With These Rings

Hazel could tell he was looking for a moment. The dolphins crested the waters, and he began to reach for his pocket.

She reached out and grabbed his hand. “Let’s...let’s leave that be.”

Dex looked at her. “Wait...what?”

“Look, Dex, I think you’re great and all,” she said, measuring words like they were made of carats, “but I think we both know this won’t work out.”

He looked at her for a moment, then turned his back on her and watched the dolphins play. Hazel felt like she had to keep talking, try to explain herself.

“Now, Dex, I don’t want things to end for us here. Who knows, somewhere down the line, this could be what I’m looking for, but we both work on the road, long miles, precious little down time, we need to get more established. Hey, I’ve got an idea.”

She grabbed his arm and spun him to look at her. It was hard work, but he was worth it.

“You’ve been saying how much of a drag Leonis has been lately. Desiree will hire you on, we just lost our strongman. We can travel together. We can live together, Dex.”

Only then did he smile.

He stroked her lustrous beard and leaned in for a kiss.