"Here you go, sweetheart."

"Thank you."

Merrill handed Alicia a cup of coffee and they sat at a table in Dean and DeLuca. Their table was next to a window that had a spectacular view of Rockefeller Center.

"This time tomorrow," Alicia said, "it'll be absolutely packed everywhere you go in the city. You said you've never been here for New Year's, right?"

"Nope. This'll definitely be the most exciting New Year's I've had in a while."

No words were spoken as they drank their coffee. They would look out the window, then at each other, and then back out the window. After sitting at the table for a good 15 minutes or so, Merrill carefully studied Alicia's face as she finished off her coffee. She caught him staring and giggled.

"What?" she asked.

"I was just…admiring you. It's not a crime for me to stare at my beautiful girlfriend, is it?"

"Of course not."

"So, you wanna go outside and look at the tree?"

"In a second. Let's enjoy the warmth for a few minutes."

Merrill picked up Alicia's hands and kissed them.

"Ali, this has been the best holiday season I've had since I was little. I never knew that one person could bring such a change and such happiness to my life."

"And I feel exactly the same way."

He caressed the hand on which she had her promise ring.

"So when I gave this to you, did you think this was an engagement ring?"

Alicia brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes as she smiled and nodded.

"I was about to freak out, to be honest with you."

"In a good way or bad?"

"Good. Very good."

"Would you have said yes?"

"Merrill…"

"Baby, tell me the truth. Would you have accepted?"

"Of course I would have. I love you to death- more than I've ever loved anyone in my entire life."

"So you'd wanna marry me?"

"Why did you say it like that? You're incredible! What girl wouldn't wanna marry you?"

He shrugged and replied, "I think that deep down I feel like…never mind."

"Honey, don't do that! Tell me!"

"I feel like this is too good to be true. I mean, you're the only girl I probably have ever been with who sees past Merrill, the baseball player. I know in my heart that if I were to be dropped from the team tomorrow, you'd still be here- and that scares me."

"Why would it scare you?"

"Because you've set such a standard. If something were to happen to us, I don't think I'd be able to give my love and affection to anyone else for a long, long, long, long time."

"So pretty much, what you're saying is that the thought of you falling in love so hard scares you."

"It's not that, Ali. It seems like every time I fall for a girl, something goes wrong. Before, I was fine with that- I knew that the girls I broke up with weren't my soulmates. I was waiting for the one. But now that I've found the one- you, I can't even fathom what it would be like to lose you. There's no other woman out there who even comes close to how amazing and beautiful you are."

"Merrill, why would you even think that I would leave you? I should be the one who would think that. Why would a gorgeous man on the brink of signing a major league contract want to be with a college dropout waitress- pretty much a failure at life- from Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania? We've only been dating for what- four months? And in the last four months, I've fallen so much in love with you that it terrifies me. It's only been four months and I feel like I've loved you and known you for years."

She placed her hands on top of Merrill's and continued talking.

"I'm not leaving anytime soon. When I wake up next to you every morning, I thank God over and over that I have you in my life. So I don't ever want to hear you say that you're worried about me leaving again. You hear me?"

Merrill moved closer to Alicia and traced the side of her face with his fingertips.

"And Alicia, I don't want you to ever put yourself down like that again. You are not a failure at life. Your spirit and your heart are what made me fall in love with you in the first place. I love you way too much to even contemplate giving up on this relationship."

He leaned in to kiss her and she turned away before their lips met.

"Why did you do that?" he asked.

"Because I want you to kiss me by the tree."

"Then let's go outside."

They left the café and went outside. They crossed the street and then went down a set of stairs to the skating rink at Rockefeller Center. Finally, they arrived at where the tree stood.

Alicia said, "I've seen this tree so many times, but tonight it's different. It feels like my first time. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm madly in love. By the way, that beanie looks so cute on you."

"It's not a beanie. Beanies are for geeks. This, my love, is a hat. Just a plain old gray hat that you pull over your head."

"Whatever it is, it looks hot on you."

"You're so cute. Come here."

Merrill put his hands on Alicia's waist and pulled her closer to his body. His pressed his lips against hers and ran his fingers through her hair.

"I'm glad we had that talk earlier," he whispered.

"Me too. I think now we know where we stand in our relationship."

"And we know that there's no way we're leaving each other."

Alicia smiled brightly and it made Merrill's heart skip a beat.

She said, "I remember coming here with Ellen last year around this time and we watched this guy propose to his girlfriend. It was so romantic and we were saying that we'd never find guys like that."

"If you don't mind me asking, how did Harrison propose to you?"

Alicia sighed and said, "Despite the fact that he just wanted my body, it was a very romantic proposal. He took me on a carriage ride through Central Park and we stopped at the Angel of the Waters fountain. Then he told me that he wanted to make me his wife and…yeah."

"How old were you?"

"20. I only said yes because I was infatuated with the idea that a handsome, older man wanted to marry me. And the ring was amazing. But then I realized that it was superficial and we broke up about six months after that."

"I never proposed to anyone. The thought of the rejection scares the hell out of me. Can you imagine pouring your heart out to someone and asking them to commit themselves to you forever- and they say no? That's why when I finally go ahead and do it, I want to be 100% sure that the answer will be yes."

"I think that restaurant proposals are so romantic. My dream proposal would be in an intimate, upscale restaurant and there would be no one in the room but he and I. Then violinists would come out of nowhere and start playing and…wow, that's really corny."

"No, it's not. I was taking mental notes."

"Oh you were?"

"Yeah…just in case."

Butterflies fluttered in Alicia's stomach at the mere thought of Merrill proposing to her. They spent a few more silent minutes just observing everything around them and Merrill broke the silence.

"It's freezing. You ready to head back to Ellen's?"

"Yes, but I have one request before we go."

"What is it?"

"Kiss me."

"Of course, baby."

Merrill pecked Alicia twice and then they both opened their mouths, warming their bodies with the kiss. Alicia let out a content sigh and ran her fingernails along Merrill's neck as they kissed. Then they stopped and smiled at each other.

"I love you, beautiful," Merrill said, pressing his nose against Alicia's.

"I love you too, stud."

About two hours later, Alicia came out of the guest bedroom that she was sharing with Merrill. She tiptoed to the couch in the living room, where Ellen was watching TV.

"Where's Tyler?" Alicia asked.

"He snuck in about 20 minutes ago. He wanted me to tell you goodnight, but he didn't wanna bother you guys."

"Oh. Whatcha watching?"

"Conan O'Brien. Is Merrill sleeping?"

"Like a baby. He was exhausted."

"So what were you doing in there? You guys got home a while ago and you were in the bedroom for a good hour and a half."

"We were…talking."

"Uh huh, sure. If a guy as hot as Merrill was my boyfriend, I'm sure I'd be doing a lot of 'talking' too."

"I'm serious! We love to just talk…about anything. It could be a serious conversation about our relationship or something random…like about our favorite movies. I could have a conversation with him for an entire day and not be bored. It's almost as if he's had no one to talk to for the past 20 years and he's letting it all out."

"Well, that's good. Not a lot of couples can talk like that and open up to each other."

"And when he talks to me, he plays with my hair or caresses my face- it gives me chills…no one's ever done that to me. He's completely broken my warped stereotype of men. He's changed my views on love, commitment, honesty..even sex."

Ellen laughed and said, "And how exactly has he changed your views on sex?"

Alicia's eyes lit up as she explained, "When I have sex with Merrill, it's more than just physical sex. It's like a spiritual experience. I know that sounds so phony, but it's so true. The way he holds me, the way he kisses me, the way he touches me…I know that he's not in it just to get some. I mean, it can get pretty heated and dirty, but even then he's still incredibly gentle."

"Stop! You're making me so jealous! He plays baseball, he's beautiful, and he's not just all about getting laid. Come on, Ali- I'm never going to find a man like that."

"Don't give up so easy. I remember feeling the same exact way. I thought that Harrison was going to be as good as it got."

"Well, I hate to leave this very interesting conversation, but we have a looooong day ahead of us tomorrow. We need our beauty rest."

"I couldn't agree with you more- I'm exhausted. I'll see you in the morning."

Ellen stood up and gave Alicia a hug and said, "Goodnight, Ali."

"Goodnight, Elle Belle."

They parted ways and Alicia went into the guest bedroom. She climbed into bed next to Merrill, and he woke up as she kissed his shoulder.

"Where were you?" he mumbled, wiping his eyes.

"Talking to Ellen."

"How long have I been asleep for?"

"About 45 minutes. I was telling you about my most embarrassing moment and you fell asleep."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize how tired I was."

"It's OK."

"So what were you two talking about?"

"I was telling her about what an amazing boyfriend I have."

"That was it?"

"Pretty much. I was telling her about how you've changed my views on so many things."

"Oh have I? Like what?"

"It's between her and I!"

"Am I gonna have to tickle it out of you?"

"No! Please don't tickle me!"
"Then tell me."

"Well, I was telling her about how when we have sex, it's not just about the physical pleasure. There are so many other aspects about it that make it so incredible- and I've never had that with any other partner."

Merrill reached behind Alicia's head and pulled the rubber band out of her hair, letting it spill onto her face and shoulders. Then he looked directly into her eyes as he spoke.

"Do you know what really gets to me whenever we're making love?"

"What?"

"Whenever you're on top of me, your hair surrounds my face and that Herbal Essences smell is all around me. It makes me feel as if we're the only two people on the face of the earth."

"Really? I'm glad you told me that, because I was seriously thinking about cutting my hair."

"How short?"

"Like to the top of my shoulders."

"No! I love your hair so much, you have no idea."

"More than you love me?"

"Not quite, but I do have a profound and deep love for your hair."

Alicia giggled and kissed him, saying, "You're such a nerd, Merrill."

He closed his eyes and snuggled closer to her body.

"This has got to be a dream," he whispered.

"What?"

"Being here with you."

Instead of replying with words, Alicia replied by kissing Merrill on the cheek. Then she continued planting kisses along his jaw line, then the corner of his mouth, and then on the lips directly. Merrill ran his hand through Alicia's hair as he took his time giving her a deep, explorative kiss. The only sounds audible in the room were that of the bustling traffic outside and their lips coming together, then pulling apart. After their kiss ended, Alicia rested her head on top of Merrill's chest and locked her arms around his waist. She took a deep breath and savored the scent of the shirt he was wearing.

"I love when you wear this shirt," she said.

"Why this shirt?"

"I don't know. It's so…masculine. And it's soft for me to lay my head on."

"Well, that's always the most important thing I consider when I choose what to wear to bed. 'Is it soft for Ali to lay her head on?' If it's not, then I won't wear it."

"Or you could just wear no shirt at all."

"Oh, Ali- you never cease to amuse me."

Alicia yawned and replied, "Whatever. Will you turn out the lights for me?"

"Sure."

Merrill got out of bed for a second and turned off all the lights in the room. Then he climbed back into bed and Alicia curled up in his arms again.

"Thank you," she said.

"No problem."

"I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too."

Merrill pecked Alicia twice, and their faces stayed inches apart from each other as they slowly fell asleep.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The next evening, a large group of people had gathered in Ellen and Tyler's apartment. Some were mingling and walking around, and others were in front of the TV. Merrill was one of those people, mystified by what he was watching.

"Ali, come here!"

Decked out in a party hat and noisemaker in hand, she sat in Merrill's lap.

"What's up, sugar?"

"Look at Dick Clark. I swear to you, that bastard does not age. He's an alien."

"How old is he?"

"I think he's almost 80, but look at him. I hope I look that fantastic when I'm his age."

"I'm sure you will, baby."

"That's so sweet, it deserves a kiss."

As Merrill and Alicia started kissing, Ellen threw a paper cup at them.

"No making out on my sofa unless it's me!"

Merrill asked Alicia, "What time is it anyway?"

"11:36. Less than a half hour to go until 2001."

Alicia kissed Merrill's cheek and got off of his lap.

"I'll be right back," she said.

She went into the kitchen and stood next to Ellen, who was on the phone. Alicia could hear the end of the conversation that Ellen was having.

"No, it's OK. You don't have to make it up to me. No, I swear it's fine. Yes. Uh huh. Promise? OK. Bye."

Ellen hung up the phone and sighed as Alicia asked, "Who was that?"

"The guy who was supposed to be my date tonight."

"The hot one who works for MTV?"

"Yeah- Jason. He sounds like hell- he's had the flu for a week, but it's gotten really bad."

"You should've called Ethan. I've still got his number."

"Nah, that would've been weird. You loved that kid so much when we were in high school, it'd feel like I was stabbing you in the back."

"But I've got Merrill now, so it's OK."

"Yeah..but it's still strange, you know?"

"Well, you don't need a man to celebrate New Year's. We're having plenty of fun. In fact…"

Alicia grabbed two shot glasses and a nearby bottle of Jagermeister. She poured one for Ellen and one for herself.

"Elle, here's to almost 8 years of an amazing friendship- and may 2001 make our friendship even stronger."

"Amen."

They braced themselves and downed the shots. Then they started to laugh hysterically at each other's reactions to the liquor.

Suddenly, Alicia felt arms around her waist and a voice say, "If you keep drinking like that, you'll be in bed all day tomorrow."

She looked up and found herself spellbound by Merrill's green eyes.

"In bed all day tomorrow, hmm? With you?"

"Not if you're hung over, baby."

He kissed her cheek and squeezed her tighter. As Ellen went to go talk to Tyler, Merrill moved his lips to Alicia's ear.

"As always, you're the most beautiful girl in the room."

"And as always, you're the most attractive man in the room."

"I feel bad. We haven't really mingled with anyone besides Ellen and Tyler."

"Well, we really don't know anyone here. It's mostly people from Ellen's job and Tyler's, too. Nobody is here that we went to school with…Elle, Ty and I were kinda like the Three Musketeers- we had each other and that's all that we needed."

Merrill and Alicia made random conversation with various people until it was close to midnight.

Ellen approached Alicia and said, "It's 11:50. We're all going up to the roof- come on!"

Merrill got his coat and Alicia's, and they went into the hallway. They followed Ellen to the roof and when they got up there, the bitterly cold air made them want to turn back around.

As Alicia slipped on her gloves, she pointed and said, "Merrill, look over there. You can see the ball about to drop."

Even from that high up, everyone could hear the commotion down in Times Square, which was packed.

"I would hate to be in that crowd," Merrill said, "It's a nightmare down there. I'm content right where we are."

"Me too."

"OK, so a year from now, what do you want to have happened in your life?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes, honestly."

Alicia coyly replied, "I'd like to have an engagement ring on my left finger."

Merrill smiled and said, "That doesn't seem too far-fetched if things continue to go the way they're going."

"What about you?"

"I'd like to be on a Major League team, of course."

"Anywhere specific?"

"No. As long as I was in the Majors, I'd go anywhere."

"What if they send you off to some team in Japan or something? I know that it happens to some NBA players when they first start out."

"Then I would go. It's my career. The question is, would you go with me?"

Alicia thought for a few moments and then replied, "I'd follow you anywhere. Even if you were playing in Siberia, I'd go with you."

At that moment, Merrill finally came to a realization. When Alicia told him that she would follow him anywhere, he saw in her eyes that she meant what she said. He knew that she would be the woman he'd spend the rest of his life with. Even though their courtship had been a short one, seeing the dedication to him in Alicia's eyes made him feel like he had loved her for ten lifetimes before.

"You know," Merrill said, "we had to have been lovers in past lives."

"What would make you say that?"

"Because whenever I look in your eyes, the feeling I get is…immense. It almost feels insignificant to call it being in love. I feel like I've loved you for an eternity…which obviously is much longer than the four and a half months we've been together."

As Alicia leaned in to give Merrill a kiss, he stopped her.

"Make this a good one. It's our last official kiss of 2000."

"OK."

They both grinned as their lips sealed in an intense kiss. Ellen's voice broke the romantic moment.

"10 seconds! 9, 8, 7…"

The voices from everyone on the roof mixed with those coming from Times Square as the last seconds of 2000 ticked away. Alicia rested comfortably in Merrill's embrace as the countdown ended.

"…4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!"

Party horns sounded and confetti showered Times Square as everyone cheered. Before she realized it, Alicia was wrapped up in a kiss with Merrill. After they finished their kiss, they looked into each other's eyes and it was as if the world around them came to a standstill.

Alicia said, "Happy New Year, baby. I love you."

"I love you too."

"You know, I have a feeling that 2001 is going to change the rest of my life."

"For better or worse?"

"Better. Much better. Another year with you and Graham, the kids..and especially Colleen- what more could a girl like me ask for?"

To a certain extent, Alicia was right. 2001 was going to change the rest of her life- but in ways that she never could've imagined.