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She buries her blush behind a flat palm. “Oh, jeez. I won’t look at onion rings the same ever again.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t eat them.” I guide her to the counter and order a basket for us to share.
Grace cradles the paper boat while blowing on the hot food. “Learned my lesson.”
“I can always offer you something to drink.” My brows wag at the direction this conversation should go based on previous accounts.
“Like a lemonade?” She bites into an onion ring and moans. “Yummy.”
“Better than those stacked on my—”
“Nope,” she interrupts. “Missing that extra spice, but still delicious.”
“Look at this tiny one.” I grab the mini version that’s no wider than the rim of a shot glass.
“That would never fit over your bedazzled unicorn.”
“Not unless you pay the toll.”
The flow of our banter spreads warmth through my chest. I glance at the scenery while a plan takes shape. We’ve made the seasonal market our summer tradition. There isn’t a better place other than Roosters or the spring festival. I’ll be damned if we wait that long.
Grace freezes on the spot as I get down on one knee. I snag her left hand and hover the makeshift token of my devotion in front of her third finger. “It’s not a secret that I’m in love with you.”
Her wide stare scans the crowd already gathered around us. “Are you about to propose with an onion ring?”
“Is that not enough bling?”
“I’m not sure how to respond to that,” she whispers.
That has me digging in my front pocket. “How about this?”
“Is that a”—she squints at the object pinched between my thumb and forefinger—“straw?”
“Bent into a circle for the occasion, and your approval.”
She rolls her lips between her teeth, amusement lifting her cheeks. “It’s really difficult to take you seriously right now.”
“What do you say, soulmate?” I lift the plastic creation higher.
“Yes?”
“You don’t sound very confident.” My stomach cramps from the effort of containing a laugh.
Grace appraises my kneeled position. “I’m still trying to figure out if you’re just messing with me.”
“What if I use this?” I whip out the velvet box from my back pocket. With a flip of the lid, diamonds sparkle under the sunshine.
She claps her right hand over her gaping mouth. “Holy shit, you’re serious.”
“About you? Always. Now, I’ll ask you again. Maybe you’ll be a bit more agreeable.” I wink. “Grace, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes!” Tears streak down her face as she nods wildly. “Yes, yes, yes.”
I slip the small fortune over her knuckle and rise to my feet. Grace flings herself at me. With a grip around her upper thighs, I hoist her off the ground. Her ankles cross at the small of my back as our lips smash together. Cheers erupt from those bearing witness to our engagement. We smile into our kiss, exchanging joy forevermore.
Grace pulls away and thrusts her hand into the air. The orange solitaire surrounded by a halo of diamonds reflects her awe. “This ring is… just wow.”
“Fit for my Peachy Bottom Grace,” I reply. “Better than an onion ring or straw?”
