One Wild Night

As the first dance concluded, the applause was thunderous, and the couple was momentarily surrounded by their loved ones who clamored to hug and congratulate them again.

Lucy's cheeks glowed as Tom kept her close, his hand resting protectively on the small curve of her waist.

"I thought you wouldn't be able to make it because your flight was canceled yesterday," Lucy said to Mia and Jeff as she embraced Mia.

"When there's a will, there's a way. Congrats on your wedding," Jeff said as he shook her hand after shaking Tom's.

"You look good," Tom said with a pleased smile when Mia embraced him.

"I feel good too," Mia said with a wide smile which widened when she caught Tyler's gaze, "I should say hello to Tyler," she said to Jeff before accusing herself.

Tyler rose when he saw her approaching, "Mia," he greeted pleasantly.

"I didn't think I'd see you here, but I'm glad. Thanks once again for the magic you performed on my back," Mia said as she embraced him, surprising him.

"You look great," he observed, and she giggled,

"Thanks. I'm just happy to see you all," she said before going on to exchange pleasantries with the others, especially the GEL club ladies.

Some feet from there, Lucy looked down when Jamal tugged on her gown, and she grinned as she bent down to look at Jamal, "You look like an angel," Jamal said, looking at her with admiration.

"Thanks, Jam. You look dashing yourself," Lucy said, adjusting his collar.

They had not been able to spend much time together because he arrived while the preparations of the wedding were intense.

"Can I dance with Lucy?" Jamal asked Tom, and Lucy giggled while Tom chuckled.

"Since when did you ask me before doing anything with Lucy?" Tom asked with an amused smile.

"Grandpa Aaron says you are married now and I have to ask first," he said, and Tom chuckled.

"Don't worry, that doesn't apply to you. You're special to us," Tom assured him, ruffling his hair.

"Can we dance?" Jamal asked Lucy again and she smiled.

"And take pictures?" He asked hopefully, and wanting to keep the pictures for the future when he could show them to Dawn.

"Of course," she said, leading him to the dance floor after asking Tom to capture them, and together they danced while she taught him how to move his legs.

When Lucy returned after dancing with Jamal, she leaned into Tom, her lips brushing against his ear. "It's time," she whispered, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Tom chuckled. "Go for it, my love."

Before she could leave, Anita stopped in front of them, and immediately Tom pulled Lucy even closer.

"Congratulations on your wedding," she said with a small smile, looking at them both, "I'm happy for you both. I'm sorry I tried getting in the way of something so beautiful," she said softly.

"It's alright, Anita. All is forgiven. Right, Ace?" Lucy asked, nudging Tom.

"Yeah. Sure," Tom said, and Anita gave them both a polite nod and thanked them before walking away.

"All is not forgiven," Tom muttered under his breath and Lucy laughed as she stepped away from him.

She took a moment to signal Jade. Immediately, Jade gathered everyone's attention. "Alright, ladies!" she called out with a playful lilt in her voice. "It's bouquet time!"

Cheers erupted from the women in the crowd, and a small group of eager participants gathered on the dance floor. Jade, however, stood to the side, arms crossed and an amused smirk on her face as she watched them.

"Why aren't you going to join them?" Harry asked, coming to stand beside her.

"Come on, Jade!" Lucy teased, pointing at her "You can't escape this. Get in there."

Jade laughed, shaking her head. "Lucy, I'm not—"

"You are!" Lucy interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. The guests laughed and cheered until Jade reluctantly stepped forward, muttering under her breath about being coerced.

Lucy turned her back to the crowd, holding the bouquet high in the air. "Ready?" she called, swaying slightly to build the suspense. "One… two… three!"

With a graceful toss, the bouquet sailed through the air in a perfect arc. There was a collective gasp as it landed directly in Jade's hands. For a moment, she just stared at it, stunned, as the crowd erupted into cheers and laughter.

"Well, well, well," Harry drawled, stepping up beside her with a sly grin. "Looks like fate has spoken."

Jade shot him a playful glare but couldn't hide the flush creeping up her cheeks. She tried to hand the bouquet off to someone else, but the women around her simply laughed and refused to take it.

"Looks like you're stuck with it," Harry teased, his eyes gleaming with a secret she didn't yet know.

Suddenly, the sound of a low hum filled the air, growing louder. Heads turned upward as a helicopter appeared in the evening sky, its blades slicing through the crisp air. A hush fell over the crowd as they watched it circle above them.

"What on earth…?" Jade murmured, as her gaze followed the aircraft.

Harry leaned closer to her, his voice soft but insistent. "Come with me let's see what it is about."

Curious, Jade let him take her hand. He led her away from the crowd, who had begun murmuring in curiosity. The helicopter hovered lower, and as it turned, Jade's breath caught in her throat.

Written in bold, elegant letters across the body of the helicopter were the words: "Will You Marry Me, Jade?"

Jade froze, her heart pounding as the meaning of the words sank in. She turned to Harry, her eyes wide with disbelief. Stay connected via empire

He was already on one knee, holding out a small, velvet box that contained a sparkling diamond ring.

"Esquire," he began, his voice steady despite the emotion glistening in his eyes. "I know this might seem crazy, but I couldn't think of a more perfect moment to ask you this since everyone who matters to us is present here," he explained.

"You mean more than I can say to me, goddess. I don't have the words, but I want you to know that I've always loved you. I love you. And I will always love you. I don't want to go another day without making us official."

Jade's hand flew to her mouth, laughter bubbling up through her shock as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Jonas…"

He gave her a cheeky grin. "Before you accuse me of stealing the spotlight, I should tell you that Tom and Lucy helped me plan this. They agreed it was the perfect time and I did it after their party. So, what do you say, goddess? Are you impressed enough to say yes?"

The crowd, having quietly followed, erupted into cheers again as Jade nodded vigorously, unable to form words through her laughter and tears. "Yes!" she finally managed, her voice breaking. "Yes, Harry, I'll marry you!"

Harry slipped the ring onto her finger and stood, pulling her into a tight embrace. The bouquet fell to the ground as she clung to him, their laughter mingling with the applause and cheers from the onlookers.

Tom and Lucy approached them, both grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations!" Lucy said, wrapping Jade in a hug.

"Welcome to the family, officially," Tom said, clapping his best friend on the back.

Harry chuckled, "Thanks for letting us steal a bit of your thunder."

Tom laughed, "Are you kidding? This was perfect."

The rest of the family and GEL club members came forward to congratulate Harry and Jade, and while they were busy doing that, Tom turned to Lucy, his expression softening. "Ourflight awaits."

Overhearing him, Jade looked back at the helicopter in confusion, but Tom clarified. "It's not just for the proposal. It's also our ride to the airport. Lucy and I are heading off on our honeymoon."

Lucy's smile was radiant as she hugged Jade again. "We couldn't leave without seeing you say yes. Don't start planning the wedding without me."

Jade wiped her tears and laughed. "You all are unbelievable."

Tom and Lucy thanked and waved at their guests as the helicopter descended to pick them up.

The crowd cheered for both couples and everyone present agreed that it was a day filled with love, magic, and the promise of forever.