So I finally got this to something I liked. Thanks to dancergirl7 for the suggestion of Molly and Arthur. I've decided to write this story by suggestions, so unless someone suggests a new pair of people to me, it stops here. If you want to see a proposal, let me know.
Arthur had scrimped and saved for months to get to this day. He had purchased a brand-new set of the most stylish dress robes. Luckily, Pureblood tradition did not require hat he buy a ring. He would be presenting his great-great-grandmother's ring. Times had been better then. The ring was Goblin-made. It was gold with diamonds and rubies. It had a couple charms on it. It would resize to flawlessly fit the wearer's finger, and once accepted, could only be removed if the wearer died or willed it to be removed.
Arthur took a deep breath, pocketed the ring, and Apparated to Prewett Manor. The house elf announced him and led him to Mr. Prewett's study. Arthur knocked and waited until told to enter before doing so.
"Mr. Weasley, please have a seat." Arthur did so, not wanting to displease the man in any way.
"Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Prewett…"
"I know why you are here, Mr. Weasley, and as I am sure you are aware, you most certainly are not anywhere on my list of possible husbands for my little girl." Arthur tried very hard not to show how much this pained him. He loved Molly with all his heart. "However, for some inconceivable reason, you make my Molly happy. So, if you can prove to m that you can at least take decent care of her, I will give my consent. You are, at least, of long-standing, pure-blooded stock."
"Thank you, sir, for at least being willing to hear me out. " Mr. Prewett gave him a curt nod. "I love Miss Prewett, she's amazing, and, as you said, it is more amazing still that she shares some feeling for me. If you permit me, I will present my great-great-grandmother's ring. It originally belonged to Duchess Isabella Ginerva Weasley back in the late 1500s." He pulled out the ring and handed it to Mr. Prewett who looked it over carefully.
"Goblin made, I presume?"
"Yes, sir. In 24 karat gold infused with dragon's blood for strength. The diamonds and rubies are flawless. It is charmed to self adjust and can only be removed at the wearer's consent.
"Very well, it is adequate." Arthur knew the ring was far better than adequate, but was unwilling to say anything so stupid. "And where would you live?"
"I have purchased a cottage in Devon. It is not large, by any standards. There are four bedrooms, a nice sitting room, a decent kitchen…"
"Ho many house elves?" Arthur squirmed slightly at the question he had been hoping to avoid.
"I'm in the market, currently."
"No house elves? Do you expect my Molly to keep house herself?"
"No, sir." Arthur cast about for a solution. "However, I am able to borrow one from a cousin of mine until I have procured one myself."
"One house elf?"
"Yes, sir, one elf should be perfectly adequate to care for the cottage. She should arrive on Monday." Arthur sincerely hoped his cousin would loan him the elf. They sat in silence for a few moments as Mr. Prewett thought. Arthur sat there, desperately hoping the man was not about to ruin his life. Mr. Prewett stood, and Arthur did the same.
"Well, Mr. Weasley, you have managed to convince me that you can, at least, see to my daughter's needs. She will have a roof over her head, food on her table, and a loving, if completely irrationally so, atmosphere. I reluctantly give you my permission, but realize it is only so she may have what will make her happy. In no way am I doing this for you or to demonstrate any liking for you. Do I make myself clear?" Arthur swallowed.
"Yes, sir."
"Good, now get out of my sight!" Arthur did as he was told, stopping in at the sitting room to meet Molly for their date.
"Arthur, there you are! I'd been worried. What's father on about now?"
"Forgive me, Molly, our meeting took longer than expected. It is entirely my fault. You look gorgeous, of course, as always." She flushed.
"Thank you, Arthur. You look rather dashing yourself."
"Thank you, Molly. Shall we go?"
"Oh yes." They walked out past the front gate and Arthur hugged Molly to him to Apparate. They arrived and Merlin's Manor, one of the best restaurants in England. Molly looked to Arthur, stunned.
"Oh, Arthur, are you sure? This is magnificent!"
"Of course, Molly dear." They walked up to the witch standing at the podium. "Reservation for two, under Weasley."
"Of course, sir. Right this way." They were led to an intimate table for two out on the veranda. As it was a balmy June evening, it was absolutely gorgeous. They could see the city laid out beneath them, with the stars sparkling above.
Their meal was quiet and peaceful. Arthur spent most of the time thinking of exactly how lucky he was to have garnered Mr. Prewett's permission. Once dinner was over, Arthur stood. Molly, assuming they were leaving, move to stand also.
"Oh no, Molly, I have something to say first." He knelt down, leaving her to stare at him with wide eyes.
"Arthur?" He took her hands.
"Molly, dearest, I love you. And against all odds, I know you love me too. I've spoken to your father, and he has given his permission. So, now I ask of you. Would you consent to make me the happiest of men? Would you marry me, my dear?" Molly, eyes suspiciously bright, could only nod as he pulled the ring out of his pocket. She finally managed to find her voice as he slipped it on her finger. She felt the warmth emanating from it meaning the charms had activated.
"Oh, Arthur, yes! Yes! I will. I'll be your wife!" To the amusement of the other patrons, they forgot themselves slightly as Molly gave Arthur a rather grand thank-you kiss. As they broke apart, the other diners applauded the newly engaged couple. Arthur was slightly wistful, wishing Mr. Prewett had been half as happy. He pushed the thought to the side, grateful he had at least been granted permission. Soon he would be married to the most amazing woman on the planet.