like, “Oh my god!”

A guy behind them speaks up. “Man, that’s amazing. Can I take a picture with you?”

Courtney covers the microphone with her hand, “one second, my father has something to ask Aimee.”

“Oh my god! Is he going to propose?” the guy yells loud as hell.

Patrick and Courtney look at each other. She smiles sheepishly and hunches her shoulders.

Patrick takes the ring box out of his pocket. By now, people are photographing him and cheering. He gets down on one knee,and before he can say anything, Aimee is rushing toward him and knocks him down, kissing him all over his face. Everyone claps and cheers louder.

Patrick winces. “Ow, my back.”

“I’m sorry, Patrick.”

“It’s okay, baby.” He groans.

Aimee lays on top of Patrick and kisses him on the lips. She gets up and helps him onto his feet. They’re both standing in front of the mic.

Courtney is standing nearby, beaming.

“I love you, Patrick.”

“I love you, too, Aimee.”

“Are you really about to propose?”

“I was going to do it later tonight.”

The crowd jeers, saying things like, “No, Patrick. Do it now!”

“I guess I have to give the people what they want.”

Patrick gets down on one knee. “Aimee Turner, I have loved you since I was eight, and I’ve never stopped. Please say that you’ll be mine forever.”

“Yes, pattycake.”

He gets up, and they kiss.

The crowd goes wild.

Three weeks later,the happy couple celebrate their engagement with friends. The viral moment of Patrick’s proposal made Aimee’s book sales skyrocket. She was invited to one event after another. After booking meetings and appearing on podcasts, she and Patrick were finally able to pencil in an engagement party thrown by Ranson and Lyric.

Ranson is having the get-together catered, with a bartender serving themed cocktails featuring samples of his brother’s rum. The menu is Italian, Aimee’s favorite. They’re having spinach and artichoke flatbread, antipasto bites, arancini and caprese salad.

“Oh, Bridget, I forgot to tell you Courtney no longer has a crush on LJ.” Aimee giggles.

“Good! She’s not allowed to like boys yet,” Patrick laments.

“Be prepared, poppa, cause it’s happening,” Aimee teases. “Besides, when she kept staring at him during the San Fran Rom Fan Con farewell party, it was pretty obvious she has boys on the brain.”

Patrick lets out an aggrieved sigh.

“What made her change her mind about him?” Bridget munches on some flatbread.

“When he patted her on the head and called her ‘kiddo,’” Aimee answers.

“If that’s the case, we’re going to have to be super vigilant with our new niece. I remember being that age and having a penchant for older men,” Lyric says.

“Ugh, Lyric please.” Patrick pouts.

“Yeah, keep off my boy. Our little Courtney bean is growing up too fast as it is.” Ranson pats him on the shoulder. “Anyway, you ladies and your love lives are more interesting. Ukweli is now two for four. Which one of you ladies do you think is next?”

Suchi sips her cocktail and looks at Bridget, who looks back. Both ladies shrug.