“Or,” he said quickly, holding up a hand, “If it’s too soon for you, I can live here and you can keep your own place for as long as you like until you’re ready.”
“Wow,” I breathed. I closed my eyes for a moment and realized that above all else, I wanted to picture my life with Jason beside me as much as possible.
I grinned at him, then took the key and placed it in my pocket. “I’ll move in with you whenever you like,” I said. “As long as you promise to help me pack.”
He laughed, but his eyes were still tight. “Sweetie,” I said, leaning down to give him a kiss on the forehead. “Did you actually think I might say no?”
His deep eyes sparkled up at me. “I thought you might want to wait a bit longer. I’m really glad you don’t. That’s going to make this a lot easier.”
He pulled something out of his pocket, taking my hand, and sliding a crystal ladybug ring onto my finger. “Claire, will you marry me and let me take care of you, and love you forever?”
My eyes welled up and he looked horrified for a split second. “Happy tears,” I squeaked. “Yes. Big yes.” He jumped up to hold me, kiss me, even though I was shaking and crying. Then he held me still against his firm, warm chest.
“Obviously that isn’t the real ring,” he said quickly. “I know so much about you, but I don’t know anything about jewelry. I can’t have you stuck with a ring you don’t like for the rest of your life. Tomorrow we’ll go get anything you want.”
“I do like ladybugs,” I giggled into his shirt.
He chuckled. “I know. But maybe not for engagement rings.”
I looked up at him, overwhelmed. “Thank you for giving me some space to breathe when I needed it.”
Jason smiled, reaching up to tuck my hair behind my ear. “You know I’ll do anything for you. I love you, my gorgeous Claire.”
“I love you,” I breathed, as I stretched up to kiss new fiancé again, with his ring on my finger, and a key to our new house in my pocket.
*** The End ***