He chuckled at her excitement and grabbed the envelope. She nearly climbed on top of him to take it from him, but he leaned away.

“What are you doing? Give me my mail.”

“Easy. Let’s go inside first.”

“Why?”

He let off the brake and pulled into the driveway, careful to keep the card out of reach. He shrugged. “It’s too dark. Whatever it is, you probably won’t be able to see it out here.”

“Oh.”

Once they were inside, he handed her the card, hoping she didn’t notice how his hand shook.

She smiled as she took it from him, opening it as she walked to the living room. He came up behind her just as she slid the card out and began reading.

“Andrew? What is this?”

“What does it say?”

“It’s from your family? It’s blank inside except for everyone’s signatures. Your mom, sisters, your dad…even Alva. But I don’t get it—”

“Lauren.” He dropped to one knee. “Turn around.”

She did as he asked, and it took her a few seconds to look down and locate him. Her hand flew to her mouth, the card drifting to the floor.

He smiled. “What would you say if I asked you to marry me?”

She blinked, then slowly brought her hand down. “Is this another theoretical proposal?”

“No.”

Her eyes turned glassy, and her chin trembled.

He couldn’t stop looking at her. He thought he’d be nervous, but all he felt was excitement, anticipation. Like he had as a kid the night before Christmas, knowing the next day would be full of joy and wishes coming true.

He took one of her hands and reached into his pocket with the other. “I hope you’ll overlook the fact that I don’t have something from Tiffany’s to complete our New York date. Later, when I’m a big-time attorney and have all my medical bills paid off, I’ll get you that little blue box. I promise.” He held up a simple gold band. “For now…this was my grandmother’s. She died a long time ago, but you would have loved her. She and my grandpa were married for fifty years. I know she’d be happy for you to wear this, if you want it.”

The hand he held trembled, and her other one pressed flat against her abdomen. She blinked several times. “Andrew…” she whispered.