I wrapped my arms around her and searched for the words to say. God, give me the words. “You’re right about all but two things: first, you are beautiful; and second, I would never, never want another woman over you.”

Her voice, muffled, “How do you know?”

“Because I would choose not to. I would promise not to. And I think God will help me keep that promise.”

She pulled away and looked at me through red eyes. She stared hard, as if able to read my mind through my eyes. “Really?” I nodded. She swallowed and quickly wiped her cheeks with her hand. “People promise that all the time. My dad promised my mom—didn’t work.”

“He didn’t ask God to help.”

“What if you change your mind?”

“What if you change yours?”

She laughed. “Oh, please.”

“Hey, I’m serious! You may get tired of me. Of everything that comes with being me.” These were fears I had never voiced, even to myself, but they had lodged in my heart over the weeks. “You may get sick of the press, the rumors, the gossip, the parties. Or you may go to one of those parties and meet someone else who seems more exciting, who has more potential. Or you might meet someone normal, who has a nine-to-five office job and golf’s on the weekends—”

She kissed me, her arms slipping around my neck and pulling me close. My head swam. I was pretty sure this was a good sign.

She broke the kiss, leaned her forehead against mine, her eyes closed. She looked, finally, at peace. Leaning back, she opened her eyes and smiled. “I love you.”

My heart stopped, and the chaos in my head ceased. “Really?”

She nodded, then smiled. “Yes!” She laughed, her shoulders shaking, tears running afresh. “I love you!” She stared at me. “I love that you honestly think I would ever want to leave you. I love that you bought this CD simply because I told you I liked it. I love that you hired someone to cook to impress me. I love that you broke fire codes and lit a hundred candles in your apartment. And”—she brought her face close to mine, her arms around my neck again— “I’d love you even if you hadn’t done any of that and were as average as me.”

“You’re not average.”

“There’s nothing wrong with it. I am indeed.”

“I don’t think so. You’re wondrous. You’re wonderful.”

She giggled. “You’re silly.”

“I’m in love.”

“So am I. Now what?”

I grinned. “Close your eyes.” Dutifully, she sat up and shut them. “Put out your hands.” She held them out, giggling again. Taking her hand, I kissed her palm as I slipped the ring on her finger. She gasped as her eyes flew open, staring in shock.

“Oh! Oh, Jack … Oh, Jack.”

“I love you, Grace. Will you marry me?”

GRACE