Finally she had met Mr. Perfect.

The Ring

©2005 by Mae Ondracek

June had met Mr. Perfect and she knew it. It couldn’t possibly be wrong this time. They had only been out four times, but she was so sure of herself, she had bought a new dress today.

June tried on the dress and was so excited to be going out with Jim tonight. In two more hours he’d be here and she could hardly wait. She took the dress off and laid it on the bed, then she took a shower. Oh, that warm water felt so good on her shoulders. She didn’t want to get out of the water but knew she had to if she wanted to be ready for Jim tonight.

She was surprised to see that it was only an hour and a half from now. Why, she’d never be ready if she didn’t hurry. So hurry she did and she was ready within 15 minutes before Jim was to be there. She had just taken a drink of water when the door bell rang. She said, “My gosh, he can’t be here already.”

She opened the door and they stood looking at each other. Finally Jim said, “G..G..gosh, June, you’re beautiful.”

June found her voice and asked him to come in, then said, “Well your not bad looking yourself!” They both laughed.

Jim said, “I really meant it. You look beautiful tonight.”

June said, “Thank you, Jim. You look great.”

Jim said as long as June was ready, they might just as well take off for the movie and then they could have a snack afterwards. June thought it would be a good idea, so they left for the movies.

They sat through “Cyclops” until it was over, then they went to Mr. Deans to eat. June was so happy that she believed in herself, that she sat beaming at Jim. He asked her, “June, why the crazy little smile?”

June said, “Oh, Jim, I’m so happy to be here. I never thought I’d be in Mr. Deans Restraunt.”

“You like it, June?” Jim asked. “I came here a couple of times by myself, but it wasn’t any fun. I sure hope you like it.”

“Oh, yes Jim, I really like it here. I’ve never been in here before,” June said as she gazed around.

June looked at Jim and said, “I hope you’ll excuse me for a few moments.”

He stood up and said that was all right. He’d order the Shrimp Salad for both of them while she was gone.

As she came back to the table, Jim hurriedly stood up and told June how pretty she was. She said, “Thank you, Jim. That is so sweet of you.”

He said, “No it isn’t. That is just the way I feel.”

They settled in their chairs and then June noticed a little box hiding behind her water glass, and Jim was getting red. She smiled and said, “Excuse me, Jim, but am I supposed to open this now?”

Jim looked embarrassed but he said, “I’m sorry but I couldn’t wait any longer. I was afraid you’d go off and leave me. Please open it now.”

June took the little box and lifted the lid. She just sat and stared at it for a moment and then there were tears in her eyes as she said, “Oh, yes Jim, I want it,” and she jumped up from the table and grabbed Jim around the neck.

She was such a happy person, that Jim didn’t need to be afraid of her any longer. He was so happy that she liked the ring, he put it on her finger and said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

June was in tears as the waitress brought their dinners and she wasn’t sure if they were going to eat or not. The waitress said, “Excuse me, do you want these dinners or not?”

“Well, my dear girl, of course we want them,” Jim said. “We just became engaged.”

After she put the dinners on the table, she said, “May I take a look at the ring?”

June was still wiping her eyes but she managed to shake her head and extend he left hand. The waitress took a good look and could have fallen over. It was a very pretty ring and showed that Jim really cared for her. The waitress said softly, “Oh, that is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. You’re so lucky. Congratulations both of you,” and she hurried off.

Soon all the kitchen help started coming to the table, to look at the ring and congratulate them. They were so happy to have this happen at Mr. Deans. When Jim asked for his check, they wouldn’t give it to him and said, “You have brought us much joy. Please come again.”

“We sure will,” Jim said. “We really like this place and the food. It was delicious.”

“Yes,” said June, “it was very delicious. We’ll be back.”

After they got in the car, Jim said, “You’re not angry that I pulled that on you, in there?”

June reached over and gave him a big kiss that made everything all right. “Oh, Jim, I can hardly believe it. I mean, is it real?”

“Of course it is real. June, I was so afraid you’d go off with someone else, that I just had to give you the ring tonight,” Jim said. “I’ve had it ever since you went out with me the second time but I couldn’t bring myself to give it to you.”

June whispered, “Why not, Jim? It is so gorgeous.”

Jim answered, “Well, I’m sure glad you like it. It really makes me feel better now that you’ve got it.”

“It makes me feel better, too,” June whispered. “You don’t know how hopeless I’ve felt when you seemed disinterested. I’m really happy, now.”

“June, do you mean you would of said ‘yes’, if I’d given you that ring on our second time out?” Jim asked.

“Oh, yes, yes. I knew you were the one I’d want to spend my time with and maybe even marry,” June said. “But you just didn’t ask me and I was getting discouraged. I thought maybe you had found someone else.”

“Naw, June,” Jim said. “I was just so overwhelmed with everything, that I didn’t think you’d ever say ‘yes’ to me.”

“Oh, Jim, how could I not say ‘yes’ to my favorite man?” June asked. “Let’s go to my apartment for coffee.”