Chapter 18: The Proposal

"Oh, okay," Beth said, "What is it, Arnie?"

"Well…" Arnold said, and then he knelt down in front of Beth, "I know it seems too early for this…But…" He then pulled something out of his pocket. A ring box. He opened it, and took out a beautiful ring with a little heart-shaped diamond on top, "Beth, I love you," He said, "I do. And I may not be the perfect man, but to me, you are perfect. And you're beautiful, and special, and I love you. We don't have to do this right away, you know? But this ring, this symbolizes a promise. A promise that I will always love you. That I won't do anything to hurt you. Beth Corcoran, Will you marry me?"

Beth was shocked. She couldn't say anything for a little while. She just looked at him, then at Zach. Zach's eyes was pleading for her to say No. Sophie seemed happy, excited, even.

"Beth?" Arnold said.

She looked at him, at Zach, then back to him again. She took a deep breath, tears forming in her eyes, "Y-yes." She said.

"Yes?" Arnold said.

She saw the sadness, the pain, the fear and anger in Zach's eyes. She took a deep breath again, holding back the tears.

"Yes." She muttered silently.

"Oh Beth!" Arnold said, putting the ring on her finger then hugging her after, "Thank you. I love you."

Beth just smiled, her eyes still on Zach's.

"Congratulations!" Sophie said, "This really is good news."

"Thanks," Arnold said, "I can't believe this."

"Excuse me," Zach said, "I just…I left my…phone in the car…Uhm…I'll just…" He stood up, "Congrats. I'm happy for you." And then he made his way to his car, went inside and cried.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"How was it?" Quinn asked Beth as she got home later that night. Quinn was waiting for her in the living room, watching re-runs of The OC on TV.

Beth held up her hand, the ring gleaming, "I'm engaged."

"Oh my God," Quinn said, standing up and making her way towards Beth. She held her, "Bethie…I…"

"I'm engaged," Beth repeated, feeling weak.

Quinn hugged her, "Beth,"

And Beth wasn't able to say anything anymore. She just stood there, wrapped in her mom's arms, and cried.