Page 121 of Emergency Exit
“She’s going to spoil him rotten.”
“I don’t think they really mind.” Harper paused to take another sip. “And you did not tell me that Vivian was so cool.”
Ash laughed.
“No, she really is! Like, if we were in high school, she definitely would have been way cooler than me, but she was so friendly! She said nice things about my clothes, and whenChloe’s back was turned, Vivian said nice things about her.”
“What?” asked Ash, still laughing.
“Well, usually when you talk behind someone’s back, people say mean things, but Vivian said all nice things. She said Chloe was fearless and had an amazing sense of tenderness and justice.”
“Those are pretty good compliments,” agreed Ash.
“Yes! She also said we should go shopping together, which is how girls make friends. The movies all say so. So that means she wants to be my friend. And she was fully supportive of my Mel-Piper efforts. She swooped in with cocktails at just the right time.”
“Those two were making little heart eyes at each other by the time they left. I was doubtful, but that was some serious Cupid work.”
“I know!” Harper relaxed into the couch while Ash stroked her hair. “I don’t think tonight could have gone better, and the best part is that we can stay inside all tomorrow to recover.”
Ash laughed. “We do have to leave for an hour in the morning for the cleaning crew to come in, but I figured we’d just pop out for coffee.”
“Perfect,” said Harper, looking forward to her immediate future. “We will have the caffeine, and I will try not to traumatize the barista by translating more of her tattoos on my phone.”
“That was hilarious,” agreed Ash, “but probably not the most helpful for getting our drinks promptly.”
“See? Watching me traumatize people is not always fun,” said Harper. “So you should forget the getting married thing.”
Harper wished she hadn’t said the last part. She loved living with Ash. She wasn’t crazy about living in a building that she didn’t think had been properly seismically retrofitted, but co-existing with Ash was fun. It was enough to make her think hisgetting married idea wasn’t as crazy as it had sounded on the day they first met. It would be nice to have Ash for always.
“Actually,” said Ash, clearing his throat, and he placed a small box on her stomach next to the champagne flute, “I was thinking that it’s the best idea I’ve had lately.”
Harper set her champagne down on the floor and opened the box. Inside was a silver-colored ring that Harper assumed was platinum because Ash never took the cheap route, but the prongs twisted around to embrace an enormous sapphire and diamond. It was like the Josephine ring on steroids.
She tilted her head back and looked at Ash.
“I…” She looked back at the ring, tentatively pulled it out, and slipped it on her finger. Of course, it fit perfectly. “I’m supposed to be doing… something.”
“You need a minute,” said Ash, still stroking her hair. “I’ve got all the minutes.”
Harper looked at the ring again. She had the strangest feeling of relaxation. She twisted the ring again. She held up her hand, and behind her fingers, she saw the remains of the party.
She looked up at Ash, tilting her head back.
“You could have done this at the party.”
“This is about you and me,” he said. “Not all of them. I don’t want you or us to perform for them.”
“I don’t know why you want to marry me.”
“Because you’re smart, funny, beautiful, and damn do I love how you tell the truth.”
“I have Harper Moments,” protested Harper. “You would have to deal with them forever.”
“I can’t picture anything better.”
“But… I love you,” said Harper.
“So, that’s a yes, then?” he asked, laughing.
