He'd never bought a dress before; never had a reason for it. And as Jack pulled into the parking lot of The Broadway department store, he had no idea what he

was doing.

The place was a monstrosity; a giant sand-colored building surrounded by palm trees. Jack groaned at the sight of it. This trip was sure to be a disaster. He took

a deep breath and climbed out of his car, thankful that it was mid-morning and the parking lot was mostly empty. He only hoped that the store was empty as

well.

The moment he pushed open the glass doors he felt a sense of apprehension unlike anything he'd ever experienced. He'd created fabulous gourmet meals for

some of the most well-known people in California, but that kind of pressure was nothing compared to the pressure of going into a huge department store to buy

women's clothing.

His eyes moved around the vast store in bewilderment. How in the heck did people shop in a place so large? The store was easily ten times bigger than his

apartment and he was beginning to realize that he might never find what he was looking for own his own, but he defiantly didn't want to ask for assistance.

Casually he strolled through the store, past the cosmetic and perfume counters, through housewares and sporting goods, children's goods, shoes, and even

lingerie. He stopped to admire a particularly lacy (and barely there) nightgown, but did so discreetly. Lingerie was best observed when a beautiful woman was

wearing it and not when it was on a hanger in some overrated department store. He glanced at the price tag and very nearly fainted.

"A hundred and fifty dollars?"

"Sir, can I help you?"

He whirled around, finding himself face to face with a stern looking sales associate. He'd been caught. "I-I-I-I-I…" he stammered.

The sales associate became agitated. "Well, what is it? Did you need something?"

"Um yes, I'm looking for a dress…" He said nervously, whispering the last word.

"I'm sorry a what?"

"A… dress…" He said a little louder.

"Oh, the dresses are over there!" The woman said a bit too loudly.

"Um, where?"

"Over there! The women's dresses are behind that wall over there!"

Jack cringed. Again with the yelling! What kind of place was this? "Th-thank you." He said, ducking out of sight.

Feeling more self-conscious than ever he made his way in the general direction of where the woman had pointed. Sure enough behind the wall, he saw them…

hundreds of them, in fact, neatly placed on racks. Dresses in all shapes, colors and sizes. Oh God, how was he ever going to find the one he wanted? Acting as

cool as possible, he walked over to the section and began thumbing through the rack of dresses, while silently praying that no one would see him.

"Can I help you, sir?"

"MOMMY!" Jack screamed, for the sales associate had nearly scared him to death. His heart was thundering in his chest as he turned around. "I-I'm looking

for-."

"A dress?" the sales associate finished.

"Yes, a dress. I-."

"What size?"

Darn it, he'd completely forgotten to find out that information beforehand. What was wrong with him? "Um, about that size." He said holding his hand above his

head.

The sales associate sighed, clearly not amused by his attempt at humor. "Well the dresses are all arranged by size so if you see something you like-."

"Actually I'm looking for something very specific." He said. "A light blue dress with thin straps, um, pink and blue ruffles around the neck and a pink band around

the waist."

The sales associate's eyes shot up. "Well, that is certainly specific. I'll see if I can find something remotely close to that."

"No, it has to be exact." Jack said. "I need a dress with those exact specifications."

"I don't think we have anything that-."

"Please!" he shouted. "I'll do anything! I've got to have that dress!"

"Sir, if you'll just calm down, I'll see what I can find, all right?"

Jack nodded. "But do it quickly, okay? I'm kind of in a time crunch."

"I can see that."

He shifted his feet nervously while he waited for the sales associate to return and began pushing through the racks of dresses. Something has to be here,

something…"

"All right. I found this, and I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but-."

"Let me see that!" Jack snatched the dress from the woman's hands as a smile crossed his face.

"If you don't like that one, I have these as well."

"Thank you. Now can I have a few minutes to look at these?"

"Certainly."

When the sales associate disappeared, Jack looked at the first dress. It was green with a plunging V-neck and black lace around the bottom. Not at all what he

wanted. How hard was it to find a blue dress with a pink and blue collar and a pink band around the waist? Annoyed, he hung the green dress haphazardly on

the rack. Then he picked up the second dress. The moment he saw it, his spirits soared. Yes, this was it! Well, not exactly, but close. It was definitely blue and

pink but this one was a light pink with slightly thicker straps and soft blue ruffles around the collar. The waist was cinched turned to the full length mirror and

held the dress in front of him. It was perfect.

"Well, Jack, I never thought I'd see the day! You're finally buying a dress!"

Jack groaned and reluctantly turned around to see Mr. Furley wearing a grin the size of Texas.

"Mr. Furley…"

"What are you doing Jack, shopping for a big date?"

"Actually, I-."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me. I know how it is. But are you sure that's your color? I think that green number over there goes better with your

complexion!"

Jack laughed nervously. "Thank you for the fashion advice, Mr. Furley. What are you doing here anyway?"

"Oh I just came to get a present for my mother. It's her birthday on Monday and well, I don't want to procrastinate!"

"No, you certainly don't want to do that! Well how about some nice perfume from over there on the other side of the store?" Jack offered. Mr. Furley certainly

had an odd idea of procrastination; given that Monday was only three days away.

"Perfume, huh? Say, that's a good idea. Maybe you should get a job here if that cooking thing doesn't work out."

"Thanks, Mr. Furley. I'll see you later."

"Not if I see you first! And make sure you get a dress that's comfortable, okay?"

"Sure thing. And can we just keep this between us?"

"Oh sure, Jack! No problem at all!" Furley laughed.

When Mr. Furley was (thankfully) gone, Jack carefully removed the pink dress from the hanger and brought it over to the counter. "I'll take this one."

"Oh, great. I'm glad we could help you."

"I am too, but I'm in a hurry so if you don't mind…" He pulled out his credit card and handed it to the sales associate who was at this point more than annoyed.

She rang up his purchase, removed the security tag and stuffed the dress into a bag without a word.

"Have a nice day." Jack said. He didn't bother to wait for a reply. He wanted to get the heck out of that store before someone else saw him. Seeing Furley was

about as bad as it could get and he hoped and prayed that Furley would keep his word and not breathe a word to Janet or Terry.

He sprinted through the store, ignoring the confused looks of the sales associates and customers and when he reached his car he slammed the door, breathing a

sigh of relief. Now all he had to do was figure out how to get home and make sure that everything went smoothly.

The minute he arrived home he crept into the apartment and went to work. The place was empty, but he knew that he didn't have much time, for any minute-

A knock on the door caused Jack to curse under his breath. Figures. It was probably Furley wanting him to model the dress. He considered not answering it, but

then thought better of it. Furley had a key, after all. He laid the box on his bed and crossed the living room to the front door.

"Hey, Jack what's up?"

Jack sighed. Of course, Larry; the absolute last person he wanted to see. "Hey."

"What kind of greeting is that for your best friend?"

"Some best friend." Jack muttered. He expected Larry to snap back, but Larry didn't seem to notice. No doubt he had a woman on his mind. That made two of

them.

"Say, why don't we go down to the Regal Beagle and have a few beers. I am beat! I have had the worst day at work!"

"Larry it's not even noon!"

"I know right? Imagine how bad my day would have been if I had stayed till closing time!"

"So you left work early again? Don't you think your boss is going to catch on?"

"Nah, not if I play my cards right. And speaking of cards…"

"Um look Larry, I'll have to take a rain check because I have a lot to do today, all right? No hard feelings."

"Whatever you say, pal. But don't expect me to return the favor!"

"I won't." Jack said. "Goodbye, Larry." Once his friend was out of the apartment, Jack went to work. He returned to his bedroom and removed the dress from the

bag, laying it across his bed. It certainly was beautiful and he had to make sure it stayed that way for the next few hours. Several minutes later he'd found a

box, some tissue paper and some old Christmas wrap stashed in the girls' closet. Then he hurried to the room he was most comfortable in; the kitchen.

Hours later, the apartment smelled like heaven as the aromas of his Italian specialties wafted through the air. He gave a quick stir to the sauces and checked his

watch. With any luck things would happen just the way he planned.

Sure enough at precisely 4:23 he heard a key in the door and he raced into his bedroom to get everything ready.

"Something sure smells good." He heard Terri say. It was his queue to put his plan into action.

He emerged from his bedroom clean shaven, dressed in his favorite sweater and slacks. "Terri, I didn't hear you come in."

She looked at him, puzzled. "Hi Jack. What's going on?"

He feigned surprise. "Nothing, why would anything be going on?"

"You're all dressed up and the place smells wonderful. That can only mean…" Her mouth lifted into a grin. "Oh, you've got a big date tonight. Well, she's one

lucky lady. Don't worry about me. I'll get out of your hair. I saw Larry downstairs and he asked me to get a beer with him at the Regal Beagle. Larry, of all

people! Can you imagine?"

"You don't say?"

"I think I'll join him. I'm beat. I've had a tough day."

"You can't!"

"What?"

"I mean… You can't tonight. You're busy!"

"I am?"

"No, I mean yes! I mean-."

She put her hands on her hips. "What do you mean, Jack?"

"I-dinner's ready so why don't you make yourself comfortable so we can eat?"

"What about Janet?"

"Um, she has a date tonight."

"That's weird. She never said anything to me about a date."

"It was last minute." He said a little too quickly. Now go and change, okay?"

"All right."

When Terri retreated to her room, Jack hurried to his room and grabbed the box wrapped in Christmas paper and sat it discreetly on the sofa. Then he set the

table in the kitchen, complete with candles and flowers.

Minutes later, Terri entered the kitchen, wearing a close fitting shirt and a pair of even closer-fitting jeans. The sight of her was enough to send him in to orbit.

"Wow…"

She glanced at her clothes. "Am I under dressed? I thought you had a date"

He smiled and came closer, taking her hand in his. "I do… with you."

"Jack, what's going on?"

"Dinner is served."

She allowed him to pull the chair out for her to sit and took the cloth napkin he handed her. "Thank you. This is…"

"I hope it's to your liking."

He began to serve the meal and then sat down beside her. "So how was your day?"

"Oh you know, typical. There was this one patient who…." As she talked insistently about her day, he found that he was no longer listening. He was simply

staring at her wondering how he'd gotten so lucky. She was the best roommate anyone could ask for and he thanked the stars that he'd cut his finger and gone

to the emergency room, even if their first meeting was incredibly tense. But the memories that came after made him cringe.

"Jack, are you all right?"

"Finish your dinner. Would you like some more? Some wine, perhaps?"

"I'm okay, thanks. But-."

"I'll be right back."

Ignoring her puzzled look, Jack went into the living room and retrieved the box wrapped in Christmas paper. And then he returned to the kitchen, smiling when

he saw Terri enjoying her meal.

"Jack this is just wonderful. Thank you so much but what's the occasion?"

He sighed and poured two glasses of wine. "Well, actually this is for you."

"For me? What's for me?"

He took her hand and led her into the living room. "Have a seat."

"Okay, but what about dinner?"

"In a minute. I wanted to talk to you."

"All right. Sounds serious."

"It is."

"Okay. Well, whatever it is just say it. After all we've been through, I can take it."

He held the box out to her. "This is for you."

She looked at the gift and laughed out loud. "Jack, it's nowhere near Christmas. What is this, some kind of gag gift?"

The words made him cringe. "Um, no… I couldn't find any other paper, but please… just open it all right? I swear it's not a gag or a trick or anything. I just-."

"All right. She took the box and began to unwrap the paper and then lifted the lid, revealing the crumpled white tissue paper. "I can't imagine what this could

be."

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he watched her fold back the tissue paper. But he wasn't prepared for her reaction. "Oh my…. Jack this is… My

God…" She lifted the dress from the box and held it in front of her. "Jack…" And then she burst into tears.

"Terri, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to… Oh God, this was exactly what I was afraid of. I'm so sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was upset you again."

"Upset? You think I'm upset?"

"Well, you're crying and the last time you did that-."

"Jack Tripper this is… absolutely beautiful. It's stunning. I can't thank you enough for this."

"I kept the receipt so if it's not the right size or you don't like it you can return it, but please don't make me go into that departments store ever again."

"Absolutely not! I will not return it no matter what you say! This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!"

"Really?"

She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his, but only for a moment. He barely had time to think before he kissed her again. "You're not angry?"

"Angry? Are you crazy? I just-I… what's the occasion?"

"No occasion."

"Jack, you don't just go out and buy a gorgeous dress like this without there being an occasion. My birthday was months ago and you already gave me that

wonderful book. In fact I've read it twice."

He took her hands in his. "I'm glad you like it so much, but this has nothing to do with the book or Christmas or your birthday. It's about the party."

"What party?"

"The party for Cindy."

"Jack, we already-."

"No. We haven't discussed it; not really. Terri, I feel horrible about the way I treated you. It was appalling and I embarrassed you in front of everyone. I can

never say I'm sorry enough, but I wanted to replace your dress because you looked so beautiful in it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find one that was remotely

the same so I hope-."

She took his face in her hands and kissed him-a real kiss-one that was dangerously close to sending him into orbit yet again. He knew better than to read

anything into it but it took all the strength within him not to do so.

"Jack Tripper I wholeheartedly forgive you on one condition. That you forgive me for treating you the way I did."

"There's nothing to forgive. You didn't ruin my clothes. Maybe my ego, but I deserved it."

She hugged him tightly and began to cry. "I love you, Jack. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Terri. You're the best."

"And so are you, Jack." Suddenly she drew back in surprise. "Oh no, I forgot about dinner!"

"It's okay. I can heat it up again."

"You do that and I'm going to go change my clothes."

"Change? But you already-."

"The dinner, Jack!"

Jack hurried to the kitchen and turned the heat up on the stove and then made some more pasta. He whipped up another salad and by the time he was

garnishing the spaghetti with the homemade meatballs, he heard her voice.

"I'm ready."

He looked up and almost dropped the pan of sauce onto the floor. "Oh my God…."

"What? What is it?"

He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was wearing the dress… the one that he'd gone through such an ordeal to buy. It fit her perfectly and it looked better

than he could have ever imagined.

"You look incredibly beautiful."

"So do you, Jack. I-I mean…"

"Thank you."

"Shall we finish our meal?"

"That's a good idea."

They sat down and clinked their wine glasses together. "I know this isn't a date, Jack, but I have to say that this has been the most wonderful evening I've had

in a long time. And it's not because of the food. It's because of the company."

Jack smiled and touched his forehead to hers. "I was thinking the same thing."

THE END