No infringement of any kind is intended.

The box sits on the table, closed. I couldn't bring myself to open it, knowing the symbolism of everything about it will no doubt bring a few tears from me. Maybe even from her.

"Are you serious?" she whispers, leaning closer.

"Do you really think I'd fake proposing to you in public?"

Her mouth opens and closes several times, and sure enough, I see moisture pool in her eyes; it makes them sparkle and shine even brighter than usual, like priceless gems.

It's my turn to whisper. "Were you not serious when you asked?" I'm suddenly full of anxiety. Maybe she was kidding all along. It was rather fantasy-like when she asked. We did mesh our lives, but things aren't as easy as walking into a courthouse. Maybe the complication's too much for her. Maybe she doesn't feel the same way as she once did, or as I do.

"Sorry," I mouth more than say. Putting the box back in my purse, I swipe away the stray tears that fell.

When I look up at her again, she looks confused.

"Sorry," I say louder. "I thought…"

Jessica swallows and blinks a few times, shaking her head. "One of these days, you're going to believe me that I don't always have the right words at the ready in my brain. You're also going to learn that I'm not going anywhere. You aren't going to scare me away, especially not with something like wanting to make this more real and permanent. Give me that ring back."

I fumble with my bag and pull the box out, setting it on the table.

She eases the lid open and pulls the metal from its home. "Will you put it on?"

It feels heavy in my hand as I fumble with it. I finally get it in the right position and look into her eyes as I slide it onto her finger. I still have no idea what she was thinking that night, but here in this moment, I know she's serious.

"You inspire me to be a better person," I say, bringing our hands together.

"Fuck," she says with a small laugh. "You know I'm not good with words. I love you. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

The waiter brings champagne over and we make a toast.

"To us. Wait, did you have this planned all along?"

"No. I mean, I hoped I'd find the perfect moment at some point, but I didn't know where or when. Then I realized there won't ever be a moment perfect enough and everything tumbled out."

She laughs and throws her head back. "Yeah, I'd think maybe by the ocean at night, fireplace going… that might have been perfect?"

The way she teases me makes me feel even more alive. "Perhaps you're right, but I thought it was best to ask while clear-headed and not wrapped up in each other's arms, like last time."

"Hey, there was nothing wrong with the way I asked."

I think back, her body, naked and pressed up against mine. Nope, nothing wrong with that at all…

"The only thing wrong with it was that we didn't immediately go do it," I say.

"Yes, well, there are several reasons we didn't do that, unfortunately." She squeezes my hand and understanding floats between us. "How about we go back to the hotel, open the windows, start a fire, climb into bed, and you can ask me again?"

"I'd ask you a million times if you wanted."

My eyes trace the cupid's bow of her lips, wanting them everywhere.

"I may take you up on that," she says quietly. "I kind of like hearing it."

After we pay the bill, we walk to the hotel, our bodies huddled close. Every time my fingers touch the metal band, I smile and resist the urge to tackle her and make her come. There's something primal about a sign of my love, our love, on her hand for everyone to see.

In the room, I brush my teeth while she opens the windows and starts the fire. When I'm finished, I walk out and discover her in gorgeous lingerie I've never seen before. It's my turn for my mouth to flop open repeatedly.

"Like?" She smirks.

"Love."

Saliva pools in my mouth at the sight of her, and I thank deities I don't believe in that this woman — sexy, sensual, intelligent, funny, warm — somehow likes me back.

"Arms up," I say. "Leave them there."

She shifts her body so she's flat on her back, arms above her lead like I asked. I stand at the end of the bed watching the way the reflection from the fireplace makes shadows that dance on her body. The red lace of what she's wearing leaves little to the imagination, and the moment my tongue meets fabric, she arches up into me. For far longer than usual, I bite and lick her, teasing her endlessly.

"Will you marry me?" I whisper against her skin.

"Yes… please."

I'm sure she isn't pleading just for a wedding, and I grin.

Finally, I'm at the center of her panties, and I continue to go slowly. By the time I can't take the teasing anymore, everything in front of me is wet.

"Lift up," I say, pulling the panties off and returning my mouth to her pussy.

Cupping her breast with one hand, I flick my fingers over her nipple, watching her face. I finally taste her, and it makes me shiver with want. I try to keep going slow, but I need to make her come, see her, feel her around my fingers. My mouth devours her, lips and tongue holding to her as she bucks against me. She's loud, and it fuels me even more, as she's thanking and chanting. When I pinch and pull her nipple, she pushes against my face. I push my tongue as far inside her as I can get and she stills, coming.