The Only Exception

15. I Do

Alaz deflated like a balloon, tension leaving him in a fast exhale. "Ohhh. Right. That proposal."

Asi raised an eyebrow. "What did you think I meant?"

"Nothing," he said way too fast again.

She narrowed her eyes. "Alaz?"

"I thought you said—something else," he muttered, rubbing his neck like he was trying to wipe away embarrassment.

Asi gently placed her hands on his chest, studying him. "You're acting weirder than usual."

"I'm not weird. I'm..." He paused. "Internally complex."

Asi stared at him for a beat, then burst into laughter.

He groaned. "Don't mock me. I could've burned my hand."

"You panicked like I caught you watching cat videos."

Alaz raised a finger. "First of all, I would panic if you caught me watching cat videos. Second, this pasta is perfectly cooked and we should eat it before you accuse me of more things."

Asi took a step back, still grinning. "Oookay," she said, drawing out the syllables as she slowly returned to her chair. "But I'm onto you."

"Noted." He slid the steaming plates onto the table with dramatic flair. "Dinner is served, my hormonal, suspicious little queen."

She blinked at the plate. "Why does it smell better than in restaurants?"

"Because I made it with shame and panic."

"Ah, the secret ingredient," she said, laughing again as he poured water into her glass.

He sat down across from her, watching her fondly as she took the first bite.

"Oh my God," she moaned, eyes fluttering shut. "Marry me."

Alaz choked on his water.

Asi opened one eye, smirking. "Kidding. Relax."

"Funny."

"Not panicking again, are you?"

"I'm always panicking," he muttered. "Just quietly."

They kept eating, but every time Asi looked at him over the table, she felt that something was different. She couldn't quite place it—but Alaz was glowing. Nervous, a little jittery, but glowing.

Still, she didn't push.

Instead, she twirled her pasta on her fork and said, "You know, I think the stroller should be navy. Not black. Too harsh."

Alaz blinked at the sudden change of topic but rolled with it. "Navy's fine. Just make sure the tires are heavy-duty."

"They're babies, not rally drivers."

"You don't know what our girl's going to be like," he said with a smirk. "She might need high-performance wheels."

Asi melted instantly.

"You're in love with her already, aren't you?"

Alaz's smile softened into something deep and warm and a little breathless. "I was in love with both of them before I even saw them."

Asi reached across the table, took his hand, and held it for a while.

No teasing now. Just quiet love, warm food, and hearts that beat in tune.

She still had no idea about the ring hiding in the drawer of his office.

And Alaz still had no idea how he was going to survive proposing without combusting.