Inside the bedroom, Queenie was the first to spot the envelopes and snatched one up.

    She tore it open–inside was a debit card. She checked the other two:

    both were cards as well.

    “Mr. Keane, this is hardly generous,” she called out. “A few cards? For all we know, there could be just a penny on each!”

    “Oh,e on,dies! Every card has at least ten grand on it. Not much, but enough for each of you to treat yourselves to a new bag. What do you say?”

    As soon as Justin finished, Cole slipped a few more envelopes under the door.

    “He’s right, it’s not like we could cram thick wads of cash through the door. But if you’d prefer cash, just crack the door open a bit and we’ll pass some through!”

    Inside, the four women exchanged nces. “Well, that’s not impossible,” ione /iof them replied. “But you’ll have to answer a few questions first. Get them right, and we’ll let you in. But Ste’s answers are the only right ones–agreed?”

    “No problem, ino /iproblem!” the men chorused.

    “But!” Alessia cut in.

    “Before each question, you have to do ten push–ups. We moved the hallway camera into the room–we’re watching everything, so don’t you dare try to cheat!”

    “Come on, we’re all about integrity here, right Cole?” Justin elbowed Cole yfully.

    “Lessie, I didn’t even sleepst night,” Cole whined, putting on his most pitiful face, making Alessia’s lips twitch with arnusement.

    10:30

    “Foul! Yellow card!” Penny knocked on the door, while Queenie mped her hands over Alessia’s ears.

    Alessia, barely containing herughter, made a zipping motion across her. lips, pledging silent allegiance to her sisters.

    Ste, all smiles, sat back and watched her friends valiantly “defend” her. Suddenly, she thought that maybe having a wedding wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

    The guys outside realized their tricks weren’t working, so they ilined /iup obediently, each settling into position for their push–up turn.

    As soon as the first one finished, Justin knocked on the door.

    “First question: How tall is Ste?”

    “One sixty–seven!” Justin shot back without hesitation.

    “Very good. Next question.”

    The second man started his push–ups. The hallway grew quiet–curious rtives and kids had gathered to watch the fun.

    “When is Ste’s birthday?”

    “August eighth!” Justin shouted, earning a round of apuse from the “hype squad” gathered nearby after every correct answer.

    Soon, they reached question nine.

    Cole breezed through his ten push–ups.

    “Ninth question!” Alessia’s voice came from behind the door. Everyone held their breath, waiting.

    “What is Ste’s wish?“/

    “To own a sprawling vineyard, open a cozy little wine bar, and live happily and healthily with her family, friends, and the love of her life.”

    Ste nodded, a radiant smile on her face.

    “Last question: Has Ste’s wishe true?”

    b10:30 /b1

    At the sound of Ste’s voice, Justin froze. His eyes grew red, tears welling up unexpectedly.

    It hit him—just how deeply he longed to marry the woman inside that

    room.

    From the day she was born, he’d been there for every milestone. And ever since he could remember, Ste had always been in his life.

    Cole and Alessia were a perfect match, but so were he and Ste.

    “It has,” Justin said, his voice soft but clear enough for everyone to hear.

    The whole crowd fell silent. Even the rowdy children were hushed by their

    parents.

    “I will love you forever–past, present, and future. I love you, Ste!”

    Thosest five words, Justin shouted with everything he had.