Page 220 of Just One More Thing

“This is important information, Emory.”

Bethany sighs. “Can’t wait to see that slogan.”

“This town will never be the same.”

“This I’ve got to see,” Wayne says.

I glance toward The Knuckle and see Ryan talking to Dr. Hill with his hands for once. Lainey steps up beside them with a plate of food and says something that gets Ryan laughing.

“What are you staring at?” Mo asks.

“Nothing,” I say.

Then I hold out my hand to her. “Dance with me.”

She smiles and slides her hand into mine.

“Yes. Always yes.”

“That’s the second yes I got today.”

She leans closer, her voice low enough that only I hear it. “You’ll be hearing a lot more of them later tonight.”

I laugh and pull her up.

Wayne claps once. “I’m not going to cry. I’m crying.”

Her head settles on my shoulder. Her left hand stays in mine, the ring catching the light every time we turn. Around us, the whole town does what it has always done best—watching, rooting, refusing to mind its own business in the best possible way.

I see Maddy and Miss Hattie sitting together, both of them wearing the expression of women who take full credit for this outcome.

I see Charlie leaning against the bar, arms crossed, smiling to himself before his attention drifts toward Dr. Hill as she walks his way.

And I see Walt sitting on the bench with Willard as he watches the party the way he’s watched this town for years—from the center of everything.

Mo lifts her head and studies my face.

“You’re quiet.”

“Just taking it in.” I look around once, then back at her. “You know this is what the rest of our life looks like if you want it.”

“Good thing Granny agreed to let me add bagels to the Holey Moley menu then.”

Hank lumbers over and drops against the backs of my legs, forcing us to stop moving and just sway.

“Mo. That’s great news. Is that what you want?”

She looks around at the signs, the music, the people, the chaos. Then up at me.

“I want it with you and Hank.”

I kiss her mouth, then the tip of her nose, then her forehead.

“I love you.”

“I love you back.”

The band starts playing Taylor Swift’sYou Are In Love.