Are We All We Are?

Chapter 8

2016

•••••

Peggy was excited. Well, slightly nervous too. But mostly excited. Tonight was her and Dottie's fifth anniversary as a couple, and she was planning on proposing.

Peggy had thought long and hard about what she would say, and had finally put it all together in her mind. She had picked out a beautiful silver ring, with a single circular ruby in the middle. Dinner was prepared, candles were lit, and gentle jazz was playing softly in the background. All that was left was to wait for her lovely girlfriend to get home.

As if on cue, Peggy heard the front door to their house unlock, and Dottie walked inside. She lit up when she saw Peggy.

"Hello, darling. How was your day?"

"It was quiet. How was yours, my love?"

"Just fine. I missed you, though. Happy anniversary!"

Peggy grinned. "Missed you too. Happy anniversary to you too. Um, before dinner, I'd like to ask you something."

"Well, make it quick. I'm famished." Dottie teased her lover.

Peggy kneeled on one knee before her, pulling out and opening a small velvet box from her pocket. "Dottie, my love, we've known each other for so many years. We've spent many of those years on unfriendly terms, unfortunately. But I don't want to spend any more of my years without you. I love you, as I have never loved anyone. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Whatever reaction she had expected, Dottie laughing was not one of them. Peggy stood up, and looked at her girlfriend for an explanation.

"Peg, darling," Dottie reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a small velvet box of her own, opening it to reveal a golden ring, with a sapphire placed in it. "You weren't the only one planning on proposing tonight!"

"So.... that's a yes?"

Dottie rolled her eyes. "Yes, it's a 'yes'. But, I want to propose too. It's only fair." Dottie kneeled. "Peggy, you have been one of the only constants in my life. When everything seems chaotic, you're always there to tame it. Even if that means risking your life for mine. After all we've been through together, it only seems right to me that the rest of our lives are spent supporting and loving each other as well. So, will you marry me?"

"Of course I will."

Dottie stood, beaming. The two women placed the ring the other had picked on their fingers, before leaning in for a kiss.