Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
I roll my eyes.
“Tell Sam she’s going to be sorely disappointed if she hooks up with Randy tonight. He’s not exactly Mr. Nice Guy.”
“Oh, I don’t think Sam’s looking for nice,” Mags says with a giggle. “She’s looking for hard, hot and heavy, is more like it.”
But then, we both look over and see the two of them glancing about the room furtively before sneaking off through the back door.
“Oh my god, did we just witness that?” my girlfriend murmurs.
“I think so,” I say dryly. “I hope they find a private place in the parking lot or wherever they’re going. Don’t worry, my brother always has condoms on hand.”
“Oh my god, so does Sam!” Maggie giggles. “It seems like they’re a match made in heaven.”
But then, I lean in to kiss my girl.
“Let’s forget about them. The energy in the crowd is good and I should make my speech before people start to leave, like Sam and Randy.”
Maggie giggles. "Yeah, definitely. I wouldn’t hold up the show for them.”
I nod.
"Okay, cool then. I’ll get started."
I stand, clap my hands to get the crowd’s attention, and then smile.
"Hey everyone, thanks for coming by today. I just wanted to say Burrata Pizza and Pasta is the brainchild of me and this gorgeous woman here, Maggie Talbot. Many of you may not know, but for one of our first dates, Maggie and I went for really delicious noodles, which is how we got the idea for on-the-go pasta. She inspired me to retrofit and expand, and as a result, we have the place you stand in today.”
The crowd applauds.
“So I just want to say that this isn’t my restaurant because it’s our restaurant, and in the spirit of sharing everything with Maggie, I would like to share one more item.” Then I turn to the beautiful woman and drop to one knee, my heart pounding in my throat. “Maggie Talbot, you have made me happier than I believed possible. You are my port in a storm, my safe space in a hurricane, and the center of my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She clasps her hand over her mouth, her eyes beginning to tear. But then the beautiful brunette nods.
"Yes. I’ll marry you, Ed. I love you and I’d love to be your wife."
We kiss passionately, even as the crowd erupts in cheers and applause. The noise is thunderous but I don’t hear any of it because my heart is bursting with adoration for Maggie and our baby. This crowd of family and friends is special to me, but nothing compares to the woman in my arms. After all, Magnolia has given me everything already. We’ve created a successful business, a healthy child, and most of all, a love that lasts forever.
THE END