“Ivy, to be honest, I’m not all that great at handling relationships either. I never expected to get married so soon. We’re both new at this, figuring it out as we go. There’s no rush.”

Resting in his arms, Ivy felt all her resistance melt away. When he admitted he wasn’t good with women, she couldn’t help but laugh softly. Nestled against him, she murmured, “Really? Because it seems to me you know exactly what you’re doing. Look at how easily you have me wrapped around your finger.”

Jamison chuckled, dipping his head so their noses touched, and both of them grinned, a little foolish, a little giddy. “Honestly, I don’t have much experience. But ever since I met you, it just feels natural.”

Ivy just smiled and said nothing, then slipped her arms around his waist and pressed herself closer, surrendering completely to his embrace. They stayed like that, lost in each other, until eventually Jamison broke the silence. “So… when should we get our marriage license?”

She glanced up. “When do you want to?”

“How about tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” Ivy sat up, startled. “You’re in such a hurry? Shouldn’t we at least check for a special date or something?”

“You mean, pick a lucky day?” Jamison looked puzzled. “I didn’t think you believed in that kind of thing.”

“I don’t, really. But tomorrow just seems so soon. I was thinking… at least wait until my friend gets back.”

She didn’t have family anymore. For something as important as marriage, the only person left to give her a blessing was her best friend, Katrina.

“You’re right,” Jamison agreed. “We should wait for Ms. Lester to come back and be a witness. Besides, for something this important, maybe it’s worth picking a nice date–just for good luck!” As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and started searching for auspicious wedding dates online. They scrolled together, eventually settling on next Wednesday.

“Next Wednesday it is. Deal?”

“Deal.”

Jamison couldn’t quite believe he was actually getting married. No matter how many times he turned it over in his mind, it felt surreal. But holding Ivy in his arms, so real and warm, he couldn’t help but smile, his eyes shining with happiness, before pulling her close and kissing her again.

Jamison didn’t want to leave, but staying seemed even harder–he didn’t want to put any pressure on her. They lingered together until after ten, before he finally dragged himself away, sighing in protest as he went.

Once the door closed, Ivy tried to steady herself. She sat down at her computer, intending to write a stock analysis, but her thoughts were scattered, her mind looping back to the idea of a whirlwind wedding. Her WhatsApp icon flashed, chiming insistently. Ivy snapped back to reality, moved her mouse, and clicked open the chat.

Stonks Only Go Up group chat.

Dale: Mrs. Smith and Dr. Handsome have both gone quiet lately. What are you two up to? @Mrs. Smith @Dr. Handsome

Jay: Mrs. Smith still posts her stock picks, she just doesn’t chat much anymore.

Bob: They’re both busy people, not like you guys who have too much free time.

Dale: Hey! I have a respectable job, you know.

Ivy scrolled through the messages, about to chime in, when Dr. Handsome’s reply popped up first.

Dr. Handsome: Work’s been busy, and I’ve had some personal stuff to handle–just haven’t had time to be online.

Jay: Personal stuff? Don’t tell me you’re dating someone!

Jamison had just arrived at his apartment building. The elevator was slowly climbing, and when he saw Jay had hit the nail on the head, he couldn’t help but grin. He almost blurted out, “I’m getting married!”–but stopped himself, keeping a tight rein on the sudden urge.

It didn’t take long for the group to catch on.

Coach Murphy: Did we guess right? Dr. Handsome, are you really seeing someone?

Jay: @Dr. Handsome, keeping it all under wraps, huh?

Jamison could barely contain his joy. He wasn’t one to broadcast his private life–he hated the idea of becoming anyone’s gossip fodder. But just this once, he felt an irrepressible urge to share his happiness with this oddball band of friends.