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Matt nods. "Any other suggestions?"
Lilly chimes in, "Maybe we could have a BBQ or something? Get everyone outside, enjoying the sun."
Gage stretches his arms. He's been sitting for too long, and his back is starting to ache. He sits up a little straighter in his chair and cocks his head, curious about what direction this conversation is heading.
"Ooh, I know,” Brook cries out. “We could have a karaoke night! People could come up and sing their hearts out. It would be a great way to get people to come together and have some fun."
Dawn chuckles. "I don't know about that, Brook. I don't think anyone wants to hear me sing."
"Come on, Dawn. It’s all about having fun. You don't have to be a great singer to enjoy karaoke." Lennon shakes his head.
Gage sits forward, chuckling at Lennon’s remark. The last time the other man had sung, it had been disastrous.
"Actually, that could be a good idea,” Matt says, scratching his chin. “It would give people a chance to blow off some steam and ease tensions.”
Jax agrees as he rises from his chair and refills his coffee. "And if we advertise it as a community event, it could help bring people together and strengthen our defences."
"Great, let's make it happen,” Dawn says with a smile. “Brook, I know it’s quick and a big ask, but can you start organizing karaoke for tonight? And let's get the word out to the town as soon as possible."
Brook jumps up, reaching over the table and grabbing a piece of paper and pen from Dawn. "You got it! This is going to be so much fun."
The rest of the group agrees, and the atmosphere shifts. Gage can't help but grin at Brook's excitement. Maybe this karaoke night is just what they need to lift the spirits of the town. They should have fun but not let their guard down as they prepare for Vance's next move.
Gage glances at Lilly, pleased that her eyes are on him. When their gazes lock, her deep blue irises reflect the same desire that burns inside him. His bear raises its head.Soon. As everyone is getting ready to leave, he sidles up to her.
“Will you be my date for tonight?” he grins.
She raises a brow, a slight smirk playing around her lips. “I don’t know…maybe my dance card is already full.”
Better not be. Gage squashes his instinctual possessive reaction, too delighted by her response to his playful mood for her words to deter him. He makes a show of perusing her from head to toe. “Looking like that, I’m sure it is.”
Lilly leans in, her voice dropping as she pats his chest. “Guess you’ll have to work twice as hard to impress me then.”
“I’m up for it,” he murmurs.
She snorts softly and walks away with an extra swing in her hips.
Gage chuckles, then calls out to her, “I’ll pick you up after I make my rounds.”
The music is blaring when Gage and Lilly walk into Dawn’s bar. Lennon and Finn are on stage singing an off-key version of the classic rock song “Takin' Care of Business” by BTO. The twins, Taryn and Kaitlyn, are behind the bar, tossing bottles back and forth, flair bartending. The room is packed, and everyone is smiling, singing, or dancing. They’re definitely having a good time. Gage places his hand on Lilly's lower back and guides her to a booth near the bar that has just become vacant.
Gage slides into the booth, and Lilly sits beside him, making his bear very happy that she wants to be close to him. Excitement floods his body–the energy in the room is contagious.
"This place is packed," he says to her over the music.
"I love it," she replies, grinning. "It's been ages since I've been out."
Gage orders two beers from Taryn, who is doubling as waitress and bartender, and they clink their bottles together in a toast. The conversation flows easily between them, talking about everything from the work that needs to be done to their childhood antics.
Lilly tells him about the time Jax laced her food with nepeta cataria, most commonly known as catnip, and she was found out in the field talking to ‘all the pretty flowers’, and how she thoughtfor sureHarold was going to whoop his ass. Gage shares the story of Kaitlyn and Taryn trying to catch fish with their mouths because their bears do. Lilly spittakes her drink, which makes them both laugh harder.
Gage loves Lilly’s stories and her animated way of telling them. He’s grateful for the opportunity to get to know her.How long has it been since he’s laughed this much? Enjoyed himself like this?It’s been way too long.
Finn steps up to the microphone. "Alright, folks, who’s next?"
Gage looks at her, and she jumps up with excitement. "Let's do it!"
Her enthusiasm is adorable, and he allows her to push him toward the front. Gage takes the stage first, grabbing the mic and belting out a lively rendition of "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi. He winks and drops to his knees in front of her. The crowd cheers him on, and Gage's heart skips a beat at the blush that colours Lilly’s face before she smiles up at him.
