PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 75: The Plan

Carina chuckled, leaning into Maya's embrace. "Alright, alright, I'll trust your skills."

She looked up at Maya, her tone teasing. "Just don't go overboard, please. I don't want you to put too much pressure on yourself. We're supposed to be relaxing and having fun, remember?"
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Maya rolled her eyes good-naturedly, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Overboard? Me? Never."

She mock-gasped, her voice filled with mock offense. "And please, give me a little credit. I know how to plan a fun, stress-free night. Trust me, babe. I've got this."

Pulling a reluctant yet curious Andy into a quiet corner, Maya kept a watchful eye on Carina to ensure their conversation remained private. Once they were out of earshot, she turned her attention to Andy.

Maya's voice was hushed but steady as she spoke. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Andy looked at Maya, her curiosity piqued. "Sure, of course. What's up?"

Maya looked at Andy and said "I want to propose to her."

Andy's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth falling open slightly. "You... you're going to propose?"

Her expression rapidly shifted from surprise to excitement, and her voice held a note of joy. "That's... that's amazing. I always knew you two were endgame, but this is... it's big."

Andy glanced over to where Carina stood in conversation with Vic and Travis, a hint of realization dawning on her face. "Wait... is that why you pulled me aside?"

Maya's expression was a mixture of nerves and determination. "Yeah. I wanted to talk to you about it first."

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I want your opinion. Do you think it's... too soon? Is proposing so soon after everything we've been through rushing things?"

Andy looked at Maya, her expression sincere. "Too soon? Maya, you two have been through more together than some couples go through in a lifetime. Hell, you've survived and come out stronger every time."

She paused, her gaze turning a bit soft. "Besides, when you know, you know. And you two... everyone can see you're in it for the long haul. If there's ever a pair that's ready for marriage, it's you two."

Maya let out a sigh of relief, a weight lifting off her shoulders with Andy's words. "I know we've been through a lot, but... I just needed to hear it from someone else. To know I'm not crazy."

Her eyes found Carina across the room, a small smile forming on her face. "I just... I love her so much. And I want to show her that I'm committed to her. To us. For as long as she'll have me."

Andy smiled, placing a supportive hand on Maya's shoulder. "Trust me, Carina loves you just as much. And she's going to say yes, guaranteed. You two weren't meant to be anything less than forever."

Maya's smile widened at Andy's words, a mixture of fear and excitement bubbling in her chest.

She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Right. Okay. I'm... I'm going to do this. I'm going to propose. I just need to... figure out how and when."

Andy looked at Maya and said "The fair do it when you're at the fair also please tell me you at least have the ring."

Maya's confidence wavered for a moment, replaced by a sheepish expression. "I... well, about that..."

She let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "I haven't actually got the ring yet. I wanted to... I wanted to ask you for some help with that, actually."