Page 101 of Selling Out

He wipes the hair out of his face and meets my gaze. “You win,” he says, short of breath.

Slowly, I bring my hand out of the water and unfurl my fingers. A wet, velvety black box sits on my palm. I stare at it, no closer to catching my breath than I was a few seconds ago.

Finally, I let go of the ledge long enough to open it. A silver band with a glimmering red stone set inside glitters back at me.

“Ruby,” Austin says. “It symbolizes passion, love, andcourage. I’ve never known anyone as passionate, loving, or courageous as you, Mia.”

I swallow and meet his gaze.

“My question for you,” he says, “is whether you’ve got enough courage to tie ourselves together. Forever.”

My eyes start watering, and I dash at a tear. “Pool water,” I say in a waterlogged voice.

Austin sniffs. “Same here. Dang chlorine.” His smile softens, and he puts a wet hand to my cheek and stares into my eyes. “I love you, Mia. I’ve wanted a lot of things out of life, but nothing comes close to how much I want to be your husband. If we thought the tour was crazy, I can only imagine what life together will be like. And I. Cannot. Wait.” There’s a pause as we stare at each other, the only sound the water lapping against the side of the pool. “Will you marry me?”

I only get in a couple quick nods before a loudhicechoes throughout the room. I slap a hand to cover my mouth as Austin’s lips pull into a grin.

He reaches to my hand and pulls it away. “I think I can handle this one.”

And hesodoes.

THE END