The Best Thing

Kane

This isn’t how I imagined proposing to Emory. I have been thinking about the right way and the right time to ask her. This past week, she has been miserable, stuck on bed rest, and I had to run off and deal with an impending war with Scarlett Thunder. I haven’t had the time to compose what I want to say in a proposal, but as the two words came out of my mouth, they sum up everything that I want.

“Marry me.”

Emory’s green eyes widen as she takes in the words. They are the prettiest shade of green I have ever seen, emerald, and framed by long, dark lashes. Her red hair is a deep burgundy in the golden hour. The sight of her makes something in me ache, but I can’t put a name to it.

“What?” Her voice is small, unsure. “Did you just…?”

I bury my fingers in her red hair, needing to ground myself. My pulse quickens as doubt makes me consider if she’s about to reject me. She has told me she loves me. Does that not guarantee that she will say yes?

“Marry me,” I repeat, trying to hide my g