It “should” have happened after a period of dating—not too long—which “should” have begun right after we met.

There is no should and shouldn’t anymore with us.

It’s just dealing with the realities we find ourselves in. So naked Christmas Eve surprise it is.

I cross to her and slowly lower myself to one knee.

Her eyes go wide. “Jacob…”

“I really meant for this to happen when we were wearing clothes.”

“Should I get dressed? Do you want pants?”

“Can I have the ring box?”

“So it is a ring. Okay.” She’s close to hyperventilating. “When did you—I mean—How long—And what—I—”

I take the box from her and set it down, then I squeeze her hands in mine. “Sienna, I love you.”

“Okay.” Her eyes fill with tears.

I feel like I’m hurtling off a cliff into a snowy whiteout, but it’s worth it for her. “I have loved you probably since the minute I laid eyes on you. I fought that love at first sight for a long, long time. Thought I wasn’t right for you, then was sure I was off-limits.

“But even as I knew I was wrong for you, I knew you were everything to me. I love your sense of adventure, your fighting spirit, your precocious attitude. I love how clever you are, how bossy you are, and how hard you work.

“When you quit, I realized I had to tell you how I feel, no matter what. Even if you hated me, even if you didn’t want to see me again, I knew I had badly fucked things up between us, and I just wanted you to know that it was me, not you, that you were perfect. Are perfect. Will always be perfect.

“I was spinning pretty hard when I got to the airport. I had a half hour before my flight took off. There was a jewelry store there, and I went in and I saw this.” I gesture to the ring box. “But—”

“I love you, too,” she says, her voice cracking. “But? But what?”

“Will your family understand if we get engaged tonight? When they think I’m some guy who maybe didn’t want to spend time with you this Christmas, and shows up at the last minute? We lied to them, baby. Even if it’s just a little fib, it’s going to take some explaining to set things right.”

“You’re right.” She exhales. “Of course you’re right.”

“Do you want to see it before you wear it? Or do you want me to wait?”

She glances at the box, resting on top of my folded clothes. “Wait.” Then she laughs nervously. “Oh, God, I can’t believe you almost…we almost…”