Page 119 of Perfect Distraction
She laughed. “That one was better.”
“I thought of one for dinner, too.”
She grinned. “Let’s hear it.”
They came to a stop sign, and he looked at her seriously. “I’m soy into you.”
A twinkle entered her eye. “Are you pho real?”
“Udon even know.”
“You make miso happy.”
He couldn’t hold it together any longer and busted up laughing. “This goes without saying. But I’m saying it anyway. I love you.”
“Me too, handsome. Me, too.”
After dinner and the show, Andrew once again pulled to a stop in front of Lauren’s mailbox. He rolled down his window.
“Let’s check. Just in case.” He pulled open the metal door.
Lauren gasped beside him. “Andrew! There’s something in there! Get it!”
He chuckled at her excitement and grabbed the envelope. She nearly climbed on top of him to take it from him, but he leaned away.
“What are you doing? Give me my mail.”
“Easy. Let’s go inside first.”
“Why?”
He let off the brake and pulled into the driveway, careful to keep the card out of reach. He shrugged. “It’s too dark. Whatever it is, you probably won’t be able to see it out here.”
“Oh.”
Once they were inside, he handed her the card, hoping she didn’t notice how his hand shook.
She smiled as she took it from him, opening it as she walked to the living room. He came up behind her just as she slid the card out and began reading.
“Andrew? What is this?”
“What does it say?”
“It’s from your family? It’s blank inside except for everyone’s signatures. Your mom, sisters, your dad…even Alva. But I don’t get it—”
“Lauren.” He dropped to one knee. “Turn around.”
She did as he asked, and it took her a few seconds to look down and locate him. Her hand flew to her mouth, the card drifting to the floor.
He smiled. “What would you say if I asked you to marry me?”
She blinked, then slowly brought her hand down. “Is this another theoretical proposal?”
“No.”
Her eyes turned glassy, and her chin trembled.
He couldn’t stop looking at her. He thought he’d be nervous, but all he felt was excitement, anticipation. Like he had as a kid the night before Christmas, knowing the next day would be full of joy and wishes coming true.
