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We’ve talked about this. She’s told me she wants it, but that doesn’t change how important this moment is and doesn’t reduce its size. When I reach the front of the line, an employee hands me the microphone. I clench it way too hard, and then I look at the stage, at my angel under the spotlight, at the glistening of her eyes.
I remember all we’ve been through, from the first touch in the car to the not-a-date at the pizza joint, to the terrible things those men tried to do. The finally-a-date, the first time we had sex…
Eva’s video.
“I only have one question for you, Harper,” I say. “But first, I must say I love you, and I’m so proud of the person you are and the person you’re becoming. I’m proud of the amazing mother you’re going to be. I’m proud of your passion, your kindness, your generosity, and your resilience.”
“I love you, too,” she whispers, but the clip-on mic makes her voice loud. “So, so much.”
A collective gasp goes up as I kneel, but everybody else drifts away. It’s just me. Just my woman, under those bright lights.
Taking out the ring box, I open it, which is a little awkward since I’m still holding the mic. Then I hold the ring up. The diamond is large, the white gold band glistening.
“Harper Jones,” I say into the microphone. “Will you marry me?”
But she’s gone. She’s not on the stage anymore.
My thoughts rush. Am I moving too fast? Why did she flee the stage?
I hear footsteps and turn to find her climbing down the stage steps, and then she runs toward me, her arms out. I just about have time to stand before she throws herself at me.
Joyous laughter erupts from me as I catch her and spin her around.
“Yes,” she sings. “Yes, yes, yes. I can’twaitto be your wife.”
EPILOGUE
ONE WEEK LATER
Harper
“I want you to read it,” I tell him, squeezing his hand as I guide him across the bedroom to the desk.
We’re at our new rental apartment, a three bedroom so we can each have an office, with views of the park, so much natural light when the sun’s out it’s like being inside a big disco ball. It makes me smile just being in here.
When I asked Tiffany if she was going to miss me, she said,“Obviously, I will. But I’m so happy to see you happy. With the money the podcast has suddenly started bringing in… I might not need a roommate.”
Bryson chuckles, not at all self-conscious about being naked. I’m naked too, my body flecked with sweat after we just had sex. The curtains are closed against the winter darkness.
I’ve got to tame myself as he sits naked at the desk, his muscles bulging, his silver-black hair shining in the light. The silver shining bright like the happiness in my chest, expanding and bursting inside of me.
“Your crush book?” he says, turning to me.
I stand at his shoulder, my heart beating fast, my smile spreading widely across my cheeks. “I want you to see how crazy I am.”
He reaches back, a teasing note in his voice. “I already know that.”
I giggle as he tickles me, his hand trailing up my thigh. “Be good. Read the book first. Humor me.”
He opens it, turning the pages.
I love Bryson.
Bryson loves me.
We’re forever.
We’re going to be together.
