Page 107 of Ghost

“Magical,” she responded.

“Stomach?”

“Better.”

“Wrist? How’s the tattoo.”

“Don’t even know it’s there,” she breathed.

I kissed her neck. “That was incredible.”

“You’re incredible.”

“You want to shower?”

“Not right now,” she said. “I want to lay here and rest for a minute. I like your skin.”

I laughed. “I like your skin, too.”

“I love you, Porter.”

“I love you, too.”

The minute she spoke never expired from the clock. Within seconds, she was snoring, dead asleep.

I chose to let her sleep for a few minutes. She needed the rest. Since the seafood incident, she’d been exhausted.

I thought of Connecticut in the fall. The leaves. The cool air. Abby’s laughter. Her parent’s joy. The pride she’d wear on her face when she showed them the ring.

The pride I’d feel when she explained how I gave her the ring. How she learned, on that day, to accept some surprises as being a good thing.

In that moment of slumber, I decided I’d waited long enough. When she awoke, I’d give her the ring.

No exceptions.

I closed my eyes and nestled myself in the relief of knowing our proposal was on the horizon. I clutched her body tight to mine, hoping for another moment of feeling our skins become one.

And, it was there that I fell asleep.