It seemed like ages since he had asked the question. The answer had seemed silly at the time, a Dear Abby adage perfectly suited to the lips of middle-aged gossips with too many soap operas under their bonnets.

How will I know, he had said.

When the happiest, most fulfilling moments in life are the times she laughs and you know you made her laugh. When forever without her means the end of hope and ambition. When your need for her terrifies you and shakes you to the core. That is how you will know.

In his hand, the ring did not seem so heavy as he had feared. Such a small thing, to carry so much. Like the answer to the question he had to ask next—a few words to change life itself.

That old answer had been right. He was terrified. She would say yes, or she would say no.

Either one scared him.