Page 88 of The Anaconda Downstairs

“Penelope Quinn,” Everett said, pulling a small box from his pocket. “You came to me for dating lessons, but you ended up teaching me the most important lesson of all—how to truly love. Will you marry me?”

For a moment, I couldn't breathe. I stared at Everett, at the ring glinting in the box, at the faces of our friends and family surrounding us, and at Kelsey's phone, broadcasting this moment to the world.

And the voices in my head didn't try to tell me this wasn't real, that it was a joke or dream. This was the most genuine moment I'd ever experienced, and I was embracing it with everything I had in me.

“Yes,” I managed, my voice choked with emotion. “Yes, yes, yes. I'll marry you and love you and all the things I never thought would ever happen to me.”

The room erupted in cheers as Everett slipped the ring onto my finger. He stood, pulling me into a kiss that conveyed every ounce of love we felt for each other.

When we finally broke apart, I became aware of the cacophony of congratulations surrounding us. Kelsey was right there, her face split in a huge grin as she kept filming.

“You heard it here first, Besties.” she exclaimed. “The ship has officially sailed. Penett is engaged.”

I laughed, burying my face in Everett's chest for a moment before turning back to the camera. “I can't believe this is happening,” I said, my voice still shaky.

“Believe it, babe,” Everett said, his arm tight around my waist. “Looks like those dating lessons paid off after all.”

“Best teacher ever,” I replied, beaming up at him.

As our friends and family swarmed around us, offering hugs and congratulations, I caught snippets of the live stream comments on Kelsey's phone.

“OMG. This is better than any rom-com.”

“From dating lessons to 'I do'? I'm sobbing.”

“Body positivity AND a fairytale romance? Dreams do come true.”

Amidst the chaos, Everett leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I love you, Pen. Thank you for teaching me what love really is.”

As we shared another kiss, the cheers of our loved ones mixed with the virtual excitement of thousands of viewers around the world.

I whispered another promise to him. “Next I'll teach you how to get over your fear of snakes.”

BESTIES FACESPACE GROUP POST

@ItsMeAgain

[Image: A selfie of a smiling plus-size woman sitting in a cozy coffee shop, wearing a cute outfit and looking nervously excited]

Caption:

#RealBodyLove moment for my fellow Besties—I never thought I'd be posting something this personal, but here goes...

I'm 33, and today is my first ever first date. Yes, you read that right. I've spent my whole life believing that men wouldn't find me attractive because of my size. I convinced myself that love wasn't for me, that I didn't need it. That I didn't deserve it.

But you know what? I'm done letting those thoughts control my life. I want love. I want connection. I want to experience all the joys (and yes, even the heartbreaks) that come with putting yourself out there.

So here I am, about to meet someone new. I'm nervous, excited, and proud of myself for taking this step.

To anyone else who's held themselves back because they didn't think they deserved love: You do. We all do. Our size doesn't determine our worthiness of love and affection.

Wish me luck.

#FirstDate #PlusSizeDating #SelfLove #BodyPositivity

LADY AND THE CHAMP

EVERETT

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