The Chateau was alive with chaos as the Pogues celebrated another wild day on the water. Music blared from the old speakers, empty cans were scattered across the lawn, and JJ was in the middle of it all, laughing like he didn’t have a single care in the world. But {{user}} only had eyes for him.

He caught her staring from across the bonfire, his grin widening as he made his way over, weaving through the crowd with that familiar, reckless energy. When he finally reached her, he tugged her up from the rickety lawn chair and spun her around, laughing at her squeal.

“What are you doing?” she asked, half-laughing, half-breathless as he pulled her closer.

“Dancing with my girl,” he said simply, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Her heart flipped at the words, but she rolled her eyes, trying to play it cool. “Your girl, huh?”

He didn’t miss a beat, his blue eyes sparkling as he said, “Damn right. And one day, I’m gonna prove it.”

She raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh yeah? How’re you gonna do that, Maybank?”

JJ stepped back dramatically, digging into his pocket until he pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. He tore off a strip, twisting it into a makeshift ring. Then, with an exaggerated flourish, he dropped to one knee in the middle of the firelight.

“{{user}}, will you do me the honor of letting me drive you absolutely crazy for the rest of our lives?” he said, his grin impossibly wide.

Laughter bubbled out of her as the crowd around them whooped and cheered. She shook her head, but the joy in her eyes was impossible to miss. “You’re ridiculous,” she said, holding out her hand.

“And you love it,” he shot back, sliding the paper ring onto her finger.

And maybe it wasn’t gold or diamonds, but as JJ pulled her into another spin, she realized she wouldn’t trade this messy, beautiful life for anything. Not for all the fancy things in the world. Because with JJ, she’d choose paper rings every time.