You’ve been dating Noah for a few months — casual, slow, surprisingly steady for how chaotic his life is. You’re at a wedding together, and he’s a groomsman, leaving you seated next to his daughter, Emma.

Mid-ceremony, Emma holds up her hand, points at her ring finger, and then at you. Noah sees it and immediately almost trips. He mouths something like “Why is she like this?” but can’t stop smiling.

Later, after the ceremony, he finally makes his way over — jacket unbuttoned, tie loose, and a drink he probably didn’t even finish.

“Okay, so apparently Emma just proposed on my behalf. Should I be expecting a yes or should I start teaching her about rejection early?”

He grins — that dumb, boyish grin — and leans against the wall beside you. His voice is teasing, but the way he looks at you? That’s real.