Page 273 of The Art of Almost Losing It
“Oh, honestly, Dani.” Her mom sighs and heads to the front of the ballroom.
“How is this my problem?” Dani snaps, chasing after her.
We watch as the band starts packing up.
Frank gives me a questioning look. “You didn’t come clean to her parents?”
I shrug helplessly. “Dani tried. They thought it was a joke.”
Suddenly, Colette grabs the microphone.
“Hell yeah!” Dani’s grandmother cheers. “Open mic night!”
“I have to say,” Colette begins, her voice shaking, “this has been a disaster from day one. Dani, I blame you. You sabotaged my wedding and my relationship.”
“Are you serious?” Dani shouts, jumping onto the stage. “I organized your bachelorette party!”
I hand Grayson my drink and push up to the stage, where Colette is going completely unhinged and Dani’s losing it.
“Honestly, dear, you’re making a scene,” Dani’s mother interrupts them, shooing her away.
I take the microphone.
The crowd is thin. My family makes up most of it.
“Thank you all for coming.” My voice echoes over the venue. “Obviously, this isn’t my and Dani’s wedding.”
“It could be!” her grandmother calls out.
“Would he pay for it?” Vivienne Belmont asks loudly.
“No!” Linda shouts then forces a smile. “I mean, we have to plan a very nice wedding.”
I look at Dani, the love of my life.
“I know we didn’t meet under the best circumstances,” I say. “And I’m sorry for how I hurt you. Because I love you. And I never want to hurt you again.”
The room goes still.
“I’d marry you today,” I add quietly, “because I never want to be without you.”
“This better not be your proposal!” Hannah calls.
“Boo!” Spencer yells.
“You cannot propose at my wedding!” Colette screeches.
“He’s not proposing!” Dani rushes up beside me. “Don’t worry!”
I take her hands. “I know I said I want to keep you with me forever because you’re mine, but I also like doing things with you and seeing people. You’re a good friend, Dani. I know you’re going to be an amazing wife, but you’re a good friend to me and my family, and I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do. And I love you.”
She smiles softly. “I love you, Graham, and I want to marry you, but also this is fairly abnormal for me—my social battery isn’t that high, so I hope you like long evenings in bed with Netflix and takeout.”
“I’ll take whatever time I can get.” I smile down at her then lean in and kiss her softly.
“We need to liven this up!” her grandmother shouts. “It’s like a funeral in here!”
“Gran!” Dani’s horrified.
