“That was kind of the plan, unless you’re not ready for that. Then we can forget about the ring and pretend this didn’t happen. Maybe the house is enough for now? Should I try again in a year?” His eyes dart around, and he snaps the box shut and hides it behind his back.

“I don’t want you to ask in a year.” I tug on the arm hiding the ring. “I want you to ask me now.”

“Are you sure? ’Cause I can wait if you need me to.”

“Positive.” I lean in close to his ear and whisper, “If you ask me, I promise I’ll say yes.”

He kisses me and flips the lid open again. “Marry me? Please?”

“There is absolutely nothing in the world that would make me happier.”

He lifts the ring from its cushioned home and slides it on my finger. “Do you like the ring? I didn’t want it to be too much, but if you don’t like it, we can go back to the store and find something else—”

“It’s perfect, Shippy.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I love it.” I take his face in my hands and bring his mouth to mine. “And you, so much.”

“You must, if you’re willing to deal with me every day for the rest of your life.” I can feel his smile against my lips as he wraps me up in his arms.

“I can’t imagine my life without you and your ridiculous underwear in it.”

“Good, because me and my underwear are yours forever now.”