“Why?” I rehydrate myself.
Mac holds out his hand. I look at it and pause.
“If you’re going to propose, you could at least have the decency to get on one knee,” I quip.
“You’re an idiot, man.” He visibly relaxes.
I smile.
“Ashley was accepted into that fellowship. She’s leaving.”
“So, you’re going to propose to keep her here? That’s sorta fucked up.”
“No, idiot. I’m proposing because I want her to know I’m serious about going with her.”
“Oh. Can’t get more serious than that.”
“Nope. She sorta laughed me off when I brought up marriage and going with her. But I’m not fucking around. I want to marry her.”
“Well, congratulations man. Ashley is a great girl.” Is it wrong I feel a little pang of jealousy?
“Don’t congratulate me yet. She hasn’t said yes.”
“She will.”
“Not if I botch this proposal.” He looks at me like I’m a ticking time bomb. “What would you say if it was Alana?”
Yup that question could definitely make me explode. I squeeze the water bottle so hard the sound of straining plastic echoes through the quiet apartment. What would I say if given the chance? So many fucking things.
After a heartbeat of immeasurable pain, I answer. “I would tell her she’s the girl who struck the match that lit my world on fire.”
“Yeah, man.” Mac nods profoundly. “Yeah. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”