Ryan and Marissa had returned to the pool house after their picnic dinner date on the beach. The happy couple were lying in each others arms on the bed. There was silence in the room, neither of them feeling the need for small talk. Finally, Ryan spoke up.

Ryan: I have something for you.

Marissa looked up at Ryan but didn't say anything. Ryan slowly got up from the bed, walked to the back of the room and opened a drawer. Marissa's eyes followed him the whole way. Ryan reached in the drawer and placed a small object in the palm of his hand before returning to the bed and sitting down next to Marissa.

Ryan: I wasn't sure when to give this to you…but I guess now is as good a time as any.

Marissa looked at Ryan confused, unsure of what was going to happen. Ryan reached out with his free hand, and took Marissa's hand in his; he then revealed a silver ring in his other hand, which he placed in the palm of Marissa's hand. Marissa stared down at the ring, barely believing what was happening. The ring was simple, nothing fancy on the outside, silver stainless steel, shining under the lights in the pool house, it seemed like it was glowing in the palm of Marissa's hand.

Ryan: It's what's on the inside that counts.

Marissa looked up at Ryan and then back down at the ring. She raised the ring up to eye level and noticed an inscription. Engraved on the inside of the band of the ring was "RM Always." Marissa felt a tear run down her cheek as she read the inscription on the inside of the band. Ryan moved in closer to her and slowly wiped away her tears with his thumb.

Ryan: Put it on.

Marissa slowly slid the silver ring onto her ring finger of her right hand, and smiles soon appeared on both of their faces.

Ryan: Look at that…perfect fit.

Marissa shifted her gaze from the ring on her finger to Ryan, and their eyes locked immediately.

Marissa: I…I don't know what to say…

Ryan smiled and leaned in to kiss Marissa. The kiss, while only lasting a couple seconds, felt like forever in both the minds of Ryan and Marissa.

Marissa: Wait…was this the errand you had to run earlier.

Ryan: (Smiling) Thus why you couldn't come with me…it would have really cut down on the surprise factor.

Marissa: Thank you…I love it.

Ryan: I love you.

Marissa: I love you too.

The happy couple then lay back down in bed. Ryan reached over and turned the lights off in the pool house, but they did not go to sleep. That night Ryan and Marissa made love for the first time, taking each other in, and savoring every moment. After they had finished the two lay in bed together huddled under the covers, their bodies intertwined. The two lay there for some time just staring at each other, and sharing the occasional kiss and full ear to ear smile. After a while, Marissa shifted herself on top of Ryan and lay her head on his chest.

Marissa: That was…

Ryan: (Finishing her sentence) Amazing.

Marissa: I love you Ryan.

Ryan: I love you.

With that both Ryan and Marissa closed their eyes, and Marissa was soothed to sleep by the quiet beating of Ryan's heart in her ear.