Rush’s eyes grew huge. “You… you want to marry me?”
“Yes, I do.”
“You’re serious?” He looked into Tad’s eyes. “You’re serious!”
“Yes, I am. That’s what the ring is for.”
“What ring?”
“The one you’re holding.”
Rush opened his hand and stared down at the band resting in his palm. “Wait a second. This looks familiar. Did you trick me into trying this on last week?”
“I did. Now don’t keep me hanging. What’s your answer?”
“Oh!” Rush unfastened the chain and slid the hemp ring off. “Here.” He gave the ring back to Tad, but before the bottom could drop out of Tad’s world, Rush extended his left hand with the fingers spread apart. “What are you waiting for, Tadder-my-Tad? Put it on my finger.”
“You’ll marry me?”
“Of course I will, you dope! Didn’t I just get done telling you I love you?”
