Ding dong—

The doorbell rang.

Emily glanced toward the door. "That must be Dylan, here to pick you up. Go run your hand under some cold water again," she said to Satan.

She quickly dried her hands and rushed to open the door.

"Surprise! My dearest girlfriend, are you shocked? Are you thrilled?" Jackson stood at the door, holding a large bouquet of roses, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you so happy you're speechless?"

Emily hesitated for a moment. ...