“If I say something, can you all promise to never mention it again?”
“You think we’re all going to die anyways.” Declan took another sip of his drink. “Why does it matter if we keep your secret anyway.”
“I don’t think we’re all going to die! And it’s not a secret,” I huffed.
“Just spit it out, Len.”
“I’m just—I’m fucking thankful for you all. For everything you’ve given me. I know I’m not an easy person to be around—especially a year ago. Thank you all for never giving up on me. And for telling me off when I needed it. I—I truly don’t think I’d be here without you—all of you.” Where would I be today if Luka hadn’t shown up in my life a year ago?
I took Luka’s hand in mine and squeezed it three times. “Anyways, there’s the one emotional speech you’ll ever get from me. I wanted you all to know I love you if we die.”
“Awe, I love you too, L.” Nico threw his arms around me, squeezing me tight. “I, for one, will never let you forget you said all this tonight.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you will,” I grumbled.
“To friends who became family.” I shared a look with Luka as he raised his glass. Who knew losing my family would lead me to discover the family Inever knew I could have?
“To friends who became family.” We all echoed as we clinked our glasses together, drinking as we cheered.
“Now let’s get this party started.”
The ale flowed freely as we sat and talked.
I had no idea how much time had passed—certainly hours, but it didn’t feel like it. The minutes blurred past.
A band had started playing at some point, a local group who had set up in the corner.
Luka stood and reached for my hand. “Let’s dance.” My gaze flicked to the empty dance floor.
“You’re not serious.”
“I’m very serious, Sweetheart.”
“But no one else is dancing!” There had been patrons who had been on and off the dance floor, but now no one danced, leaving the floor empty.
“Then let us start the party.”
I let him pull me toward the empty dance floor, dragging my feet as I fought a smile. My head felt light from all the drinks, so I let him pull me against his body as the band started an upbeat tune. Luka spun me around, my body following where he led me with my arms wrapped around his neck. Laughter spilled from my lips as we danced.
As the song finished, he dipped me dramatically, with one hand on my waist holding me as his lips found mine.
When he pulled me back to standing, cheers roared around us from our friends as they hollered from the corner of the bar. Nico stood on a chair, one leg propped on the table with his hands cupped around his mouth. Kara raised her fist in the air repeatedly, a wide smile spread on her face. Declan and Nol huddled in the corner, snickering. Luce sat, slapping Nico on the thigh and pulling at the leg of his pants, trying and failing to get him to sit back down.
“Why don’t you all come join us?” I jested as I swayed on my feet.
“We’re fine here watching you two!” Luce hollered back.
A retort was on the tip of my tongue, but it died as Luka wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing his front to my back as he rested his chin on my shoulder.
“If they want to miss out on dancing, that’s their loss.” His lips dusted over my shoulder as the music changed into a slow song.
I spun in Luka’s arms, facing him as we swayed to the beat.
“You know what this reminds me of?”
He raised a brow. “What?”
“Our wedding night.”
