Page 194 of Brighter Together

A tear rolls down her cheek.

“So forget whatever timetable somebody invented. Do you want to marry me?”

She sobs once.

Then laughs.

“Yes.”

My chest tightens.

“Yes?”

“Yes, you ridiculous man.”

I barely have time to get the ring out of the box before she launches herself at me.

Her arms wrap around my neck.

I laugh into her kiss.

“Ring first.”

“Fine.”

She sits back and holds out her left hand.

I slide the ring onto her finger.

Perfect fit.

Ella stares at it.

“Oh.”

“Good oh?”

She looks at me as though I’m an idiot.

“It’s blue.”

“You hate diamonds.”

Her eyes fill again.

“You remembered.”

“Of course I remembered.”

She kisses me.

Slowly this time.

When she pulls away, she looks towards the open doors.

“Oh no.”

“What?”