Page 123 of Love Is Brewing

She turned to look and noticed a lot of eyes on them like always.

“And what is it they are supposed to be watching?” he asked.

“Do you know that I first met you at the traffic light over there?” she asked, pointing to the corner.

“I’ll never forget, Ms. Redirect.”

“I’m getting to my point,” she said, laughing.

“Go at it,” he said, tapping her on the nose.

She picked his hand up and threaded their fingers together. “I was so embarrassed and so thankful no one was around to witness it.”

“No one but me,” he said.

“You’ve seen a lot of my embarrassing things, along with my frustration in the beginning,” she said. “I’m even fine with everyone wanting to know our business now...somewhat.”

“Because you give out very little of it,” he said.

“I’m going to give a lot right now,” she said.

“You are?” he asked. “I can’t wait.”

“You’re adorable with that smirk on your face,” she said. He lifted an eyebrow. “I’m not dragging my feet or avoiding getting to the point. I’m trying to work up the courage.”

“Courage for what?” he asked, frowning.

“Courage I always had, but it’s been hidden.” She tightened her grip on his fingers for support. He did the same back to her. “You’ve let me see my potential.”

“No,” he said. “You’ve had it all along.”

“I have,” she said. “But you helped meseeit. Hone in on it and make it work for me.”

“Could be you’ve done a lot of those things for me too,” he said.

She nodded her head. “And that is why, though I’m not getting on my knee, I’m still going to ask you to marry me.”

He laughed at her. It wasn’t the reaction she was expecting and her heart tumbled to her toes.

He leaned against her for a kiss. “Don’t look sad. Or upset. I’m laughing because maybe I’ve had something similar planned but not in public like this. Not even sure when I was going to do it, but the damn ring is burning a hole in my pocket with me carrying it everywhere waiting for the time to ask.”

“You’re joking,” she said, leaning back fast to look at his face.

“Your jaw is open and there are a lot of people watching and we might as well give them one hell of a show so they have something to talk about.” Before she could say another word, Elias got up and went down on one knee, then produced a large diamond ring that was in his pocket. “Yes, I’ll marry you,” he said. “Now I’ll ask you the same question. Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she said, jumping forward and knocking him back. He lost his balance and then tried to catch himself before they both went down.

“Now that was more than the tap you gave me nine months ago when you slid into me.”

She was still laughing and trying to right herself from where Elias stopped them both from falling to the ground.

A crowd was gathering.

Phoebe put her hand out. “Put that ring on so I can let them all know my answer loudly.”

He slid it on her finger and stood up to hug her, then shouted, “She said yes!”

There was applause and people moving closer to them. Even a few phones aimed in their direction.

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