The next gift was Ted's. Having no skill in wrapping gifts, he'd put Laura's present inside of a red gift bag, nestled between sheets of green tissue paper. Laura pulled out a pea green leather camera bag, which was embroidered with a large cursive 'L'.

"I thought about giving you jewelry," said Ted uncertainly, "but this caught my eye. I hope it-"

Laura cut him off with a hug and a peck on the lips. "It's wonderful, Ted! I'll carry this everywhere."

Since Laura was still an amateur photographer, she didn't have much more equipment than her tripod and camera; both of which would fit in the bag with room to spare, so she had plans of using it as a travel bag.

And finally, was Dean and Colette's gift. She opened the box to find a sturdy, fleur-de-lis printed, pink handbag. She expressed her thanks by giving each a squeeze.

"Oh, and Laura, if you ever want to learn how to fly a plane.." said Dean.

The rest of the party went smoothly. There was a rendition of Happy Birthday, followed by Laura blowing out the candles on her cake (butterscotch, with almond slices on top). Guests who weren't having their fill of cake were eating appetizers and drinking punch.

As Ted was talking to Dean on the couch, he noticed something sparkling, and picked it up. "Did anyone lose this expensive ruby necklace?" Ted held it up in the air for everyone to see.

As most of the partygoers shook their heads, he jokingly announced that if it wasn't claimed, then he'd use it to go towards a new Rolex. Seconds later, Laura rushed from the kitchen after changing a new light bulb.

"It's mine, Ted."

"Why would your necklace be behind a couch?" He raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Should I be worried?"

Laura, her cheeks beginning to flush, told him she had thrown it back there purposely.

"And why would you do that?"

"I don't really want to talk about it." Laura then excused herself.

Ted thought about following her, but decided against it in favor of giving her space. He continued chatting with Dean, and then shared snippy comments with Maggie. As the party went on, Ted finally went after Laura, and found her sitting on her dresser, by an open window. He sat down by her.

"Careful, the two of us on this dresser might be too much," he warned, chuckling. "Wouldn't it be better to sit on actual.. seating?"

Laura looked at him for a moment before replying, "This," she gestured, "is the closest thing I have to a balcony. By sitting on the dresser, I can feel the breeze better. Also," she smiled, "it's better than standing up all of the time."

"If you plan on sitting here a lot, you should put some cushions- I'm starting to feel a bit sore."

"Oh, stop it. Maggie doesn't even know I do this. It would be suspicious." They continued to sit by each other in companionable silence. Laura eventually spoke up and told him, "The reason I was kind of guarded about the necklace earlier was because of the reason my mother sent it to me. I know she sent it because of.. us."

"I know she doesn't approve of me," admitted Ted. "She probably wants you to find a new guy, right? Well, you should tell her that I'm not going to give you up without a fight." He took her face and gently turned it towards him. "You're different from other girls. You're worth it." And he pressed his lips to hers, almost hesitantly, but the kiss soon became much more passionate; more passionate than any kiss they'd ever shared.

When they finally broke it off, both were breathless. They stared at each other, breaking into smiles. "I know," said Ted, who was clutching Laura's hand in his, "I do, too." And they sat for a while, holding hands, sitting atop a dresser, and looking out the apartment window at beautiful New York.

*A little while later*

As Laura nuzzled Ted's shoulder, she said, "Actually Ted, when she sent that necklace, she meant to hurry up." Ted gave her a questioning look, so Laura said, reddening slightly, "Um-get.. married."

"Oh- well I suppose I'll have no problem in getting approval from your mother this time," he smiled slyly.

End