Max stood behind Ava, and she turned in her seat and beamed.
“I have so much to be grateful for this year, as I’m sure we all do. Family, friends, a great town.”
“Football,” Adam said.
“Surfing,” Cole added among the chuckles.
“There’s one thing I’m grateful for beyond all others, though.” With that, he offered Ava his hand and pulled her out of her seat.
A slow murmur rose, then the room became quiet. Sub, somehow sensing something important was about to happen, moved from under the table and sat at attention near Max’s feet.
“It’s this woman. The love of my life. She waited for a grumpy, set-in-his-ways man to come around.”
Now the room was quiet except for the sniffles coming from Valerie and Ava’s mother. And also... Ava’s breathing. It was slow and measured, steady, her eyes wide, her chest rising and falling as she met his gaze and squeezed his hand.
“Well, she didn’t have to wait that long,” Etta May said. “How long have you two been datin’? Two minutes?”
Laughter from the small crowd. He hadn’t stopped to think that this might be a class participation proposal. But actually, he was relieved. He hated making anyone cry, and Valerie and Ava’s mother were beginning to ramp it up.
“Thanks for the comic relief.” He winked at Etta May. “But it’s been the best two minutes of my life and yeah, sometimes...well, you just know.”
With that he went on bended knee, took out the ring from his pocket and slipped it on her finger.
“I promise to always make sure that you’re number one, on any list.” He winked again, so that only Ava could see. “For the rest of my life. Would you please marry me?”
Sub panted and whined, apparently worried Ava might say no.
“Yes, silly. Of course, I’ll marry you!” Ava tugged him up and then they were in each other’s arms. He held on tight, determined never to let go of her again.
Around them, everyone clapped, and Sub barked his approval.
“Lucky me.” And then he kissed her and started the rest of his life.
The best part.
