"JJ, where are we going? Why would you hire a limo? You know I can get a deal for you on something like this, why wouldn't you ask me to help you?" Dave fretted.
"Dave, if I asked for help, it wouldn't be a surprise. And I did use your name and they gave me a good rate for the evening. Don't worry so much, I wanted this to be a special evening for the two of us, and if paying for a limo for transportation is part of it, well, sit back and enjoy the ride." JJ smiled at him, clutching his hand tightly.
Realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere with his protests, Dave reached over and gave her a peck on the lips, and held her hand tightly. Whatever JJ was up to, it certainly was bringing out the sneakiness in her. And he kind of liked that.
Shortly there after, the limo pulled to a stop, and the door opened. Dave got out first, and helped JJ out and stood there in surprise. They stood in front of the restaurant where he'd taken JJ on their first date out together. Looking at her more closely, he now realized she was wearing the same wonderful dress she'd had on that evening, and she looked absolutely splendid.
"JJ, you look wonderful, and you know I love this place. Thanks for taking us here. It's a wonderful treat. This place means a lot to me." He wanted her to know he loved her efforts, whatever she may have been up to. He knew that dining here wouldn't be the only surprise of the evening.
"Well, Dave, I love this place too. It's a very special part of our history together. I hope we have many more evenings here, and that this will be a wonderful part of our story."
"Jen, it already is a special part of our story. This is where we had our first date."
"I know Dave, I just want a fresh start, with fresh memories. And I want to start over here."
He brought her hand up to his lips, giving it a kiss. He wanted nothing more to be here with her, and if she needed a fresh start, so be it.
They had a pleasant evening, chitchatting away, and Dave was amazed at how lovely and confident JJ was this evening. No matter the hardship of the last few months, JJ had managed to overcome it all. As soon as he possibly could, he wanted to ask her to marry him, if she would have him. He'd never loved anyone more than he loved her, and he did not want to lose her.
The meal was wonderful as usual, and before they knew it, they were finished. The wait staff all seemed to hover over them, smiling and fussing over them more than usual, and they soon escaped the small restaurant. Climbing back into the limo, they made a short journey before arriving at the same museum that he'd taken her to on their first date. Whatever her intentions, JJ certainly was recreating a perfect evening for the two of them.
They climbed the steps to the museum, and a smiling guard let them in. Whatever was happening, everybody certainly seemed to be happy about it. Curiosity certainly was beginning to get to Dave, he wanted to know why everyone seemed to be smiling at them. They entered the museum, but instead of the tour of the exhibits, JJ lead him to the glass atrium, the beautiful area where they'd shared their first kiss in what seemed so long ago.
They entered the atrium, and the place was even more wonderful than he remembered. Lights sparkled on every tree, twinkling like stars. Very low lighting created a very romantic atmosphere, and Dave let JJ lead him to the center of the room, where a blanket was laid out and champagne awaited them. Sitting down on the blanket, Dave wrapped his arm around her.
"Did you do all this for us? Is this what all the planning has been about the last few weeks?" he whispered to her.
"You knew I was planning something?" JJ pouted a little bit, thinking she'd been more careful than that.
"Jen, it's okay. Whatever you were planning has certainly brought back your sparkle. It's made you happier than I've seen you in awhile. And I love this. You know how I love this place. I love you." Dave kissed her gently on the lips, hoping to bring her out of her pout. JJ eagerly kissed him, before pulling back, and getting on her knees. Suddenly unsure of herself, she looked at his curious face, and any doubt she had disappeared.
Haltingly, she she started to speak, the surprise she'd been planning finally coming to fruition.
"Dave, you've been my friend, my lover, my everything. You've stood by me when other men would have run. You are a wonderful father to my son, you're everything I could ever ask for and more. And I've come to the realization that I don't want to ever be without you. I love you, more than you can imagine. And I would love you if you would be my husband. Will you marry me?" JJ was almost crying at this point, hoping he would say yes. She pulled out an insignia ring, an equivalent to an engagement ring she hoped. It was silly, but she wanted to give him a ring, having been the one to decide to propose.
Dave looked at the ring, and seen their initials entwined on the surface. He looked into the eyes of the woman he loved, and knew that he'd never loved anyone more than he did her. He wanted nothing more than to be with her for the rest of his life. Getting up on his knees, he put his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace and a deep kiss.
"Is that a yes?" JJ asked him, after several minutes of being kissed senseless.
"That's a yes, Jen. I would love to marry you. I never want to be with anyone else. I love you."
He pulled her into an embrace again, kissing her deeply. She slipped the ring on his finger, and Dave felt silly not having a ring to give her back.
"Tomorrow, we get you a ring." he told her.
"You don't have to do that, I'm the one who asked you to marry me!" JJ protested.
"JJ, I'm buying you a ring. I want to. You deserve it. And if I don't, I believe Garcia will hunt me down and kill me. I'm buying you a ring."
JJ smiled and let out a giggle, knowing that Garcia would squawk if Dave didn't provide a stunning engagement ring.
"You're right, of course. I will love anything you pick for me. I love you, Dave."