The Kiss Lottery

Chapter 21 Beckett

Chapter 21

Beckett

The courthouse square is a happening place. The area has been transformed into a wonderland for the dance. Twinkling fairy lights are strung, and the gazebo is all decorated.

Carson stands next to me, nursing a beer he got from the bar earlier. He keeps giving me glances. “You look weird.”

“I look normal,” I say, adjusting my black ball cap, which says “Won the Jackpot.”

I scan the crowd, my eyes searching for Everly. She said she’d meet me here, but a knot tightens in my chest. Maybe because we still feel so fresh.

Carson sighs. “You really love her, don’t you?”

More than anything. She’s my first love, my only love.

The memories flood back—the moment I left her the cat, hoping it would bring her comfort; the night I took care of her while she was stoned, feeling that fierce protectiveness and adoration. Making love to her.

He claps a hand on my shoulder, squeezing. “You two are meant to be. Sure, I dated her, but—”

He stops at my glare. A chuckle comes from him. “Chill. Just teasing.”

Ignoring him, I glance back at the crowd, and then I see her. The knot in my chest loosens as my eyes lock onto Everly’s. Her hair catches the glow of the fairy lights, cascading down her shoulders as she moves through the crowd. She’s in a soft pink sweater and leather skirt, and she’s stopping every few feet to chat with someone. My eyes widen when I see the locket around her neck. I spent six months’ allowance to buy her that gift.

“You’re smiling for no reason,” Carson says.

I wave him off.

Then, my lips twitch as Everly stops in front of Abigail. Everly says something, and whatever it is, it clearly strikes a nerve—Abigail clenches her fists, huffs like she’s about to blow up, and stomps away.

That’s my girl. Sticking up for herself.

My Ev.

She starts walking toward me, and it feels like everything around us fades away.

It’s just her and me.

I haven’t seen her since the night at the cherry grove, and that was two days ago. She said she had to focus on work and wrap up some things.

She stops in front of me and smirks and adjusts the pink hat she’s wearing, the one I gave her. “Hey. We match.”

Carson rolls his eyes as he looks between us. “You two are weird.”

“He’s lucky I didn’t bring along the bear,” she tells him smugly. “I thought about it, but he’s too big to carry.”

I pull her into my arms, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “You look absolutely gorgeous. How soon can we leave and head back to your place?”

She gives me a quick peck on the cheek. “Soon.”

I brush a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “Have you decided what your next podcast adventure is going to be?”

“Depends on you.”

“Oh?”

“Hmm.” Her lips curve into a mischievous smile. “I’m planning to stay here for the rest of the month, but if your writing schedule is clear ...”

“It’s always clear. I can write anywhere.”

Her smile brightens, and the sight of it makes my heart flip. “Then how does South Korea sound? Or Thailand? I’ve been dying to dive into the Asian folklore you told me about.”

“Wherever you go, I’ll follow,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose.

She chuckles softly. “Have you seen the gang yet?”

A few minutes later, we see them at the kissing booth, where Tabby is behind the counter, kissing random people on the cheek, while Troy stands nearby, arms crossed and scowling.

Carson lets out a whoop, raising his beer. “All right, lovebirds, let’s go to the kissing booth and cause some trouble.”

We weave through the crowd, making our way. As we approach, Fritz spots us and waves. “Where have you two been hiding?”

“Just taking in the sights,” I reply.

Tabby looks up from the booth and grins. “Oh, look who finally decided to show up!” She plants a quick kiss on an elderly man’s cheek and winks at him. “Next!”

Troy’s scowl deepens as he glares at Tabby. “Isn’t it time for your break? You’ve kissed half the town.”

She has a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Jealous much?”

He scoffs. “Jealous? Please. I just think it’s unsanitary.”

She leans over the counter. “You know, you could always buy a ticket and get a kiss too.”

Carson laughs, slapping Troy on the back. “Let’s see if you’ve got the guts.”

Fritz joins in, waving a ticket in front of Troy’s face. “I’ve got one right here. Go on, make her night.”

Troy grabs the ticket. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Tabby straightens up and bats her eyelashes. “Well, come on then, Romeo. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Troy steps up to the booth and Tabby leans over the counter, and for a moment the playful banter between them stops as their faces inch closer.

Then, he gives her a huge, wet lick with his tongue. Tabby squeals, shoving him away as she wipes her face.

“Ugh, gross, Troy!” she exclaims, her voice full of mock horror.

He just laughs, unfazed.

She hops out from behind the booth and swats his arm. But then, without a second thought, she cups his face and kisses him full on.

We all blink as it goes on and on. Troy’s arms wrap around her, pulling her close as she runs her fingers through his hair. It’s not just playful anymore—it’s real.

“Finally,” Everly says.

I glance at her. Watching them feels like seeing the whole point of the lottery unfold right before my eyes. Sometimes, love sneaks up on you like that. A little nudge, a little shove—and suddenly, you’re all in.

Just like when Everly came back to Rose.

Just like when I refused to let her go again.

I pull her closer, my hand resting at the small of her back. “See that? It’s the lottery at work. Taking chances.”

She looks up at me with those eyes I’ll never get enough of. “You’re such a romantic.”

I kiss her forehead, thinking about everything we’ve been through, the choices, the missteps, the distance.

In the end, none of it mattered. We found our way back. Just like love does, if you let it.

I love her.

She loves me.

Everything starts here.