Later, Pamela will chalk it up to being so excited for Jess that she didn't see it coming.

But really, in the moment, she's actually okay with the comfortable familiarity of her and Dean's Friday night tradition of onion rings and whatever sports event that happened to be playing in Dean's bar. So what if Jess is getting engaged? It's actually become sort of a game for them. Second the commercial starts, how many onion rings can they stuff in their mouths before the game comes back on.

Sure enough, she's sitting at their usual table close to the counter, however their onion rings are nowhere in sight. Yes, that was another sign, but right then, all she says, loud enough to hear over the game, is "Hey, babe? I don't think anyone fried up our onion rings."

"No no, they did. Fried them up myself, actually!" Dean calls back as he walks out of the kitchen, basket in hand. "Best onion rings to come out of my bar all night!"

Pamela smiles. True, it's just onion rings, but still. Dean willingly going to the trouble to fry onion rings himself is definitely sweet, in his own, awesome way.

Dean sets the rings down between them, sitting across from Pamela's seat.

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"Jesus. They're getting slaughtered!"

"Yeah, they are. That's what makes it so satisfying to watch."

That's when Pam realizes it's almost time to dig in. "Uh oh. Time to prep."

She reaches for the rings, but before she can, Dean goes, "Whoa whoa whoa. Hang on. Need to turn this around. That's your side."

Pam is simultaneously confused and mildly annoyed, "Really? You're gonna call dibs on one side of a thing of onion rings?"

Dean nods, "Damn right. This is your side, mines that one."

Pamela sighs, but she's not really that bothered, "Fine. But if your side has more rings, I win by default."

Dean just says, "Oh trust me, I don't think you have to worry about that."

Pam asks, "Alright. Ready?"

"One."

"Two."

"Three!"

They immediately start stuffing their faces with the delicious golden brown rings, and honestly? Pam can't believe Dean doesn't fry these up on a regular basis, they're that good.

But pretty soon, all thoughts about onion rings and commercial breaks are immediately forgotten, because right underneath a particularly thick onion ring is another type of ring. One that definitely doesn't belong in there.

At first, Pamela doesn't know what to think, or say. So on autopilot, she just reaches in with the tips of her fingers and pulls it out.

(https/66.media./edf67d58654eae3d71f0d2410daa331f/tumblr_po3c0iGzig1s3mwew_1280.png)

It's a gorgeous ring. And even better, it's not gold or white gold. It's black gold. Nothing like your traditional engagement ring at all. In hindsight, after everything, that's another thing she'd always remember. How Dean always took the time to make sure what little jewelry she wears was stuff she'd actually wear.

Finally, she looks back over at Dean, who actually has stopped stuffing his face as well, watching her reaction with a big smile on his face.

Pam can't think of anything to say except, "What is this?"

Dean slides off his chair, to position himself right in front of her, on her side of the table.

"I've been thinking about this a lot, if you can believe it. Drove myself and Sam crazy trying to figure out the best way to do this. But here's the truth. This is our life together, one I would happily spend with you. And if we're still stuffing our faces with onion rings or laughing at bad chick flicks with Sam and Jess, I wouldn't have it any other way."

"So, Pamela Barnes?" Dean slides down slightly lower, so he can position his knee onto the bar stool.

"Uh huh?" Pamela asks, hardly able to speak.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes. Yes" Pam reaches forward, to seal her answer with a long hard kiss.

Elsewhere

Jess is just sitting on the couch, reading a bridal magazine when the phone rings.

Before the person on the other line can say anything, Jess says, "It didn't happen tonight, but I'm not that worried. I'm sure Sam's gonna…"

But Pamela cuts her off with her own news, "I'm engaged!"

And that immediately stuns Jess silent, so Pam clarifies. "Dean just proposed two minutes ago. I'm literally engaged!"

That reminds Jess of her duties as Pam's best friend.

"Color?"

"Colorless."

"Cut?"

"Excellent."

"Clarity?"

"Slightly included."

"Carat?"

"Half, maybe a little more…" Pam whispers this next part, "Probably his whole months salary!"

"No kidding?" Jess is just stunned.

"Yeah. Gotta go. Got lots of people to tell the good news!" Pamela says, then hangs up.

Jess puts the phone back in the stand, now a little irritated. What the hell is taking Sam so long???