Claire let her eyes skim up and down the burly man before her, lingering on the spikey plant in a plastic pot cradled in his hands. “Normally, I’d have pushed you out the door by now, but you’re making a compelling argument with the bribery.”
Mike grinned, holding out the potted plant. “I thought this might work.”
Claire accepted the pot, trying to keep a stern look, but could feel her face twitch with a smile. Anyway, he knew she was teasing. Mostly.
“You know, you’ve canceled on our last two date nights,” she said, turning her back on him and walking further into the apartment. She pulled a small plate out of a kitchen cupboard, and gently placed it on the counter, settling the plant on top. “Mike, I love you, but what’s going on? You’ve been so cagey lately. Are you…” she turned back to him, not quiet meeting his gaze. “Are you not happy anymore? We’ve never had issues communicating like this before. I’m just worried…” She trailed off, finally looking up at his face.
Mike looked chagrined. “I’m sorry I’ve been distant the last few days, Claire. I’ve just been working on something, something really important, and I got a little single-minded.”
Claire smiled, looking relieved. “Well, that’s something, I suppose. What were you working on, anyway?”
Mike shifted his feet, a mix of anticipation and worry creasing his forehead.
“Why don’t you check the care label on that plant?” he said suddenly.
Claire laughed. “What? You know I already have two of these. I know how to take care of them.”
Mike looked like he wanted to wring his hands, but managed to hold still. “Just, just read it, okay? What if they have some new tip or something you don’t know?”
Claire stared at him, her own brow furrowed. “What’s going on, Mike?”
“Just read it! Please,” he added, glancing between her and the plant.
“You are so weird sometimes,” she muttered, and turned to look at the plant. It was just like her others. She had no idea what could be different about this one. She leaned closer, pulling the care tag slightly out of the dirt. In Mike’s careful print, she read four words: Will you marry me?
Claire turned around, her mouth hanging open, and saw Mike down on one knee, a small box in his hands.
“Claire,” he said, his voice a little rougher than usual. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” she squealed, dropping to the floor next to him and throwing her arms around him. “Yes, yes, yes! Of course!” She pulled back, and her gazed dropped down to the ring. She gasped.
“Mike, it’s beautiful!”
He grinned, relief and joy emanating from him. “It was my grandmother’s. I thought you would appreciate it.”
She pulled the ring out of the box with trembling fingers. Delicately etched vines circled the band, and a pale pink stone sat in the middle, surrounded by filigree that fanned out like petals.
“Help me put it on?” she asked, and his took the beautiful ring, sliding it on to her finger. It fit perfectly. “How did you manage that?” she asked.
He blushed slightly. “I borrowed one of your rings to bring to the jeweler. I wanted it to be perfect.”
“Is this what you’ve been working on?” she asked excitedly, remembering what he had said earlier. He grinned, nodding. “Well,” she continued, looking down at the sparkling ring on her finger. “It is. Perfect.”
“I love you so much,” Mike said, threading his fingers through hers.
With her free hand, Claire pulled him closer, leaning in as their lips met. Her mind was dizzy with joy, and she knew it was just the beginning.
Inspired by a writing prompt from The Character Comma’s prompt generator.
© The Lightning Tower, 2020