Page 193 of Brighter Together

Ella stares at me.

Then at the ring.

Then back at me.

“Tommy, we’ve known each other less than a year.”

I blink.

“That isn’t a no.”

“We’ve only been together a few months.”

“Still not hearing a no.”

“Aren’t there rules?”

“Like?”

“You date for a year.”

“Why?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” Ella shrugs, looking excited but slightly puzzled.

“Excellent rule,” I chuckle.

“Then you live together,” she continues.

“You do live with me,” I say.

“Because my brother attacked me,” she replies like that makes a difference.

“You now have more clothes in my wardrobe than I do. I think we’re past emergency accommodation.”

Her mouth twitches.

“And then after a sensible amount of time, you get engaged.”

“Define sensible.”

“I don’t know!”

I laugh.

Ella stares at the ring again.

I reach for her hand.

“Ella-Bella, I’m not asking because I think we’re supposed to. And I’m not asking because I think getting married fixes anything.”

Her eyes meet mine.

“I’m asking because I know what I want.”

I squeeze her fingers.

“You.”