XOXO

I stare at the box when he opens it.

I lose it because it’s the ring. It’s the ring that I’ve dreamed of wearing since I was a little girl.

The diamond is tiny, the white gold surrounding it worn in places, but it means everything to me.

“Your grandfather gave me his blessing and this ring today.” He glances down at it. “It was on your grandmother’s finger for most of her life. I want more than anything to place it on yours for the rest of my life.”

“My life,” I repeat as I sob.

“No,” he whispers as he slides it onto my finger. “I can’t live without you. I want you to be my wife until I leave this earth.”

“I want that too,” I say as thunder smacks in the distance.

Dick barks from where he’s been sitting in the corner, shielded from the rain by an awning.

Dominick glides to his feet. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes!” I scream. “Yes a million times.”

He sweeps me into his arms and twirls me around again and again.

“Let’s dance to that.” He laughs as he sets me down on my shaky feet.

He drags his phone out of his pocket and starts Precious Beats, our favorite song.

Under the rain and close to the stars, we dance and sing, knowing that our love story with all of its twists and turns is just beginning.