"I will," I answered, even though I'd barely heard him. My mouth was suddenly dry, so dry my jaw ached a little, and my heart was thundering behind my breastbone, battering at my ribs. It felt as if my entire chest was preparing to explode.

I was terrified. Nervous. Excited. I was really going to do this.

I stood, trying to be casual, though every movement felt robotic. Across the room, my bag sat on the bed, and I went to it, unzipped a pocket, and retrieved the ring box before I turned back to look at Eddie.

"Um," I said, then drew in a breath that was so shaky I was sure Eddie could hear the way it rattled in my chest. "Eddie, I love you. More than I ever knew was possible and I... well, I found it. Your ring. At least, I think I did, it feels like the right one and, well..."

I opened the box to show him the polished wood band. "Will you marry me?"