Claire held up the stake. "Some girls get jewelry. But they're such losers."
He reached in his pocket, came out with a small velvet box, and set it next to her pillow. She took a deep, sudden breath, and felt her whole body go a little bit woozy around the edges.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
"It's . . . kind of for later," he said. "I just didn't want you to think I'm not well-rounded or anything."
He kissed her, and she felt everything melt away. All the pain, the fear, the worry. It was all just going to be . . . okay.
Somewhere, Michael Glass was playing to a packed house at Common Grounds.
Amelie was sitting alone in her study.
Myrnin was writing down secrets in a leather-bound book.
Monica Morrell was sneering at a blushing freshman girl.
And Claire Danvers was . . . happy.
At least for tonight.
The End