"So I've also been thinking about drinks," she said. "I think we should have water, champagne, and some kind of punch."
"We better make sure we've got scotch. I don't think Jack drinks anything else," Mike joked.
Connie chuckled and made a note about their drink choices.
"Have you given any thought to our wedding party?" she then asked.
"Oh yeah, that's important," Mike replied. "We don't want to take that lightly. That's a big fucking deal!"
Connie chuckled.
"What?" Mike asked, confused.
"'That's a big fucking deal!' Just the way you said that, that was endearing," Connie said, smiling.
"Oh," Mike said with another bashful smile, shrugging. "Well, it is a big fucking deal…"
"Yeah!" Connie agreed. "So I'm thinking the elder of my two younger sisters for my maid of honor. Carina and I are really close. Alejandra can be one of my bridesmaids."
"That's going to mean the world to Carina. You helped her get out of an abusive relationship."
"She means the world to me," Connie said. "Like some other people do," she added with a smile.
Mike gave her a sweet smile, taking the hint.
"Would your brothers like to be my groomsmen? I was thinking them and Dan," he then said, referring to his cousin.
"Ask them, I'm sure they'd be willing!" Connie said warmly. "So for my bridesmaids, I was thinking April and Kelly, since we've been friends since grade school, and then Alejandra, of course. And then I was thinking Tracey," she said, referring to Mike's other cousin.
"She'll definitely say 'yes'. She always talks about how nice you are: 'Connie is so sweet'," said Mike. "She says that a lot."
Connie smiled.
"Well," she then said, making note of everyone they were going to ask to be in their wedding party, "that didn't take as long as we'd thought…Hey—you need a best man. Got any prospects?"
"Yeah, I do," said Mike. "But don't put his name down just yet—I'm not so sure he's going to say 'yes'."
"Okay," Connie said, a bit sad for him. "Who are you thinking?"
After Mike told her, she said, "Aw, Mike—he's gonna be so flattered. I'm sure he'll say 'yes'. I'm sure of it."
"I don't know…" Mike said.
"I'm sure he will," Connie reassured him.
"If he says 'no', I've known Steve since the sixth grade," Mike said, referring to his best friend.
"I don't think he'll say 'no," Connie said warmly, giving his hand an affectionate squeeze. "So we need a good photographer," she then said, making a note. "But we should just let our family and friends take pictures at the reception, don't you think?"
"Yeah—unless we're selling to the tabloids," Mike said with a smirk.
Connie laughed.
"Indeed," she bantered. "So there are also the tux rentals," she said, making a note.
"We should ask around and see who not only knows who the really good photographers are, but also what the best tux rental places are," Mike said. "I don't want to look ridiculous," he added with a smile that was endearingly sheepish.
"What? I don't believe that," Connie said warmly. "You're too handsome for that."
She gently touched his face, as he smiled sweetly at her.
He then leaned in and kissed her, and she kissed him back.
After they broke apart—
"I still just can't believe my luck," Mike said, gently touching her face. "I am just so blessed to have you in my life. I don't know what I did to deserve being so fortunate."
Connie smiled, deeply moved by his words.
"Mike, I consider myself very blessed to have you. You know that, right?"
"Of course I do," Mike said sweetly. "Connie, you're one of the most loving people I've ever met."
"I'm glad you know how much I love you. I try my best to show you all the time."
"Connie, of course I know that," Mike said, holding her hand. "I meant what I said. You really are one of the most loving people I've ever met."
Connie melted.
"You know, Mike—men like you are a rarity," she said, grasping his hand. "You truly are."
She reached over and hugged him, and he hugged her back.
"I love you, Mike."
"I love you, too. I can't wait to marry you."
"Likewise," Connie said warmly.