The Game

by Terry Schott

  ****

  “Well,” I ask. “What did you think?”

  Danni is eating the last bite of her dessert, eyes closed and a smile on her face. “Oh, Trew, what a delicious meal,” she exclaims. “What an incredible night!”

  I get up and go over to her, dropping down close enough to kiss her lightly on the lips. “You said it, my love. It’s been a spectacular night, but since you first agreed to be my girlfriend, every day has been this wonderful.”

  “Oh, you’re always so sweet with your words.” She flutters her eyelashes playfully, using that teasing voice that always makes me grin. She looks concerned when she notices I’m not grinning.

  Then she notices something else; the fact that I’m down on one knee beside her in a fancy restaurant after a fantastic day and a knockout meal. Her eyes begin to get misty.

  I smile. Yeah, she’s figuring it out now.

  “Danielle Benton, since the day I first laid eyes on you I recognized that you were rare and special. Not long after that, I kicked your ass in karate.” She laughs, unable to speak as she sits there looking me in the eyes. She’s so beautiful. I want this moment to last forever. “I talk a lot, and you know how much I love you. You also talk a lot, and I’ve got a very good idea how much you love me too. If we’re playing a big game, then I hope there's a big audience watching us right now. We’re awesome, and together I believe we’re going to change this world.”

  I reach into my pocket and pull out the little box. I open it up and there it is, a gorgeous diamond ring that I know she will love. It sparkles like her eyes, and it shines like our love. She gasps and a small choked cry escapes her lips. Her eyes are swimming in tears, the happy kind. Her smile is huge. It’s time to ask her the question that will make history sit up and take notice.

  “Danielle Benton, would you do me the immense honour of becoming my wife?”

  I hear her say yes. The blood rushes to my ears as the restaurant erupts in applause. I’ve never been happier in my life. I don’t know if I ever will be. None of that matters right now.

  I’m in heaven.