For National Proposal Day, 3/20! ? Set in an AU where Beth lives and it's 2018, 2 years after the events of QB took place.
October 9th, 2018
5:15 P.M.
Jack checked his watch, waiting for Beth to emerge from the bathroom. "You almost ready, babe?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm ready now," she said while opening the bathroom door and stepping out. She turned off the light and faced Jack. "Ready to go?"
Jack was rendered speechless as he took in Beth's dress. It was red with two spaghetti straps on each side of her shoulders. She wore red heels and a black leather coat. Jack adjusted his red tie and cleared his throat.
He nodded and grabbed his keys. "Yep, I'm ready." He felt the box in his breast pocket move a little and another wave of anxiety crept over him. What if she says no? I can't think about that right now. I just need to focus on having a good time. It'll be the right time soon enough.
Beth followed Jack and placed a hand on his cheek. "You okay? You look nervous."
"Yeah, I'm fine," Jack said.
Beth raised an eyebrow. "Mmh hmm, sure." That look was enough to tell Jack I know something's up, and he swallowed a little.
He put on his most convincing smile and said, "I just don't want to be late, that's all."
Beth turned away from him and said, "Alright, as long as you're sure that that's what's freaking you out."
The drive to the restaurant seemed to take forever, as did waiting for their reservation. When they finally sat down, Jack sighed a little, feeling a little calmer.
Beth reached her hand across the table after they had taken their coats off. "When this is over, you're telling me what's wrong. Deal?"
"Deal."
She nodded as they got their menus. "Good." They took their time reading them and chose what they wanted. Their waiter came over and they placed their orders.
Jack sighed a little. He'd been absent most of the time over the past few months because he'd wanted to save up to buy Beth the ring that she wanted.
"So, why have you been working so late these past few months?"
"It's like I said earlier. I just want us to have some extra money, that's all." He knew he was rambling, but it was also true. He hadn't used all the money he'd saved up, leaving them both with some wiggle room.
"Okay," Beth said. Jack had said that the past few times when she'd asked him. He'd taken the job at Monarch to cover their expenses, and although he hated it, he couldn't deny that it paid well. Beth had quit Monarch and found work as a secretarial position near the Monarch building. It wasn't much, but it was enough to cover the bills and then a little more. Jack was glad that she liked the job.
Jack remembered asking Beth's parents for permission to marry her. He wished that he could've told his parents about his upcoming proposal to Beth. Beth raised an eyebrow, knowing once again that something was up. She squeezed Jack's hand and rubbed the back of it with her thumb.
"You said you went to see my parents a few days ago. How were they?"
"Fine. My visit went well."
"Good, I'm glad."
"They want you to stop by sometime and check in with them."
Beth nodded and smiled. "Will do."
Their dinners arrived shortly thereafter, and they ate quickly.
"I was hungrier than I thought," Beth said between bites.
"Yeah, me too," Jack said after taking a sip of water. They finished their meals not long after, and Jack paid for their dinners. They put their coats on and walked outside. Jack noticed Beth shivering and put his coat around her shoulders.
Not long after, they arrived at a water fountain. Jack found her admiring it, and he knew that that was the right moment to propose to her.
"Beth."
"Yeah?" She turned around.
Jack cleared his throat, feeling nervous all over again. Breathe. It'll be okay. "We met two years ago today, and my life hasn't been the same ever since. I'm sorry it took me so long to keep my promise to you. I'm so glad I get to spend more time with you, the most beautiful, strong woman I know. I wouldn't change a thing about the past two years, and I get to wake up by your side every morning." He grinned. "That's what I want to do—wake up to your beautiful face for the rest of my life." He got down on one knee and took the ring out of his pocket. Beth gasped when she saw the ring after Jack opened the box. "Beth Wilder, will you marry me?"
Beth stood still, frozen in shock. It took her a moment to process what was happening. After a moment, a spark was lit in her heart and she had her answer.
"Yes!" she said as she knelt gently before Jack. She kissed him on the lips and smiled as he slid the ring on her left ring finger. She admired the small diamond for a moment, then looked at her fiancé. Their hearts swelled with love and excitement for their future together.
"So this is why you were working all those hours!" She said before kissing him again.
"Yeah. I didn't want to spoil it, you know?"
Her smile grew. "Thank you. It's beautiful."
Jack cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. "I can't wait to be your husband."
"And I can't wait to be your wife." They both stood up and Jack hugged her tightly, treasuring the moment. He kissed her deeply on the lips while dipping her. He straightened a moment later and felt her shiver again.
"Come on, let's get you home." He drove them both home, where they fell asleep in each other's embrace and dreamt about the future.