Chapter 1237

The rest of the group wisely kept their mouths shut. Saying anything now wouldn't change a thing anyway. All they could do was smile politely.

"You can get up now," Juniper said. The proposal was done, the ring was on, why was he still kneeling?

"It's not that I don't want to get up," Shanley said through gritted teeth, his voice a strained whisper. "I've been kneeling so long my legs went numb. I literally can't stand."

A suffocating silence descended upon the crowd.

***

After the proposal wrapped up, the crowd tactfully excused themselves to give the couple some privacy.

Downstairs.

Harold and Melvin had driven, so they offered to drop Janet and the students off.

"Come on, hop in," Melvin said, pulling his sleek sports car up smoothly in front of Janet. He even thoughtfully opened the passenger door and adjusted the seat for her. "Let's go."

"Thank you, Melvin," Janet said, bowing deeply before sliding into the car. She sat rigidly, her hands resting perfectly flat on her knees, her back ramrod straight. She stared dead ahead with the fierce intensity of a soldier reporting for duty.

Melvin scratched the back of his head, trying to lighten the mood. "Janet, you don't have to be so tense."

"Understood," Janet replied crisply, before falling into absolute, stony silence.

Melvin let out a long, weary sigh, feeling utterly defeated. She was always so chatty when she was hanging out with Juniper!

***

Luella had gone to the restroom, and by the time she came out, everyone was already gone. Since she had rushed over in a cab, she didn't have her own car. And during rush hour, hailing a taxi in this neighborhood was a nightmare.

Just as she was considering walking, she spotted a very familiar sports car.

Jimmie? He was still here!

"Hey!" Luella waved enthusiastically, jogging over.

Catching sight of Luella, Jimmie reluctantly tapped the brakes and rolled down the window. "What can I do for you, Mr. Langley?"

"I don't have my car. Be a sweetheart and give me a ride," Luella smiled, intentionally buttering him up. "After all, we're basically going to be family soon."

She was, of course, referring to the godparent arrangement.

"Don't flatter yourself. Did I ever agree to that?" Although Jimmie found tuella's personalty grating, he was too well mannered to leave her stranded. He unlocked the doors. "Get in."

"Don't mind if I do!" Luella seamlessly slid into the passenger seat, buckling her seatbelt and flashing a brilliant, teasing smile. "Thanks, sweetheart."

Jimmie's brow twitched violently as he took in Luella's pretty, somewhat feminine features.

"Who are you calling sweetheart?" he snapped instinctively. "If you call me that again, I'll cut your tongue out."

"Wow," Luella laughed, completely unfazed. "You're so scary when you're angry. I'm terrified."

Jimmie swallowed down the surge of frustration. Every time he dealt with her, it was a headache. They were absolute oil and water if she weren't Junipers friend he really would have kicked her to the curb.

"Shut up," Jimmie growled, gripping the steering wheel tight. "One more word, and you're walking."

"Okay." That actually worked. Free rides came with a little attitude, she could handle that.

Within minutes, Luella had leaned her head against the window and dozed off.

At a red light, Jimmie glanced over.

The evening sun caught Luella perfectly, illuminating her profile. In the soft light, her skin looked flawless, luminous, and porcelain-smooth.

She was beautiful. She really didn't look like a man at all.

Beautiful?

Realizing where his thoughts were wandering, Jimmie violently tore his gaze away. Was he really praising a man's looks?

He scoffed to himself. He must be losing his mind. What did looks matter anyway?

She had a foul mouth and a terrible attitude.

Yet, a few seconds later, Jimmie

found his eyes drawn back to Luella.

He watched her silently. The ruby

studan her left ear only made her skin look even more radiant

Slowly, without realizing it, Jimmie found himself captivated.