G-ma clasped his hand. “About time.”
He grinned.
“I’m very happy for you,” she said. “Do you have a ring? Are you giving her one?”
“I am, but I haven’t bought one yet,” he said. “I want us to design something together.”
G-ma rose off the sofa. “Be right back.”
A moment later, she sat beside him again, and held up a diamond ring. “This is my engagement ring from G-pa. Do you think Amanda May would like this? It’s a solitaire stone that you could build on, if she likes it.”
“I think she’d love it. Thank you.”
“I’m delighted.” She placed the ring in his palm.
“Why don’t you wear it anymore?” Carrera asked.
G-ma displayed her gold wedding band. “I like wearing this by itself.”
He kissed her cheek. “Wish me luck.”
Up went her eyebrows. “You’re proposing now?”
“I’m going to sleep.” He pushed off the sofa, shot her a smile. “I hadn’t thought about doing it now, but maybe I will.”
Upstairs he went. He found Slash on the screened porch off his bedroom, bathed in moonlight. He slid the ring into his pocket, went outside.
“Hey,” she said.
He stood beside her.
“I love this little room. I can see the stars. I love listening to the tree frogs.” A firefly lit up as it zoomed by. “Those are my favorites.”
He put his arm around her, caressed her shoulder. “I can’t live without you.”
“I know,” she replied.
He chuckled.
After a second, she said, “I’m putting my house on the market.”
His heart soared. “Babe, that’s great. Do you want to stay here? Do you want us to look for a home together?”
She turned toward him. “I love your home, love that it works for the three of us. It’s in a great location, and I wouldnotgive up that pool.”
He slipped his hand behind her hair and gently caressed her neck. Touching her soft skin, running his fingers through her long hair brought him joy.
Do it. Ask her now.
He pulled out the engagement ring, dropped to one knee.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I meant it when I said I can’t live without you. I did that for way too long. I love you so much and want to show youthat, every day, if you’ll let me.” He held up the diamond ring. “Amanda May, will you marry me?”
Her smile lit up the night, and her eyes filled with love. The passion in her kiss was the answer he needed.
“Hell, yeah, I’ll marry you.” She kissed him again before he stood, pulled her into his arms, and lifted her off the ground.
