Holly’s stomach did a little dance. “I don’t think you’ll be eligible,” she said, with a smile that she hoped hid her nerves.
He raised one brow. “Really? Why not? If I live here a long time and contribute…” His smile was teasing, but he was curious. She could see that.
“I think we should take a little walk,” Holly said. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”
Fifty-One
With Mr. Binn now running the conversation, explaining legal terms and conditions and noting down information about each person present, Holly and Rasker stepped outside. The square was unoccupied except for a couple of birds bathing in the lower tier of the fountain. She wandered over to it, still holding his hand, still feeling the warmth and connection through their touch.
Together, they had made the living unit in the hotel their own. Gone were Charles’ drab walls. In their place were vibrant colors and decor that they both enjoyed. The space had come together as a union of human and Nakrian design. She couldn’t imagine life without him, which gave her another sliver of worry about Mish. But that was a problem they would tackle another time. Right now, she had something to ask Rasker, and it couldn’t wait.
She faced him next to the fountain and reached for his other hand, holding both of his in hers. He gazed at her with questions shimmering in his eyes.
“This seems serious,” he said, with just a hint of nerves. “You’re not breaking up with me, are you?”
She chuckled, but it came out closer to a cough. “No. Just the opposite, actually.” She took a breath. “When I was learning more about Nakrian culture…” And from speaking to his mother, which had happened several times now. “I learned that Nakrian women are the ones who choose their mates. And that proposals of commitment are always brought up by the woman, not the man.”
It was hard to hold his gaze now, because she knew him well enough to identify whether he was going to like where this was going. But he gave nothing away. He blinked, expression neutral, just listening.
She swallowed hard. “So I was wondering if you might be interested in making our relationship permanent.” Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. Every person living under the dome could hear it. “Will you marry me, Rasker?”
There was no instant response and she winced as she peered at him. His gaze moved over her, as if trying to memorize every detail of her face. A slow smile curved his mouth, crinkled the corners of his eyes, and lit up his face. His gills flared hard before settling back down.
“Yes,” he said. “Yes, I will.”
Holly made a strangled noise in her throat and threw her arms around his neck, squeezing hard. “Oh, good.” Her whole body shook. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
His arms were like bands around her, as if he never planned to let go. “I was hoping you would ask,” he said. “I was prepared to do it myself if you didn’t do it soon. In fact…” He eased away from her just enough to reach into his pants pocket. He pulled out a small velvet pouch.
Holly’s gaze locked onto it. “What’s that?”
“Well, I did some research, too. Customs have changed a great deal on Earth in the past several hundred years, but I sawthat the old-fashioned mating practice involved the man giving the woman a ring.” He opened the pouch and shook the contents into his palm. “So I asked Orba and Sula to help me choose one that would suit you. What do you think?”
She picked it up from his palm and gazed at the silver band embedded with one clear stone and two brilliant aqua ones, more vibrant than any gems typically found on Earth. They glittered, beautiful and pure.
“It’s absolutely stunning,” she said breathlessly.
He let out a soft breath. “Good. Orba and Sula haven’t lost their touch.” But his nerves were evident. His brow pinched just slightly. “Oh, no. I think I was supposed to get down on one knee and put the ring on you myself?” He peered at her, questions in his eyes. “Is that right, or did I read that wrong?”
Holly laughed and slid the ring on her finger. “No, you got it perfect. I love you. I’m excited to start the rest of our lives here together.”
“I love you too, Holly. There’s no one I’d rather spend forever with. Or at least the next hundred or so years.”
They embraced in the quiet, with the gurgling fountain bubbling beside them, lost in their own little bubble of bliss, until the murmur of voices broke through. Holly lifted her head and turned to see a small group congregated just outside the hotel doors.
There they were. Standing together. Watching. All of them. Her friends. Her family.
“Is it done?” Harry wanted to know. “Do we have a wedding to plan?”
Holly laughed and nodded. She really couldn’t manage words right then. There was too much emotion crashing through her.
“Fine,” Tyer said, crossing his arms. “Butwhodid it? Who asked who first? I have a bet going with Sam.”
Sam scowled at him. “Must you? Your timing is awful. This is an emotional moment. Have some class.” That was a lot for Sam. But then he did tilt his head in Holly and Rasker’s direction. “But since he asked, I have twentynitssaying Holly did it.”
Rasker sighed. “Holly asked first.” He took her hand and lifted it, showing off the ring. “But I gave her a ring, so both customs were honored.”
“We couldn’t be happier for you, dear,” Alyce said. She wiped away a tear and shook her head as if trying to shake away the emotion.
