Page 70 of Curtain Call
“Open it,” Colin tells him as he stands from retying his laces.
Riley delicately unwraps the box, only to find a smaller wrapped box inside. He unwraps that one next. Inside is a small wooden cube with dual theater masks burned into the wood.
“It’s beautiful,” he tells Colin. “How did you?”
Colin takes the box from Riley and holds it in the palm of his hand.
“We met when we were kids and bonded over the years through our love of the theater. This museum was our first real date a year ago today. The place where I drummed up enough courage, and took a chance, to tell you how I really felt about you. The place of our first kiss. The place that holds so many memories for us over the years.”
Riley’s voice hitches in his throat and his eyes are filled with tears.
“It’s the place where I ask you to marry me.”
Colin picks up the box from his palm and slides his thumb underneath to release a hidden compartment.
“Riley Cooper, you are brave. You are the only person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Would you do the honor of being my husband?”
Riley can no longer hold in the tears as they create marks down his cheeks.
Colin holds out the box, and encased in the velvet lining is a platinum ring with a single emerald. Riley’s favorite color and gemstone.
Riley reaches out, pulls Colin in by the collar, and kisses him. It is one of those kisses Colin told him before that will burn for hours.
“Is that a yes?”
“A hundred times. Yes.”
