This story is a work of fiction. I only own the characters that are non- WWE. Vince McMahon owns the WWE and characters. Do not distribute, do not sell, and do not sue. THANKS..***********

Lori felt Chris tense as he pulled his lips away. "What?" She questioned.

Chris put one hand up to his hair in dismay, "This wasn't how I meant to ask you at all. I wanted it to be special."

"Chris, it doesn't matter how you asked me," Lori chuckled. "You asked me, that's what matters."

"I know, I know," Chris acknowledged. "I don't even have a ring for you yet."

"Do you think I'm the kind of girl who cares about a ring?" Lori told him.

"No, somehow I know you're not that type," Chris agreed then promised. "You're getting one, though, as soon as we can go pick it out."

"Fine Chris," Lori hugged him happily knowing he was definitely the one.

"Can we tell my mother now?" Chris asked next.

"OK," Lori nodded.

As if she known they had spoken of her, Katherine reappeared in the doorway to the office.

"MOM!" Chris beamed as he looked at her. "Lori's agreed to marry me."

Lori blushed as she managed, "I know you know about the babies."

Katherine's face registered an immediate look of pure joy as she rushed over to hug quickly first Chris and then she turned and embraced Lori.

"Oh, welcome to the family, dear," The older woman gushed as she hugged her tightly. "My son loves you very much." Then Katherine released her hold and turned to address Chris once again, "So, I can tell the family now?"

"Yes Mom, you can alert the Winnipeg grapevine," He teased her then added. "But do it later, we're going to the jewelers to pick out a ring to make this official. Want to come with?"

"I'd like that very much Chris," She nodded. "But maybe that's something the two of you would like to do alone."

"No, it's fine," Lori told her warmly. "You can come with."

"OK," Katherine finally agreed.

A short while later they were at a well-known local jeweler and the couple was perusing the glass enclosed displays.

"How about that one?" Pointed Chris at an enormous heart shaped setting with a very large rock in the center.

'That's got to be at least 2 karats!' Lori guessed. "It looks kind of heavy," Lori commented knowing what kind of a price tag it probably had.

"Would you like to try it on?" Asked a suddenly attentive sales clerk already unlocking the case. "You'll find it really is quite light in weight."

"Oh do try it on dear," Encouraged Katherine coming over to view the exquisite item.

"It looks awfully expensive," Lori tried further.

"Lori," Chris chuckled as he gazed intently into her blue eyes; "that's my concern. Don't you worry about the price or I'll be forced to select a more expensive one. If you like it, I want you to have it."

"OK," Lori agreed weakly and slipped it on carefully observing it was a perfect fit.

"Well?" The sales clerk smiled at her after she wore it a moment.

"It's nice," Lori commented.

"Let me check the fit," The sales clerk told her and did so. "Ah yes, it fits you perfectly."

"Do you like it?" Chris asked her.

"Chris, it's so expensive," Lori protested.

"I didn't ask that," He told her firmly. "Let me try this again, do you like it?"

"Yes," Lori whispered.

"We'll take it," Chris nodded to the clerk.

"OK, do you want to wear it out?" She asked next.

"Yes, she will," Chris answered for the now speechless Lori.

"OK, let me just ring that up for you," The clerk smiled.

Five minutes and over three thousand dollars later, the trio walked out of the shop. Lori still was in shock over the amount Chris had just spent on her.

"What?" Chris gave her a quick squeeze. "Still bothered by the price tag?"

Lori nodded her head tentatively in an answer.

"Look Lori, nothing is too good for the woman I love," Chris smiled. "You'd better get used to that."

Katherine watched them with tears of joy in her eyes and chuckled to herself as she thought of the purchase she'd made when they were otherwise distracted. She bought Lori's Christmas present, a beautiful sapphire pendant on a golden 18" chain. 'Welcome to the family, my dear.' She thought happily.

The remainder of Katherine's visit was uneventful and by that time, Lori felt more certain of her acceptance of Chris's proposal.

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