As they pulled up to the country club, they could see Christmas lights hanging along the path to the door. The driver stopped the limousine. He got out and moved around to the passenger side. He opened the door and helped the girls out.

Once they were all out, they made their way inside. As they crossed the threshold, they saw the guests who had arrived earlier were wearing party hats. There were signs saying, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!,” taped to the walls. A single Christmas tree stood near the entrance of the main ballroom.

After checking their coats, they went into the main ballroom. Lights were hung on every window. Balloons floated along the ceiling and each table had a different colored tablecloth. At the far end of the ballroom, a band was tuning up so the guests could dance after dinner. A Christmas tree stood on each side of the stage where the band was playing. A clock was hung the right side and a disco ball hung from the middle of the room with streamers dangling from it.

Carson went over to some people he knew as the rest of them went over to the table and sat down. A short while later, dinner was served and Carson sat down with them.

After dinner, the band started to play. Couples went out on the dance floor. Nancy and Ned danced in the middle with Frank and Callie close by. Joe and Vanessa were close to the band while Bess and George went to talk to some friends.

The band started to play a slow song. Ned pulled Nancy close and she put her head against his chest closing her eyes. She felt Ned tighten his hold.

Nancy wrapped her arms around Ned’s neck. Nancy said, “I’m so glad we came.”

“So am I. This is perfect.”

“This is going to be the start of the best year of our lives.”

“It will be wonderful. In a few months time, we will start our lives together.”

“I can’t wait.” Nancy leaned up and gave Ned a kiss.

* * * * *

After a few more songs, they went back to the table and sat down. A moment later, Frank and Callie sat down with them. As they sat there, Frank said, “You know, it’s still hard to believe you two will be married soon.”

“We can’t wait,” Nancy said taking Ned’s hand in hers and smiling at him.

“How are the plans going?” Callie asked, before taking a sip of her drink.

“Pretty well,” Nancy said glancing quickly at Ned. “It would go a lot better if Ned would choose a best man.”

“He hasn’t?” Callie asked with raised eyebrows.

“Nancy, what if I told you I’ve chosen someone.”

“Really?” Nancy asked. “Who is it?”

“Callie, let’s dance,” Frank said taking her hand in his.

“I want to hear this,” Callie said.

“So, who is it?” Nancy asked.

“Well,” Ned said dragging it out. “It was a hard decision. I have so many friends it was hard to choose just one.”

“Who is it?”

“Well,” Ned began with a smile and glanced at Frank.

Nancy followed Ned’s gaze. She looked at Frank, then back at Ned. She figured Frank knew whom Ned chose as his best man. She looked at Frank. She noticed he was looking away from them.

“Ned,” Nancy said without taking her eyes off Frank. “You told Frank who your best man was going to be, didn’t you?”

“Well,” Ned began.

“Frank, tell me.”

“Uh.” Frank looked at Ned.

“Nancy.” Ned turned Nancy’s face so he could look into her eyes. “I asked Frank to be my best man.”

“Really?” Nancy asked looking at Frank once again.

“I’m serious,” Ned said. “He’s the only one to do the job. He’s a good friend to both of us.”

“You’re right.” Nancy smiled. “He’s the only person right for the job. I’m sure it was a tough decision, but I’m glad you finally made it.”

“I knew you’d be excited.”

Nancy looked at Frank. “Would you like to dance?”

“I don’t know,” Frank said looking at Ned.

“Go ahead,” Ned said as he looked at Callie. “Would you care to dance?”

“Sure,” Callie answered.

“All right,” Frank said. He got to his feet and offered Nancy his hand. Then he escorted her onto the floor as the band started playing a slow song. Frank put his left arm on Nancy’s hip while Nancy put her right hand on Frank’s shoulder. Their other hands were outstretched and held together.

“You know,” Frank said as they danced. “I am still in shock that you, Nancy Drew, are getting married.”

“I know. At times I think it’s all a dream.” She looked up at Frank. “I’m really glad you’re going to be part of the wedding. I couldn’t picture the wedding without you there.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Frank said. “You are one of my best friends. I’m honored I can be part of it.”

Nancy smiled. She realized her wedding was going to be perfect. She was going to marry the man she always loved and planned to marry long ago. She knew it was going to be special with all her friends there, the friends she cared deeply about, the ones she could always count on.

* * * * *

Around eleven-thirty, Nancy and Ned made their way back to the table. Callie and Frank were already sitting at the table talking. As soon as Nancy and Ned sat down, Bess and George hurried to the table. Bess seemed excited.

Just as Bess was about to speak, they heard the loud crack of a gunshot and they all slid to the floor.

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The Hardy Boys Fan Fiction authors of the Hardy Detective Agency have just borrowed them for an adventure or two. The authors promise to put the boys back when they are done with them. The authors do claim copyright to the original characters in this story. Please do not borrow original characters without express permission of the authors.