Page 119 of Emergency Exit
“Same,” said Ash. “Although, damn, Forest.”
“What?” asked Forest, sounding bewildered.
“Well, I mean... four years. On purpose. Then she saw you and thought you were worth breaking her streak. Or vows. Or whatever Buddhists call it. I had no idea you had such smooth moves.”
“I just gave her tea,” muttered Forest.
“Meanwhile,” said Rowan, snatching the ring box out of Ash’s hand and opening it. “Oh, that’s cool and unusual.”
“Sapphire and diamond—nice,” said Forest approvingly.
“It’s similar to Napolean Bonaparte’s engagement ring to Josephine,” said Ash. “Harper said she liked that one. It’s cost about a hundred grand, but you’re not allowed to tell her that, or she’ll freak out.”
“I think I’m freaking out,” said Rowan, handing the box back. “Are you going to do it at the party?”
“No, definitely not,” said Ash. “After everyone goes home. When it’s just us. I don’t want her to feel put on the spot.”
“Good call,” said Forest, nodding. “It’s your relationship—not a social media moment.”
“I keep telling her we should get married. I said it the first day we met, actually, but I think she thinks I’m joking.”
Forest chuckled. “Well, the ring does make it more serious.”
The door popped open before Ash could respond. Harper stuck her head out, and Ash quickly pushed the ring box back into his pocket.
“Guess what? I got Piper to ask Mel out!”
“No way! Mel said yes, right?” Ash had been doubtful about Harper’s plan to hook up their friends, but he was happy to have been proved wrong.
“Well, I think technically, Mel said mmmm-y-yah, and nodded a lot, because their mouth was full, but I think we can safely say that the friend request was accepted. OK, I’m going back in before Piper freaks out.”
“Good luck!”
The door was barely shut before Vivian pushed it open again. “No one’s going to lose it if I sign your mom up to volunteer for Victory Mission, right?”
“What?” asked Ash, trying to figure out how Rose could assist at the veteran’s mental health-focused charity that Vivian ran.
“Good idea,” said Rowan.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” said Forest, sounding worried.
“Really? She’s got so much experience as an AA mentor. Her son was in the military, and she knows fuck tons about surviving trauma and neurodivergence. She’s going to be so great with my female vets.”
“Oh,” said Forest.
“Don’t know why I didn’t think of it,” said Rowan. “Great idea. We’ll be back in a minute. We’ve got a few items left on the agenda.”
“OK, but… uh… You are asking Forest about uh… Chloe’s new shirt?”
Forest groaned. “She said you would notice. Yes, OK? But we’re trying not to announce for a few weeks yet.”
“Yes!” Vivian made a fist pump of exultation. “OK, take your time. Inside is under control.”
“Are we expecting Chloe next?” asked Ash as Vivian went back inside. “Is she going to tell us she’s signed up Teddy and the guys for a mediation class?”
“Maybe,” said Forest with a shrug. “I make no guarantees.
“This is going to be great,” said Ash, suddenly seeing a future full of holidays, babies, and celebrations. It was a future where there was room for everyone at the table. “Chloe’s going to be a great mom. Olly’s going to love having someone to boss around. Mom is going to lose her mind with baby stuff. I’ll buy a house so I can have a yard for the kids. Harper wants someplace more earthquake-resistant anyway. We’ll install solar and all the things, and I’ll make sure there are water guns and trampolines. I’m going to be the best uncle.”
