Chapter 23

After putting Dammit in the laundry room they went out to the driveway for Amica to have a little practice with the large SUV. Amica found that it wasn't as bad as she feared and were soon on their way to the license beauru. Even though it was a week day it still took over an hour before Amica walked out with her license.

AJ asked, "Would you like to stop and get some lunch before we go and get your things."

"I guess it is lunch time, I'm sorry that took so long," she appologized.

"There was no way that it was your fault. Now how do you feel about gyros? There's a great place in this shopping center."

"I love them! Let's go!"

They walked to Uncle Pete's gyro shop and went to the counter to order, "Would you like onions on yours?" AJ questioned.

Batting her eyes playfully she replied, "Only if you are."

"Two with onions," AJ ordered with a wide smile.

When they were finished eating they headed into Georgetown to Amica's old apartment. Her landlord told her he was happy with her recovery and let Amica and AJ into the storage area. There were only seven boxes so with a few quick trips they had everything packed in the Escalade and were back on their way to McLean where once again they carried the boxes.

Once everything was in the guest room AJ consulted Amica as to which of the two casseroles that Harriett had given him she would like for dinner. She chose the ham and cheese pasta dish and AJ put it in the oven to bake.

While the casserole was in the oven Amica did a little of her unpacking while AJ went to take a hot shower and a pain pill. Hauling the boxes had taken more of a toll in him than he thought it would. He didn't want to admit to her just how much a simple job like lugging boxes had taxed him. But then he remembered his promise to always be honest with her and he wondered how much his pride was worth.

He heard the oven timer go off and headed for the kitchen. Amica must have heard the timer as well. They met in the livingroom and went to the kitchen together. Amica set the table while AJ got the food there. They had just started to eat when AJ realized there was nothing to drink. He asked what she would like.

"Do you have wine?"

"I do, let me get some for you." He came back to the table with a bottle of white wine and a can of diet coke.

"Why the soda AJ?" she questioned.

As he poured her a glass he explained, "I'm afraid the box hauling was a little more than my back could handle. While you were unpacking I took a hot shower and a pain pill. That's why I can't have wine with you."

"Oh AJ I'm SO sorry! I didn't even think about your back while we were doing that! I'll never forgive myself if today caused you any permanent damage!"

"No permanent damage just more stiff and sore than usual. I should be fine by morning."

"Are you sure? Shouldn't we call your doctor?"

"I really will be fine Amica. There's no need to worry. I promise."

With a sigh she agreed, "Alright if you're sure."

"I am but thank you for worrying abourt me."

"Of course I worry about you. I love you!" she declared and then looked startled at what she had just blurted out.

AJ's heart melted at her words and the look on her face. He reached out and took her hand pulling her closer to him. "Amica I love you too!" he leaned his head down and kissed her tenderly.

The kiss ended and he just couldn't stop himself from asking, "Amica will you marry me?"

To be continued…