Page 47 of Ripped & Shipped
I’m having a hard time imagining any date in our small town that renders a woman all wistful and moony.
“In Bordeaux. With Joe. Joe Deitrich.”
“I know your boyfriend’s last name. Sit down. You seem light-headed.”
I’d offer to get her water, but moving around upsets my already overworked stomach. Remind me not to binge fast food ever again.
“I don’t need to sit down. But I do have something to show you.”
“Okaaaayyy.”
Meg holds out her hand. Her left hand. On the ring finger sits one of the most beautiful diamond rings I’ve ever seen.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Mm hmm.” She smiles big, her eyes glassy, cheeks lightly flushed. She even rocks lightly from side to side as if she can’t stand completely still and manage to contain her joy.
“Joe proposed. Can you believe it?”
Her hands fly up to her cheeks and she looks like that emoji that’s half blue, half yellow, with a screaming face. Only, happy. Really, really happy.
“You understand sayingyesmeans being his wife—forever—right?”
“Duh. You’re so silly, Ella Mae. Of course I know that.”
I’m confused. Really confused.
“But …”
“But what?” Meg’s tone holds a slightly huffy edge to it, even though she’s still beaming.
She’s right. What is this reaction of mine? She’s my best friend. And she just got engaged.
“I’m super super happy for you! That’s what! Oh my gosh! You are getting married! Married! You! And Joe! Meg Deitrich! You’ll be Meg Deitrich. Because you’re getting married. To be his wife. His lawful wedded wife. To have and hold. For better or worse. In sickness and health. Til death do you part—that wife. That’s you.”
“Yep! That’s me! Maybe we’ll have you marry us since you know the vows so well.”
“Ha! Yeah. No. Oh my gosh, though!”
I didn’t see this coming. Obviously. I mean, I knew they liked one another, but I didn’t even know they had said they loved one another. And marriage. Wow.
But Joe is really good for Meg.
“He’s really good for you. He loves you, obviously.”
“He does. And I love him.”
“You do?” I take her in. “I mean … you do! Of course you do. You love him. He loves you. Love and marriage. Then comes the baby in the baby carriage.”
“Are you alright?” Meg asks.
“Me? Yeah. Yes. Of course. I’m just shocked. Were you? Shocked, I mean.”
“I was surprised, but not shocked. Joe’s it for me. And when you know, you know.”
“And you know?”
“I do.”
