Page 221 of Puck Me Back to Life

“I thought you'd like it.”

“I've already read this one.”

Ash smiles to himself. “Have you?”

“Several times.”

“Hm.” He folds his arms. “You should probably open it anyway.”

I raise an eyebrow but do as I'm told.

Halfway through the book, the pages have been carefully hollowed out. Nestled inside is a simple silver ring. For several long seconds, I simply stare.

Then I look at Ash. “What?”

“Do you seriously not know what's happening right now?” He's smiling now, but beneath it I see something I've almost never seen before.

Nerves. Real ones.

He lets out a quiet laugh. “I kept trying to think of the perfect way to ask. Turns out there isn't one.”

He reaches into the book, picks up the ring, and gently takes my hand. “I've spent the last year watching you choose yourself.”

His thumb brushes across my knuckles. “I've watched you fight for your life, and then slowly learn how to enjoy it.”

His smile softens. “I don't want another morning without you.”

The words are quiet. Simple. Entirely Ash.

“So…” He slips the ring between his fingers. “Marry me.”

My vision blurs almost immediately. “I…”

I love you. I never want to leave your side. You make me happier than anything.

The words catch in my throat.

He smiles patiently. “I know.”

I laugh through my tears. “Good.”

“Yes.” The answer comes out as another laugh. “Of course, yes!”

I lean across the center console and kiss him so hard we both start laughing.

The ring almost tumbles into my lap before he slides it safely onto my finger.

I look down at it then back at him. “I guess we don't need to go to the bookstore anymore.”

Ash grins. “I suppose not.”

Instead, I grab the front of his jersey and pull him toward the back seat.

He blinks. “Prince?”

“What?”

“I thought we had dinner plans.”