Many times they had been to that park. Together they had eaten dinner in the park restaurant under the evening DC stars. A memory of the two of them ice skating just a few days ago came to mind, making her smile even bigger. So why the park? she thought to herself, but decided not to voice it and just to go with the flow. Snow covered spots of the grass, but it wasn't exactly a winter wonderland. Eventually, she found her arm looped in his. Another moment in heaven, she thought.

John walked back into the park, past the ice rink, the snow-spotted field, to a nice little fountain. Even though the fountain was off and drained for the winter, the snow gave it a bit of flavor. Slowly, the two of them sat on the edge of the fountain. Again, he smiled. "Monica, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," he began, obviously already saying it was making him nervous.

"Sure, what is it?" They locked eyes for a moment as she looked up to see him looking straight at her. He took her hand lovingly.

"I was going to wait until Christmas to ask, but..." Suddenly a spark lit in her eyes. What is it John? "Hear me out on this, ok?"

"Of course. John, what is it?" she asked again.

"I love you, Monica. I want to spend the rest of my life with you," heavily, he sighed. "Will you marry me?" A shock ran through her. For a moment, all she could think of was to hug him, so she did. Immense tears of joy filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks. Finally, through a huge smile, she spoke into his ear.

"Of course I will, John. Of course I will."