In which the rookie Ben Gal falls for Cincinnati's number one quarterback.
Now that football season is upon us I thought it would be fun to write a little Joe Burrow story.
Started: October 12, 2024
Finished: May 18, 2025
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︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The morning after Joe proposed felt like a dream.
Sunlight poured into Alessandra's apartment, illuminating the glittering diamond on her finger. She sat in bed, her knees tucked under the covers, staring at the ring like it might vanish if she blinked too long. Joe, lying beside her, was still half asleep, his hand resting over hers.
"I still can't believe it," Alessandra whispered, brushing her thumb across the edge of the ring.
Joe opened one eye, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Believe it, fiancé."
The word made her stomach flutter. "That sounds so weird."
"But good weird?" he teased, turning on his side to face her fully.
"The best kind of weird," she said softly.
They stayed there for a few more moments, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other, until Joe's phone buzzed.
"Let me guess..." he said, glancing at the screen. "Yup. Ja'Marr wants to know when the engagement party is."
Alessandra laughed. "I should've known. You guys never let a celebration pass by without a party."
"Well, you're stuck with us now," Joe replied, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Come on. Let's go tell the world."
That evening, Harlow, of course, was the first to throw together a "casual" engagement celebration that turned into a full-blown party. The private rooftop of one of downtown Cincinnati's trendiest restaurants was decked out in soft fairy lights, gold accents, and a custom sign that read "Future Mr. & Mrs. Burrow."
Alessandra stood in front of a mirror in a soft champagne-colored dress, her long waves styled in loose curls, her eyes rimmed with just the right amount of shimmer. As she pinned on a pair of earrings, Harlow walked in, phone in hand.
"Okay, first of all," she said, stopping in her tracks, "you look like an actual goddess. And second, this party is going viral on Instagram. Everyone is obsessed with you and Joe."
Alessandra blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You really outdid yourself, Harlow."
"Well, you only get engaged once, right?" she said, winking.
