Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Do you think he'll like it?"
"Sure thing, doll! What man doesn't love a ring?"
"Thanks Magnolia... I've been meaning to propose for a while now but I haven't had an idea until now. So here's what I'm thinking-"
I told Magnolia my game plan, and she listened dutifully, saying she'd help me out, no matter how long it would take. She pulled me in for one hour every day, and by the end of the week, I knew the basics of singing. We finally figured out a good date for the big event, and by now, just about everyone in Goodneighbor was in on it, and bound to make an appearance. Me and Magnolia set up flowers and candles, amazingly not setting everything on fire. It looked nice, an soon, people started showing up. Patrons sat down, and people were talking, probably placing bets on what they thought Hancock's reaction would be. Magnolia left to go get Hancock, and I set up behind the stage, checking my outfit, and trying to keep my breathing even. I wondered if Magnolia felt like this before a performance.
She eventually came back, hushing everyone because Hancock was on his way. She went and set herself up at an old piano Rufus fixed up, and tested it out, making sure it would work. She looked to me behind the stage, giving me a reassuring thumbs up. I stood on the stage patiently, getting a whistle and some 'good luck's.
I heard the door open, and started singing, remembering what Magnolia had taught me to do. Hancock walked down, looking about as confused as Deacon always does. He wondered why so many people were at the bar all of the sudden, then I noticed him perk up at the sound of a different voice on stage. He looked to me, and we locked eyes. His gaze wandered over my outfit, and his jaw dropped a little. He looked at me in pure awe, and I couldn't help but smile a little. He kept his eyes on me the whole time, and by the end of the song, I noticed him tearing up and someone gave him a clap on the back. He didn't notice them.
After the song, I stepped off the stage, going over to him. I got on one knee, and he looked like he was about to pass out. I pulled out a silver band, and held it in front of me, keeping my eyes on him, "John Hancock, I've known you for eight years, and dated you for five. I'm hoping we can spend many many more together. Will you marry me?"
He released a breath, and collapsed, wrapping his arms around me, burying his face into my shoulder and crying softly. I hugged him back gently, waiting for him to pull away. When he did, he snatched the ring from my hand and put it on his finger, admiring it and pulling me into another tight hug. He said something, but I couldn't hear because of the deafening cheers coming from the bar patrons. I pulled away, setting my hands on his shoulders, "What'd you say?"
