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“She’s feeling so much better,” I say

“That’s awesolad to hear that”

“How about your parents?” I ask

She shoots Ricky a puppy-eyed look “They’re doing fine It really ell”

I look between them “What ell?”

Ricky cups Joanne’s knee His smile is all teeth “I decided to do it the old-fashioned way and asked Joanne’s dad for permission to marry her”

“What? You got engaged?” I gape at Joanne “That’s fantastic! Congratulations Is this what tonight is? A celebration dinner?”

Joanne glows “We wanted you to be the first to know before we tell everyone else”

“Congratulations,” Alex says “That’s very good news”

Placing a hand overday?”

“Soon,” Ricky says, his gaze heating as it lands on Joanne

“I know it’s rushed,” she says, “but we knoe’re good together Why wait?”

“Why indeed?” I utter a shriek “My best friend is getting married! I can’t believe it”

She shifts deeper onto her seat and rests an arm on the backrest “Ricky wants to elope I think we should have a small, intimate ceremony”

Joy warms my chest as I study their happy faces “I’m sure you’ll work it out”

“I hope I can count on you,” Joanne says “I’d love for you to be my bridesmaid”

“Of course,” I say on ilance at Alex and biteI’ve just ht is a da to spoil theto choose the ring?”

“We’re not getting rings,” Ricky says “We’re getting tattoos It’s a cliché, but it seeht choice for us”

“Good for you,” I say with a smile “This is a wonderful Christmas surprise”

Joanne ainst a ring and a big wedding”

“She respects your choice,” Ricky says “She just needs a little tirow on her”