Lilly stumbled into the dining room, exhausted from rocking Madelyn to sleep. To her surprise and relief, Bug had set the table and prepared a nutritious meal. As she plopped into a high-backed chair, she released a big sigh of relief. She smiled wearily at Bug, who sat across the table from her, smiling back.
After a refreshing dinner spotted with small talk, the couple cleaned up after themselves. When finally they sat down to really relax, Lilly informed Bug of a call she had received that morning. "You'll never guess who I talked to today," she challenged.
Playfully, Bug took a guess. "The queen of England."
"Renee Walcott," Lilly corrected him. "They're bringing Garrett home tomorrow! He's recovering way better than the doctors had predicted; he should be back to work in a week or two." At this point, Bug could not find anything to say that might add to the excitement, so he stayed silent. "Before long, everything will be back to normal," the redhead marveled.
"Almost." Bug's voice was practically a whisper. Lilly looked to him for an explanation, fearful of the secret subject he referred to. "What do you mean?"
"Lilly, I love you; and… I love Madelyn, too. I want what's best for both of you, and –"
Lilly frowned as her doubts rose to the surface and took her breath. "If you want us to leave, we can –"
This time, he cut her off. "No," he half-chuckled. His gaze softened as he pulled the small box from his jacket pocket. Opening it toward her wide eyes, he smiled again. "Lilly Lebowski, will you marry me?" he asked carefully but confidently.
Bug's true love could not speak at first, her jaw hanging uselessly open. Once the tears began rolling down her cheeks, she found the strength to answer. "Yes. I… it… just… yes!!" Then, as Bug gingerly slipped the ring onto her finger, "Oh! It's beautiful! Thank you! I love you, too, Bug!"
With nothing more to say, Bug pulled Lilly to him, finding anything but resistance. For the first time, their relationship was secure and their love no longer hidden or contained.