Page 153 of If Only In Our Dreams

Will you marry me?

My heart was racing as I took it all in, taking a mental snapshot so I’d never forget this moment—or the expression on any of their faces. The girls looked incredibly excited, their eyes bright, matching grins on their faces.

“So?” Robin waited, his sign wobbling.

“So?” I teased, eyes dancing.

“Yes or no, motherfucker?”

The girls snickered.

“Yes,” I agreed, because what else was I supposed to say? When faced with the cutest fucking proposal I’d ever seen.

“Fuck!” Robin swore, nearly dropping his sign. “Dammit. Where’s Meowth?” He dropped his sign and pointed at the girls with one painted finger. “Wait here. We forgot the cat.”

“You forgot the?—”

“There he is!” Robin skittered over to the grandfather clock, hopping up and down, up and down, trying to catch him. Meowth stared at him, just as unimpressed as he’d been with me, before he finally let Robin pull him down. “One sec!” He wagged a finger at me, and then dug around in his pockets—he’d insisted his dress needed pockets, and now I knew why—before pulling out a handkerchief and a ring.

“Stop looking!” Robin glared at me, and I twisted my head away, sharing a snicker with the girls as he swore some more and got Meowth ready. “Go!” he commanded the cat. I turned to look because I couldn’t help it.

Meowth did not go.

“C’mon!” Robin gestured toward me. “Go to Papa Ben-Ben.” The cat again, did not go. “JesusChrist. You’re ruining my proposal,” Robin wailed, obviously distressed. “I’ll give you a treat,” he bargained. “Two treats. Three?”

“Baby—”

Meowth moved, slinking toward me, the handkerchief around his neck winking as something shiny hung from it, near his throat.

“Thank God.” Robin was beaming at me again, practically vibrating in excitement. “Go on!” He waved both hands at me, bouncing on his heels. “Surprise!”

I was definitely surprised, that was for sure.

Bending down, I carefully unwrapped the handkerchief from around Meowth’s neck. I tried to pet him but he swiped at me, then trotted off, back to the grandfather clock, which he climbed like a goddamn ninja before settling to watch.

The ring that hung from the fabric was gold. Simple. Just the way I liked.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I gently wiggled it free.

“What do you think?” Robin was right in my space. I’d been so distracted that I hadn’t even noticed him approaching. “Look on the inside. It’s engraved.” He wiggled in excitement, so pleased he might as well have had a tail to wag.

“I love it,” I replied honestly, throat tight and eyes burning. I twisted the ring around, shifting it in the light so I could see what was etched inside.

“You’re my…” A snort escaped, my heart expanding as I finished reading the last few words, “Happy Ben-ding?”

“That’s right, motherfucker. You’re my?—”

I kissed him, slipping the ring on, safe and snug. It fit perfectly, just like he did, as I swung him in the air, and the riotous cheers of the twins echoed. I kissed Robin then. Kissed him like the world was ending. Kissed him like he’d always deserved to be kissed.

And I was grateful then, to the universe for putting me in his path.

To the airline for giving me the seat next to his.

And to Robin most of all.

Because he was the best gift I’d ever received.

And I knew my future would be filled with joy because of him.

My precious little songbird, my sunshine, and the family that we’d built.

Blissfully, gloriously, ridiculously happy.

Forever and ever.

The End