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We’re led to a table with silverware wrapped in cloth napkins, two wine glasses, and a candle lit in the center.
We sit together, and I order us a bottle of white, not wanting to get champagne and confuse Jada. I want her to feel as though she is getting the proposal of her dreams, and part of that is not giving it away too soon.
We eat our dinners, enjoying some incredibly fresh salmon, and talk about nothing in particular. I notice that Jada’s anxiety has calmed. I smile inwards, knowing she has no idea what is waiting for her at the end of the night.
I find myself enjoying the surprise I have laid out for Jada. It’s strange that even a fake proposal has got me so excited. Even though this isn’t a real proposal, even though it has nothing to do with true love or any of it, I’m still nervous and eager all at once. Jada deserves a good night, and I want to be the one who gives it to her.
After I pay, sidestepping Jada’s attempts to at least leave the tip, I ask her if she’d like to take a walk along the beach, something that we’ve begun doing more recently. She nods, and we make our way down there.
We walk along the sand for a few minutes, Jada telling me about her day, and I find myself filled with anticipation.
It’s now or never, Carter, propose to your fake girlfriend.
“Jada,” I say as soon as she finishes talking.
“Yeah?” she asks, turning to look at me.
I get down on one knee, pulling the box out of my pocket. I’m glad she never noticed it, considering the fact that it had been in my front right pocket all night.
“I figured you deserved a real proposal, and I wanted to give you that. You’ve been incredibly kind and helpful to me for the last few months, and I appreciate your help in making my mom happy. I know this is all for show, but will you fake marry me?”
I can see Jada’s eyes glistening as she nods at me over and over again. “Of course I will, Carter. Yes!” Her excitement makes me smile, and I open the ring box to show her what I’d purchased.
Gasping, Jada looks from the ring to me. “Carter, it’s beautiful. But it looks way too expensive for a fake engagement. Why didn’t you just get something smaller?”
I laugh. “No, no, I promise I can afford it, really. Besides, with everything you’ve done for me since we met, you deserve it, one hundred percent.”
I hold out my hand to her, and I slip the ring onto her finger. I went with something simple, something classy, and something that reminded me of Jada. It’s an oval ring with a small band but a large gem. It caught my eye the moment I saw it.
She may think it’s an expensive ring, but it’s not a matter of money. All I cared about was giving Jada something she would love and would be perfect for her. I could never pay Jada back for all she’s done for me, but it feels like a start.
“You know, I guess I got lucky. I bagged the best rich fake husband a girl could ever dream of getting.” She watches the ring glisten in the setting sun, and I can see something that she doesn’t want me to.
She has tears in her eyes, though she’s trying to keep them hidden from me. Is it possible that she’s actually excited to fake marry me? That through all of this, she’s actually enjoying our fake relationship?
You two have a deal. This proposal was all part of a plan to get both of you what you wanted. This isn’t anything more than two people tricking everyone into thinking they’re getting married.
I wonder, though. How is she really feeling about this whole thing?
I clear my throat. “Do you want me to take you to your parents? Show the ring in person? I think they’d appreciate that.”
“That’s a great idea. We can stop at your mom’s after, show Honey that her son has impeccable taste in diamond rings.” She giggles, grabbing my hand. “Come on, let’s go!”
We make our way to Florence and Bruce’s and when we arrive, Jada can’t help but show the ring and let out a squeal before we’ve even stepped off the doormat. Her parents are shocked at first, but invite us in quickly to celebrate.
Bruce brings out a bottle of champagne, and we toast to our engagement. Florence begins to tear up, and her daughter gives her a hug, telling her not to cry.
“I’m just so happy for you, baby,” Florence admits. “You deserve to be happy. And I’m glad it’s Carter who does that for you.”
Bruce juts out his hand to me while the girls talk, and I shake it.
“Now you take care of my daughter for me, Carter. I can see the way she looks at you, the way you look at her. She’s something special, and I’m glad she met someone as devoted as you.”
I nod my head, letting go of his hand. “Of course, sir. I truly want her to be happy, too.”
And, to my surprise, I’m not lying. Since I met Jada, she has shown me that not only is she smart, clever and hardworking, but she’s hilarious, and wants to enjoy her life happily. I want it for her, probably as much as she does.
Getting to know her has been unbelievably fun, and spending time laughing, talking, swimming, joking around together has shown me that there’s no one else I’d rather fake date.
