“I was wondering what you might think of trying to recruit some other people into our performance group. You know, see if anyone else would be interested in going out and playing with us. We could possibly make more money… we could set up flyers, hold some auditions, I think I already know some perfect fits from my music program.”
I hadn’t even considered this before. And I didn’t know why; the thought should have entered my mind as soon as I’d learned I made more money playing with Brianne. Of course, adding more instruments and being an actual band might bring in even more attention.
“That’s not a bad idea, Brianne!” I said, as I patted her on the shoulder. “I mean, who knows if we’ll find the right people for us, or if there’s even that much interest, but yeah, I’m totally down to try. And I think if it works out, it could totally work in our favor.”
“Awesome!” she said with a grin on her face.
Our conversation ended abruptly when Emily came to my side, clearly done with the excess conversations.
“Beer, please!” she said with a cheeky smile.
“So bossy,” I teased her.
“You love it,” she shrugged.
I did. She was adorable when she was making demands.
“Alright, one second.”
I took the beer with the straw in it and turned my back to him to pour it so he wouldn’t see me pull something out of my front left pocket.
“Here you go!” I said, handing him the icy glass. She immediately laughed.
“A straw? Babe, why the hell would I need a straw to drink a beer? Am I a kid who—”
But she stopped teasing me suddenly when her eyes caught a glimpse of what was hanging off the straw.
Before she had a chance to react, I got down on one knee in front of her. Abby’s group of friends gasped.
“Emily, I know you have to have everything on your schedule, which was how I knew that I didn’t want to propose to you until after you graduated. But, now that you have, I want to make this official. I knew from the moment I met you that you were someone special, that I had to hold onto you. And a year later, I’m more sure than ever. You’re the one for me. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Yes!” she chirped and jumped up and down, spilling her beer slightly.
I stood back up and took the ring from around the straw and slid it onto her finger. The rose gold seemed to gleam even in the dark lighting of the bar.
Everyone erupted into claps and cheers. And not just Abby’s friends, but bystanders from the bar, as well. The room seemed to fill with warmth and joy as I kissed Emily.
When I pulled my lips from hers, I could see a tear dripping down her cheek, and I took my thumb and slid it away.
“I can’t believe this! Seriously, babe?”
“Seriously. You wouldn’t have wanted me to propose before you graduated, right?” I nudged him.
“Of course not! And you’re right. This timing is absolutely perfect. But, uh, you’ll understand I need to settle into a new job first and improve my savings before we start wedding planning.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course I know that, my little type-A personality. I wouldn’t expect anything less than perfection when it comes time for us to marry.”
“And you’ll get nothing less,” she said with a smile, “at least during our wedding. Expect a little imperfection in the actual marriage, because, as I’ve proven, I’m not the best at avoiding mistakes.”
I kissed her cheek. “Baby, I love every small imperfection you throw at me. And I?
?m prepared to work through all the bumps in the road of our relationship for the rest of our life, as I always have been.”
She set her beer down for a moment so she could wrap her arms fully around me, more tears welling in her eyes.
“I love you. I really love you so, so much.”
“And I love you. From now until the rest of my days. I will always love you.”