The candlelight flickered, showing Jake's half-touched plate. There was a delicious meal in front of him, but he was preoccupied in thought, and the food went uneaten.
Do I dare? Jake wondered. Should I?
The moon, high in the sky, cast it's rays on Cassie's face, bathing it in light.
Wow, he thought, glancing up at Cassie. She really is beautiful. I've gotta ask.
Taking her hand in his, Jake began to speak.
"You know, Cassie," he began, his tone gentle. "We've been through a lot together. Over the years… we've fought side by side. We've nearly been killed several times. And…" Jake faltered.
Gathering up his courage, he began again. "And through it all, I've learned how much I truly care for you. I've known it all along, but now, more than ever, I know how much I really do care."
Jake, leader of the Animorphs, who has stood up to as fearful things as you could possibly imagine, without fail, was too terrified to speak. But Cassie smiled at him, and Jake regained his courage.
"It's not just a case of a junior high crush," he said. "I've always liked you. I've always cared about you. But, Cassie… I.." Poor Jake was trying to be brave, but he couldn't have been more nervous if he were face to face with Visser Three.
"I love you, Cassie," he said. "And… I want you to have this." Jake took out a small white box and handed it to Cassie.
Cassie opened it, revealing a stunning gold ring, laced with diamonds.
"Wow," she said, awed. "Jake! It's beautiful!"
Gripping her hand in his tighter, Jake swallowed. "Cassie," he said. "Will you marry me?"
Cassie looked at Jake, the ring, and back to Jake again.
And with a smile, she said…
"Yes."