Jumping forward to the moment that is going to change Jen and Aaron's lives forever. Hold on tight, they are almost there.

One In A Million You

Three years later…

Jen tried to keep her motor board on her head as her parents embraced her tightly. In her right hand she clutched her degrees. Though the course studies took an average of four years, she had knuckled down and completed her studies in three years and with honours. It hadn't been necessary to go overboard, but she had hoped that her parents would change their mind about the betrothal once they saw she could achieve and succeed.

"Congratulations, darling," Em said and hugged Jen again. "Why didn't you tell us that you were graduating Magna Cum Laude?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Jen said as a blush stained her cheeks.

"It definitely was, Cara," Dave replied. Unrolling the degrees, he looked over them again. His heart nearly burst from pride and love for his only child…his daughter…his princess.

Jen pulled away from her mother. "Are you proud of me, Daddy?" she asked.

Dave blinked back tears. "I have always been proud of you." Gathering Jen in his arms, he hugged her. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you," he whispered in her ear.

Jen felt her heart beat faster. "Thank you, Daddy." Pulling back, she looked at her parents. "So, are we having a party to celebrate?"

"We thought about combining your graduation with the announcement of your engagement," Em said.

"Mom!" Jen's gut filled with dread. They hadn't forgotten.

"Jennifer…" Em began but was interrupted as Will pushed thru the crowd to gather Jen up and kiss her.

For a moment, she was too shocked to do anything but let him kiss her in front of everyone.

"Congratulations, Chere," Will said and moved in for a second kiss. Jen successfully dodged him.

"Will, what brings you here?" she asked nervously. She felt every eye in the area on her. Damn him! She cursed.

"I was running late but I made it because I didn't want to miss your moment," Will announced proudly. "I knew you'd do it. Let me take you out to celebrate."

Jen looked at her parents helplessly. "I don't know…I was going to call it a night after all the excitement."

"You need to be out celebrating your achievement, Chere, not hiding it." Will looked at the King and Queen. "Would it be alright if I took Jen to dinner tonight?"

Em looked at Dave. "It would be entirely up to Jennifer. Right, Dave?"

"Jen?" Dave asked.

A part of Jen wanted to scream no, but deep down inside, a tiny part wanted to spend time with Will. After all, he was her intended, and as much as she wanted to try and deny it, Will had been nice to her over the past three years, so she could cut him some slack. Except when he went over the line and demanded to hold her hand in public or kiss her. Or demand her attention all the time.

"Okay. What time should I be ready?"

"Seven would be good," Will replied, his heart shining in his eyes.

Em stepped over and wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders. "Well, I think we should get back to the castle," she announced.

"I'll get the car," Dave said and hurried away.

"I'll drive Jen home," Will announced.

Em looked at the prince who would soon be her son in law, and then at her daughter. "That's very sweet of you, Will." Em patted Jen's arm. "I'll see you back at the castle, sweetie." With a knowing look, she left to follow her husband.

Will took Jen's hand in his. "This is going to be a night to remember," he whispered in her ear.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Jen whispered.

"What was that?" Will asked confused.

Jen pasted a smile on her face. "I'm sure it will be."
****

Will sat with Jen on the concrete bench in the botanical garden that was adjacent to the restaurant where he had taken Jen. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a ring.

Jen looked around the area nervously. "Will, what are you doing?"

"Mon chere, I don't know how to ask you this, but…"

"Will, don't, please…" Jen protested weakly as dread filled her. But ironically, a small thrill went thru her too. Every girl dreamt of being proposed to, and though it wasn't the proposal of her dreams, she could live with it. Sometimes this was as good as it was going to get.

"I have loved you for as long as I can remember," Will continued. "And I have bided by your wishes to keep our engagement under wraps, but now that you have graduated, it is time we announce it to the world." He slid the ring over Jen's finger. "Jennifer, marry me, please."

Jen picked up her hand. The large diamond caught the light and winked at her. "It's…uh…nice," she complimented. It wasn't what she had wanted. She didn't like diamonds. And this one was too gaudy for her tastes.

"It was my grandmother's," Will beamed, looking at the ring and then at Jen. "It's lovely on your hand."

"Will…I…" Jen fought the urge to run.

"Say yes, Chere. Make me the happiest man on earth."

Unable to resist any longer, the fight went out of her. She had no choice. Nodding, Jen looked at Will. "I guess so."

Gathering her in his arms, Will kissed Jen. Unbeknownst to them, a camera caught the moment.
*****

"So, what did you say?" Ashley asked.

"I said 'I guess'."

"You're supposed to say yes."

"I couldn't. I wanted to, but I couldn't. It didn't feel right."

"But you are still going to have to marry him."

"I need to marry him, but I don't want to marry him."

"Jen…"

"You don't understand. You aren't a princess with the weight of your kingdom resting on your shoulders," Jen whispered.

"What did your parents say?"

Jen shrugged. "They were happy." They had been. More than she expected them to be. She had fulfilled her duty by getting an education and then accepting Will's proposal. It was all a game and she was merely a player. "We're going to keep it secret for a couple of more days."

"I don't know if that is going to be possible," Ashley hesitated.

"What do you mean?"

"Have you been on line?"

Jen swallowed nervously. "Should I have been?"

"You need to see what is burning up the internet. I'm sending it now."

A couple seconds later a beep on her phone alerted Jen. Pressing a couple of buttons, she pulled up the link. Then her mouth dropped open in shock.

"FINALLY ENGAGED!" The headline screamed.

"What?" Jen choked as the picture of Will handing her the ring flashed on the screen.

"Jen, are you still there?" Ashley demanded.

"This can't be happening." Jen scanned the photos. Will kneeling. Will proposing. Will kissing her.

"It's out there now. You can't deny that the engagement is on."

"I wanted to do it my way." Tears filled Jen's eyes.

"Too late now, Princess," Ashley consoled. "What are you going to do?"

"I have to get out of here," Jen spoke quickly and ran a hand over her eyes.

"Jen! Don't do anything drastic," her friend pleaded.

"I can't talk now. I'll call you back later," Jen said and hit end.

Rushing around her suite, she grabbed her go bag and began shoving items inside. She didn't have much to take since the majority of her personal belongings were still at the apartment. She only needed clothes and money. She had to get out of there.

Haphazardly, she threw clothes in the bag, then she dug for her wallet and passport. She was going to France or Italy and living like a vagabond. It had to be better than marrying someone she didn't love.

Sitting down at the desk, she hurriedly wrote a note to her parents. It was short, but she was sure they would get the clue. Folding it in thirds, she placed it on her pillow. Checking for her keys, she pulled the strap of the bag high on her shoulder, then turned out the lights. If they thought she was asleep, that would afford her a little time to make her get away.

One last glance at the room she loved, Jen closed the door and left.