**Sorry for the lack of updates Donna McCormack Normal Donna McCormack 1 2 2001-10-21T14:21:00Z 2001-10-21T14:23:00Z 4 426 2429 Suncoast 20 4 2982 9.3821

**Sorry for the lack of updates! I've been so busty. We just had our county meet and well tat lasted until ten and by the time I got home I was so tired! Enjoy and sorry it's so short. I think Chap 23 will be the last but it all depends…Please review! Melissa**

Chapter Twenty-Two:

     It was finally time for the big surprise of the night. Tristan looked at Rory who was walking near the edge of the lake. Taking a deep breath he got up and walked quietly up to her and slid his arms around her waist.

" You scared me." She whispered.

" I know. Why are you whispering?"

" Sh. I don't want to ruin the peace."

" Oh. Are you ready for your surprise?"

" Yes I am. I have been for a while. Where is it?"

" Eager much?"

" Only when people tell me they have a surprise for me."

" Really? People do this often?"

" No. Just the surprise thing, not the candlelight dinner, flowers, music, and the whole nine yards."

" Good. I want to be the first and the only one to ever do this."

" Really?"

" Yes."

" Okay, surprise time! Gimme."

" Bossy too."

" Thanks."

" This way."

     Tristan took Rory's hand and walked over to his car.

" The surprise is your car?"

" No, it's in the car."

" Oh."

" Wait here."

     Tristan let go of Rory's hand and opened the door nearest to him. Leaning in he grabbed a small box and smiled knowing Rory would love it.

" Hurry up." Rory huffed impatiently.

" Really bossy."

" Please."

" Okay. Close your eyes and give me your hand."

" What?"

" No hand, no gift."

" Fine."

     Rory held out her hand and closed her eyes. Tristan took her hand and placed the box into her open palm.

" Open your eyes."

" What is it?" Rory said as she opened her eyes.

" Open it."

     Rory did as he asked and her mouth fell open when she saw the necklace. The gold chain shimmered in the moonlight and the sapphires shined lightly.

" Tristan?"

" It's a promise ring. I don't want to scare you but this ring represents what we have. I want to be with you forever and it symbolizes this promise."

" I love it."

" It's like that key you gave me. You trusted me enough to give me your heart and know I want you to know that you will always have mine."

" Okay."

" Okay what?"

" I know I can't buy you something this nice, ever, but I want you to know that I always want to be with you and you will always have my heart."

" I love you."

" I love you too."

" Come here."

" Okay."

     Tristan took the box and helped Rory but on the necklace before turning her around to face him.

" Don't cry." He said as he wiped her tears away with his thumb.

" I can't help it. This is so nice and I'm so happy. Everything is just so different."

" I know. Two months ago I never thought I'd be in love and with a girl who loved me back."

" Same here."

     Tristan moved closer to Rory and looked in her eyes.

" Kiss me."

" I am."

     Tristan placed his lips on Rory and gently started a kiss that was filled with love and promises.