The mall was crowded and crazy. People were shoving anyone who got in their way. Most would've hated to be there, but Jake and Lauren were right at home. The navigated through the sea of people, hand in hand, eyes set on their next destination: Express.

Jake was gearing up for the next tour which meant he got to get all new costumes. It was like Christmas for him and Lauren loved to see him so excited. He had dragged her into store after store, asking her opinions of sweaters and ties (they were going for a classy look this time around) and discussing what to do about the band's hair. He would pause every so often, a little self-conscious about his love of fashion, and ask her if he was annoying her. He always got the same answer: "Of course not!" And he would grin.

"You know, you're the first girl I've dated who didn't get bothered by all this," he said, picking up a tweed jacket and trying it on. He struck a pose and Lauren giggled.

"I love that on you," she said, tossing him a tie she thought he might like.

"Hmm… Josh? Or Derek?" He was holding up the skinny, red plaid tie.

"Derek. Definitely."

They tore through the rest of the store, grabbing sweater vests and collared shirts and bowties. These stage clothes were going to be amazing.

"We should get you something while we're here." Jake had noticed her staring at a gorgeous teal dress in the window of some local shoppe.

"Huh? Oh! No, we don't have to do that," she said, trying to sound convincing. Jake just grabbed her hand and dragged her into the little dress boutique.

"You're getting something whether you like it or not!" he insisted, grinning and skimming the racks for something she might like.

"Oh, fine." She grinned right back at him and started to skim through the options. Within minutes, they both had armfuls and headed over to the dressing room. Lauren tried dress after dress with Jake giving his opinions on each one. She reached for the final dress on the hook, having saved the best for last.

Jake's jaw dropped.

"What do you think?" She was standing there in a knee-length, strapless white dress. It flowed out ever so slightly, turquoise ribbons decorating the waistline.

Jake just gripped his chair tighter, eyes wide, and nodded excitedly. She was beautiful. Lauren giggled, blushing, and walked over to him, twirling once she'd arrived at his perch. He had the biggest smile on his face.

"You look…" he couldn't find the right words. He just stammered incoherently until he realized he would never find a word suitable for how she looked in that dress. Lauren giggled again, leaving him even more speechless. Jake loved her laugh.

"Oh…" The excitement faded from Lauren's face. She'd looked at the price tag. "It's $150… Jake, I couldn't ask you to spend that."

"You don't have to! I'm volunteering!" Jake grinned but Lauren protested to him spending that kind of money on her, so they left the store with nothing.

Except that Jacob came back to the store the next day and bought the dress for Lauren.

He left it laying out on the table in the bus with a single white lily, to match the dress, and a note with a time, a place, and a "be there, darlin'" written on it. Lauren could hardly speak when she saw it. She had two hours to get ready and Jake was nowhere to be found. None of the band would say anything to her when she asked, and Olivia and I, well we just grinned a little mischievously.

Lauren showed up at the address she'd been given, at the time she'd been told, wearing her new dress and holding the lily. She looked around for Jake, but couldn't see him. She started to get a little nervous. Jake was supposed to be here. Why wasn't he? He was never late. Where was he? Was he okay?

Just then, Jake stepped out from behind the building in a suit with a turquoise tie to match the ribbons on Lauren's dress. He walked over to her, strutting just a little, and absolutely beaming at her. He held out his arm for her to take hold of and walked up to the restaurant. This place was fancy. I mean really fancy.

In the middle of dinner, in the middle of the conversation, Jake looked up at Lauren and paused. There was something he wanted, no… needed to say, but he was nervous. Scared even. Lauren gave an inquiring look and waited patiently for him to decide if he would really say what was on the tip of his tongue.

"Lauren… I, uh… I love you." It was the first time he'd ever said it. The first time either of them had ever said it. His eyes were expectant, hoping she'd speak. Hoping she'd say the same to him, but she remained quiet, hand over mouth.

Stupid! Why'd you say it? You should've kept your mouth shut! Jake's fears were coming to life.

Stupid! Say it! Say something! Don't just sit here like an idiot! Lauren was frozen. She wanted to talk, but she couldn't find her voice.

"I'm sorry… That was… That was stupid for me to say…" Jake was avoiding her eyes, tears welling up in his own.

"No." He glanced up. She'd finally spoken. "No, it wasn't stupid. Jake. I love you too."

He grinned her very favorite grin and leaned across the table to kiss her.

He'd finally found the girl.

His girl.