Page 111 of Muscles & Monsters

“I have something for you, Tegan.” It was rare that I called her by her name and not a term of endearment. My heart raced as I dug around in my pocket and pulled out the tiny velvet box. I flicked it open, revealing a ring with a large diamond, flanked by gold crescent moons on either side.

“Atlas—” she gasped as I dropped down on one knee.

“Tegan, baby. These past few months have been everything to me. You’ve shown me that I’m worthy of love just how I am. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for accepting me.” I could feel tears forming in the corners of my eyes. “I loveyou, Tegan. And I know that we’re already mated, but I want you to be my wife, and have my babies, and be mine forever.” I focused my foggy yellow eyes on her. “Will you marry me?” I asked as my lip quivered.

A tear slid down her cheek, and she nodded several times before dropping to her knees in front of me. “Yes, a million times, yes,” she sniffled as I carefully slipped the ring onto her finger.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.Thump.Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

My tail wagged against the floor.

I’d never been happier. I would have never guessed a gym bro’s archenemy—cake—would be what brought me myeverything.