"You're not going to faint on me, are you?" Leroy asked, amusement evident in his voice.

Ariel shrugged off his hand and shook her head, more to clear her mind than to deny any imminent fainting. She was indeed feeling a bit lightheaded. A strange, giddy excitement replaced her momentary panic, and a small smile tugged at her lips.

"He said that? Are you sure?"

Leroy eyed her with uncertainty. "If I say yes, are you going to start doing that giggling thing girls do?"

Ariel’s smile vanished, and she nudged him in the side. "No, now answer me."

"Okay," Leroy replied, still watching her closely. "I'm positive that’s what I heard. What it means—hard to say, although I have some ideas..."

Her mind whirring, emotions shifting between confusion and delight, Ariel barely registered the woman on stage announcing the next number of Magnolias.

"Alright, we’re nearing the end here; is there a dozen out there?"

As the ceremony mirrored its beginning, only a few hands rose into the air. One of them was Mandy’s. Ariel scanned the room, hoping to spot the medium’s rival for the crown. She noticed two more bouquets held aloft, one of which was composed entirely of roses.

Shiloh.

Ariel frowned as her gaze shifted to Mr. Warner. The playwright’s attention wasn’t on his actress but on the third and final contender: Miss Marlowe. Leroy glanced down at Ariel, and they shared a knowing look.

This isn’t going to end well.

"Well, it seems we have more than one complete bouquet..." the woman on stage began, eyeing the three women with surprise. "This happens only rarely, but we do have a way to decide."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

The woman gestured towards Noah, who stood at the side. "Mr. Marlowe, please pick your wife."

Noah blinked, startled by the sudden responsibility. With uncertainty, he approached the edge of the stage, gazing down at the sea of faces below him. Three elegant arms, each holding a bouquet, were raised.

As Ariel looked up at him, their eyes met, and she sensed that he wished he could choose her. At that moment, his grandparents’ voices drove the point home.

"THIS IS A CONSPIRACY! HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK WHOEVER HE WANTS AS HIS WIFE!"

"THESE OTHER WOMEN JUST BATTED THEIR EYES AND GIGGLED INTO THEIR SLEEVES TO GET THOSE MAGNOLIAS—WHAT'S INSPIRING ABOUT THAT?"

Despite the furious blush that spread across her face, Ariel couldn't suppress a small, satisfied smile aimed at Mandy. The medium briefly met her gaze before pointedly ignoring her, smoothing her dress self-consciously. Behind her, and slightly to the left, stood Shiloh. The actress held up her roses with a radiant expression, though her gaze occasionally dropped to the medium, causing her cheeks to flush.

That Mandy.

Even farther to the right, close to the stage, stood the poised Miss Marlowe. Her creamy skin contrasted beautifully with the pale bouquet she held—a testament to her elegance. Ariel’s focus shifted back to Noah, wondering whom he would choose.

"Have you made your decision?" the woman asked with anticipation.

Noah managed a weak smile. "I have."

There was a pause as the young man reviewed his options once more and drew in a deep breath.

"Shiloh Keller."

The silence was abruptly shattered by loud applause. Ariel broke into a genuine smile as she looked back at Shiloh, who let out a cry of surprise.

"Daniel! Daniel—can you believe it?" Shiloh exclaimed as she was hurried up to the stage, passing the playwright.

Daniel managed a kind smile. "Good for you, Shiloh!"

Ariel’s eyes quickly sought out Mandy, hoping to savor the look of disappointment on her rival’s face. To her surprise, Mandy looked rather composed, clapping along with the crowd.

"Shiloh Keller, this year’s Yvonne Marlowe!" the woman announced from the stage as the actress ascended, accepting Noah’s hand.

The applause continued, with several people from the crowd whistling. Blushing and beaming, Shiloh waved to her adoring audience.

"Any last words before we get you backstage and ready for your performance?" the woman inquired, directing her question at the delighted actress.

Shiloh paused in her waving and glanced at Noah. "Yes, actually," she said, smiling warmly at the heir to the Williams Inn. "This is the first time I have ever received this honor. Thank you very much."

Noah smiled and lowered his gaze, visibly touched by her words.