Page 153 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“What the hell are you thinking?”
“Let’s find one of those corridors, you know, a hidden alley where it opens up and there are businesses everywhere. That will guarantee us something free.”
“If you say so…”
“Oh my God,” Sloane whispers. “This is perfect. The bunting in the background, the cobbled stone. This place was made for proposals.”
I glance around the small courtyard that is behind the Embassy of Japan. There is a cobbler’s storefront, a pharmacy, and a Polish-Mexican fusion restaurant.
“Umm, this does not scream proposal.”
“Of course it does. Look how cute that pharmacy is.”
I take in the black storefront with gold lettering stating it’s a pharmacy. “Yes, maybe they’ll see us and offer some free allergy medication.”
“Why, do you need some?”
“No,” I say with annoyance. “This is ridiculous, Sloane. We don’t need free things.”
“I knowwe don’t need them, but what an opportunity.” She slips her ring off again and hands it to me.
“I don’t like how easily you take that off.”
“Dear God, man. We’re married. It’s not like every time I take it off, we get divorced.”
“No, every time you take it off, I have to propose.”
“Facts, but you like it.”
“Maybe a little.” I wink.
Smiling, she continues, “Okay, this time, maybe say something a little more personal in your speech.”
“I don’t need to be directed,” I mutter. This is not how I intended the day to go.
“Now, ask that lady over there eating her pierogis to take a video. Maybe she’ll give us some of her nachos as a congratulatory reward.”
“Congratulatory reward?” I ask, eyebrow raised.
“You know what I mean. Now go, go.”
Sloane pretends to take in the small courtyard while I go up to the lady who is enjoying her Polish-Mexican feast.
“Pardon me,” I say, gathering her attention. “Um, I’m about to surprise my girlfriend over there with a proposal. Do you think you could film it for me? She thinks you’re just taking pictures.” She looks around at the location, looking a little surprised.
“Oh my gosh, of course,” she coos, thankfully.
“Thank you.”
I hand her the phone and walk up to Sloane. “She’s going to take pictures for us,” I say loudly. “Smile, babe.”
Sloane cuddles in close, kicks her heel up, and throws up the peace sign. Then like last time, I step away and get down on one knee. Sloane goes through the routine of looking surprised. This time she even drums up some watery eyes while I take her hand in mine.
“Baby,” I say, trying not to laugh at how stupid this is. “I love you morethan anything. I knew it the day you almost clobbered me with a croquet mallet.”
She clutches her chest.
“I need you in my life forever. Will you marry me?”
