Page 121 of The Trainwreck
“Oh, stop,” I chastise.
“Really, I mean every word I say. I’ve been thinking a lot lately, about us, about everything. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be waking up each morning to you.”
“I feel that same way.”
“To be honest, it’s not just you, though. My parents are finally proud of me for the first time since I can remember. Irene and Jake seem to be meant for each other. Lori loves it out here. Then there’s Hank, Norma, Prim—it’s like I won the lottery. I could die now a happy man.”
He bends his neck, planting a soft kiss on my lips.
“So…are you ever going to ask me?” I say, biting my lip.
“Ask what?”
“If I’d like to make this a little more permanent?”
His brow skews, completely lost as only he could be, because he doesn’t see how I could possibly want anything more than just a casual fling with a boy like him.
“Are you saying you wanna puppy or something? Because Prim got on Hank’s bad side something fierce when she kept bringing those shelter dogs home. I think she’s up to eight, and Hank keeps barking that none of them have jobs, except the one, Marty, who tends to the sheep well. Everyone knows he secretly likes Kevin the most.”
“Jesus Christ—no! I just wanna know if you’re ever gonna marry me!”
The room falls dead silent. I glance around and notice that we are not alone. People are surrounding us, pressing closer.
I release Garrett from my arms, embarrassed by my sudden outburst.
“Oh, I was just-I was just—”
“Ali Kat Carter.”
My attention is drawn to Garrett, who is now down on one knee and flipping open a small box.
“Would you do me the honor of marrying me.”
My hands fly to my mouth as tears flood my eyes. I look around the room at smiling faces, everyone eager for an answer.
When I take too long to reply, Father says, “Well? I’d like to know if we are about to go into estrangement again.”
“Estrangement?”
“Yeah, Garrett’s good help around the farm. It’ll be a good trade.”
I lob my fist at his shoulder, and the crowd chuckles.
I turn to Garrett, wipe my tears, and smile as best I can for the flashing camera lights. “Of course, I will!”
The End
