Jason reached into his pocket with his left hand for the five hundredth time, making sure the ring was still there. His right hand was wrapped around Claire’s waist, pulling her close as they walked between the stalls at the fair. Wheat chaff and peanut shells crunched beneath their feet as they made their way toward the Ferris wheel.

The bright colored lights along the circumference reflected in Claire’s soft blue eyes, making them even more beautiful, if that were possible. She caught his gaze, gave him a huge smile, and kissed him on the cheek. Jason nodded to the operator as they boarded the ride, and the operator gave him a conspiratorial wink.

There was a brief lurch as the wheel began to rotate. Jason put his arm around Claire, letting her lean into him. He bounced his knee up and down nervously and shifted in the seat. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Am I really ready? What if she says no?

When they reached the apex, the Ferris wheel came to a stop.

Jason left the ring in his pocket.