One night was all it took: Season 3 "One second was all it took"

Jared

I pull into the driveway. The house is lit up, but nothing out of the ordinary. I see three cars sitting in my driveway. I also saw Jared's scooter. I think one of the cars is Rya's and I am clueless as to who owns the other two vehicles.

I park the car and slide the seatbelt off me. I slowly step out and scan my front lawn. I am starting to get this feeling she set something up in the backyard. I walk toward the front door, knowing this is for me and I am not too thrilled. There is nothing special about today and I know it is not her birthday.

I open the door and my nose at once detects burgers and charcoal. Someone is grilling and it is making my mouth water. I follow the heavenly smell into my kitchen. There are salads, drinks, chips, and a platter filled with all types of meats. I am staring at hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, steaks, fish, and a rib.

I step toward the backdoor. "Hello!" I curiously yell. I am growing slightly frustrated. The backyard is dark and there is not a single sound coming from anywhere. I can make out the tables and places all around the yard, thanks to the moon shining bright, but everything else is a blur. "You guys! What the hell is going on!"

A light quickly flashes on, and I jump back as everyone else jumps out from their hiding places. "Surprise" Is loudly spread by everyone. Gemma, Rya, Jared, Derek, Becca, Jack, Bill, and Natalia are all here. I glance up at a sign that says happy engagement. She set us up an engagement party, which is not fair because she is not supposed to be the one to set it up.

My eyes are wide. My eyebrows are raised high, and my hand is partially covering my mouth. "You guys! Babe! You're not supposed to throw the engagement party...are you?"

It feels good to hear her small laugh. "I can do whatever I want babe." She glances around at our group of friends. I quickly rush over by Bill and Jack with my arms open wide. I feel this rush of excitement flow through me as I look at their wrinkled faces.

I wrap one arm around Jack and the other arm around Bill. "You guys!" I feel a small tear forming in my eye. I sniffle while they wrap their arms around me. "I've missed both of you! I thought you were gone for a week yet!"

Jack's smile comforts me. I feel like the two of them are my support and they make me feel like nothing could go wrong. I can smell the beer on Jack's breath. "Well, Lace. You know damn well we aren't going to miss your engagement party!"

Bill's smile grows wider as I notice him staring at the open bar. He licks his lips. "Free beer had me at hello. I would never miss my second daughter's engagement party...nor the beer." He releases his arms from me. His eyes are pointed at the bar that Natalia had set up. "Excuse me you two. I have a date with whomever that bartender is...and all of the drinks she has waiting for me."

The bright stringed lights and small party lights create a beautiful and exciting scene in our backyard. I feel like I am already at a wedding, she has set this up so incredibly. The soft plush grass and the marble slats in our yard make it that much more comforting and exciting. I smile and slowly spin around staring at all the decorations.

Jack sets his hand on my shoulder. He is enjoying the decorations just as much as I am. The strung-up white light mini lanterns. The small disco balls spread throughout the yard. The small party laser lights. The white fake flame candles sit on every table with white tablecloths. Natalia has outdone herself.

I shake my head. I scan the small party for her. I see her staring at me. I smile and bite my bottom lip. She is smiling and flashes a quick wave. Jack quickly squeezes my shoulder. "You have yourself one hell of a woman. She loves you and I could not be happier for you Lacey. Honestly! I love you like my own child and watching you become who you have become is just amazing. I watched when you lost your father. I watched everything you went through as a teen. I watched as you started working at the bar. I watched you work your ass off! I watched you become a bar owner, find the love of your life, and increase your lifestyle overnight. You've done what most people only dream of."