"What do you think of that one," Peter asked, pointing to a small gold ring with a circular-cut diamond.

"It's nice, but we'll be lucky to afford a wedding in ten years if we get it," MJ said. Peter frowned, nodding. The ring was probably the cheapest one in the store, and he still couldn't afford it.

"Maybe we should just elope to las Vegas," MJ said, but she wasn't serious. She and Peter had already agreed that their wedding would be done properly, witnessed by friends and family.

"Can I help you, sir," said a salesman with a rude, sarcastic tone. He looked a bit familiar to Peter, but he couldn't quite place him. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, with brown hair and an arrogant, annoyed expression. The nametag on his suit said 'Bruce.'

"No," Peter said, looking down.

"Well, are you buying a ring or not," he said as he leaned forward and said in a low, almost conspiratal tone,"You're taking up counter space."

"We're still looking," MJ interjected.

"By all means, take all the time you need. It's not like there are customers who can actually afford a ring here," Bruce said sarcastically.

MJ took Peter's hand and pulled him away from the counter.

"Come on, Peter. I'm sure we can find a pawn shop with better rings than this junk," MJ said, disgusted.

They exited the store and started to walk towards Central Park, to a pawn shop they'd seen in the paper. They stopped as MJ's cell phone rang. MJ had bought it a few weeks before the proposal, and now regretted it.

"Hello," she asked.

"I've got some exciting news, Mary Jane."

It was her father. She smiled. He sounded happy and sober, a rare combination.

"What is it," she asked.

"I got a deal on that book I wrote. The publisher said it could be a best-seller," her father said.

"That's great."

"How have you been, anyway? I haven't seen you in awhile."

MJ looked at Peter and smiled.

"I'm getting married."

"You're sure this time," her father asked, protective.

"Yes, I'm very sure, Dad."

"Who is he?"

"Dad, you remember Peter Parker, right? He used to live next door to us."

"The one your mom always bragged about with May?"

"Yep."

"He seems like a nice boy. I hope he'll make you happy. How are you paying for the wedding," he asked.

MJ froned, sitting down on a nearby bench.

"We're still working on that."

"Well, I'm getting a big advance on this book. I'll pay for it."

"You will," MJ asked, surprised.

"Mmm-hmm."

"Thak you. Wow. I... thank you."

"You're welcome. MJ, you deserve it. I was a crappy father to you. This is just part of me saying sorry."

"Apology accepted."

"It's not enough to say sorry. I don't deserve your forgiveness yet. But maybe down the road I will. I have to go, MJ. Write down a list of all the things you need, and plan with your mother," he said.

"Okay."

"Goodbye."

"'Bye."

MJ hung up and looked at Peter, smiling.

"My dad's paying for the wedding," she said.

"That's great," Peter said with a smile.

MJ hugged him, then opened her cell phone again.

"I have to call my mom."