Groaning loudly with frustration, Jason took his pillow out from under his
head and placed it over his face, hoping to somehow block the sounds coming
from outside. However, the soft object did little to drown out the annoying
sound of a lawnmower that was coming from his neighbor's yard.
Pulling the pillow away from his face, Jason glanced at his clock. He released yet another frustrated groan when he saw that it was only nine o'clock in the morning. He never got up at nine o'clock on a Sunday morning. Yet, as the sound raged on, Jason realized that there was a first time for everything.
Tossing aside his warm blankets, Jason removed himself from the comfort of his bed and crossed the room, clad only in a pair of plaid boxers.
Jason flung open his balcony doors and stepped outside into the cool autumn air of late October. Walking to the edge of the balcony, Jason was able to see none other than Jack Deveraux attempting to mow his near dead, yet terribly overgrown, lawn.
And, with a sense of bored fascination, Jason watched as his neighbor drove the riding lawnmower directly over the flower bed.. Wiping his eyes with his hands, Jason realized that his nutty neighbor was in serious need of assistance. And, since he was already out of bed and had nothing else to do, Jason figured he might as well head over and offer his help. After all, while he was there, he might be able to learn something about Jeremy to help with the battle for Mimi.
Jason quickly pulled open the top drawer of his dresser and retrieved a few articles of clothing before grabbing a simple hunter green shirt from the closet. Less than five minutes later, Jason found himself staring curiously over the fence as Jack cursed the machine causing him so many problems.
Clearing his throat, Jason stated, "You know, Mr. Deveraux, most people don't wait until the end of October to begin mowing their lawns."
Jack quickly spun around and stared at the teenager, obviously startled by his sudden appearance. Walking away from the lawnmower and toward Jason, Jack countered, "Well, I'm not most people."
"That's for sure," muttered Jason. Seeing the displeased expression that began to lurk upon Jack's face, Jason relented, "Look, I just noticed that you were having some problems with the mower and was wondering if you wanted me to help you. But, if you'd rather act like you know what you're doing and run the thing into the house, that's fine. I'll just go back to bed."
Jason was only able to take two or three steps away from the fence before Jack called out, "Wait! Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad for you and I took work together on this lawn. After all, I promised Jennifer that I would have it looking satisfactory by the time she, Abby, and Jeremy got home from visiting her grandmother."
As he unlatched the door of the fence and allowed Jason to walk through, Jack continued, "I don't understand why Jennifer is making such a fuss about the lawn. It's not that bad."
Taking a glance at the hideous looking lawn, Jason remarked sarcastically, "Sure, whatever you say, Mr. Deveraux."
Jack paid Jason no mind as he continued his rant, "If Jennifer Rose wants the lawn to look spectacular, perhaps she should call upon her dear friend Colin to come and do the work. After all, I'm not good enough for Jennifer to remarry, so how could I possibly be good enough to mow the lawn? Hmm?"
Giving Jason no time to make a response, Jack continued his rant, "I mean, if that scoundrel is good enough for Jennifer to choose over me, then surely he's good enough to mow this lawn. Don't you agree?"
"I guess, Mr. Deveraux."
Throwing his hands into the air, Jack haughtily questioned, "Mr. Deveraux? For goodness sake, my boy, I'm not that old. My name is Jack."
"Okay . . . Jack. Why don't we just work on taking care of the lawn and forget about women?"
"Forget about women? Humph, what a preposterous idea. How could one possibly forget about women. For that matter, why would any man ever want to forget about women?" His eyes widening, Jack sat down on the seat of the lawn mower and said, "Aah, I understand."
In return, Jason skeptically questioned, "You do?"
"Yes, my boy. It's quite obvious that you are having lady troubles. And, I get a feeling that those lady problems are actually your motivation for helping me."
Jason feigned innocence as he replied, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't kid a kidder, young man. I've pulled off a lot of schemes in my time. From the gigantic life-altering plots to the simple white-lie scams, I've done them all. So, I'm able to spot a con a mile away. What? Do you think that perhaps in exchange for help with my lawn I would offer you information about Jeremy?"
Shuffling his feet, Jason answered, "Something like that. But, you have to understand that he's all wrong for her. Jeremy's just some preppy little good boy who's looking for a girl that will conform. That's not going to be Mimi."
"Do you love her?" Jack bluntly questioned, all signs of humor erased from his face.
"Yeah, I think I do."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dropping his body into the booth at the Brady Pub, Philip greeted his friend, "Hey, Shawn. How's it going?"
Looking up from his plate of bacon and eggs, Shawn responded with an almost contagious smile, "Oh, things are going great. Actually, that's why I asked you to meet me here for breakfast."
Philip offered Shawn an almost suspicious look as he asked, "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah, I have some really great news."
His natural impatience showing, Philip replied, "So, are you gonna tell me this news or just hint at it all morning?"
If it were possible, Shawn's smile widened even more as he answered, "Belle agreed to go out with me. It was so cool, Phil. I took her out last night for a walk on the pier and just sorta asked her out. I feel like I've had this incredible weight taken off my shoulders."
Returning his pal's smile, Philip said, "That's great. It's just too bad that the homecoming dance is still a couple of weeks away."
Guilt was clearly written on Shawn's face as he replied, "About that . . . There's kinda been a change of plans concerning my date with Belle."
Philip held up his hand to silence Shawn. After releasing a heavy breath, Philip commented, "Please tell me that this new plan doesn't involve a love machine or knocking anyone into a pool or Chloe helping you wash your truck or you trying to make anyone feel better by throwing one of your insane parties."
"Not exactly."
"Not exactly? Shawn, where are you and Belle going on your date?"
Trying to appear entirely at ease, Shawn began to glance around the pub and run a hand through his dark hair. Quietly, he answered, "I'm escorting her to your costume party."
"My costume party?" Philip questioned. He voice rising, Philip continued, "I'm not having a costume party!"
"You are now."
"Shawn," groaned Philip, drawling out the name as though in physical pain. "Your parties never turn out like we plan."
Shawn's voice was unusually soft as he responded, "Philip, you have no idea how important this is to me. I've cared about Belle since we were just little kids. Some part of me has always known that we had a connection. So, it's been killing me to watch her and Zach together. You know how she flirts with him."
"Yeah, and I also know that she's only been doing it so you would wake up and finally ask her out."
"Maybe. But, that doesn't change the fact that I want to make this date a night that she'll never forget. Yeah, I want to take her to the homecoming dance, but I wanted our first official date to be something a little more special - and not near as far away. That's why you're having the party on Halloween."
Doubt plagued Philip's blue eyes while he observed, "But, that's like ten days away, and in case you've forgotten, the environmental trip is this week."
"Please, Philip, I'm asking you as a friend. I've already gotten the costumes picked out for me and Belle. It'll be perfect - if you agree to throw the party."
His romantic side getting the best of him, Philip answered, "All right, I'll talk to my dad and see if I can't convince him to hand the mansion over for the night. And, who knows? I'll call Chloe and maybe she'll come as my date."
A solemn expression quickly took over where a smile had been forming on Shawn's face. "Philip, you're joking, right?"
"No, why would I be?"
Shawn didn't want to hurt his best friend, but he would rather cause Philip a little pain than see him be transformed back into the jealous creature he had been during the last few months of his relationship with Chloe. "She doesn't want to be with you, Phil. I know you still care about her, but you have to see that the two of you are better as friends and nothing more."
Dropping his gaze to the tabletop, Philip quietly responded, "I suppose my mind knows that. It's just that I miss having someone in my life like that. I know that my relationship with Chloe was missing something, but that doesn't mean it didn't have a lot of good qualities. But, I guess you're right. It's definitely time for me to let Chloe go - for good."
"I agree. You two are going to be amazing as friends, though."
Showcasing his dimples, Philip commented, "Yeah, we are going to be pretty amazing friends. And, I have a feeling that this party just might be the only idea of yours that proves to be good. Someway, somehow, things are going to turn out for the best."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By early afternoon, Jack and Jason had somehow managed to make the formerly unattractive lawn into an almost lovely sight. All the fall leaves had been raked, the grass had been mown, and the flower beds were somewhat restored.
Their work complete, the two men sat relaxing in the kitchen of Jason's home. With his mother and sister gone to visit a relative, Jason was able to enjoy just hanging out with another guy without any female interruptions.
Still contemplating the earlier discussion, Jack casually asked, "Do you really think that girl is better off with you?"
His voice housing no weakness, Jason replied, "I know it."
"Then she should be with you. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that it's foolish for a man to try and hold onto a woman who not only doesn't want him, but is better off without him. Though it pains me to admit it, that is how things are with me and my beloved Jennifer. So, for that reason, I'll help you to make sure Jeremy doesn't find love with the young lady - for his own good. I don't want to see him get his heart completely ripped apart when the day arises that his beloved finally admits her heart doesn't belong to him."
Jason wasn't quite sure how to respond. Thank you seemed to be almost too shallow of a phrase to use. For the first time in a while, Jason almost felt hopeful about his romantic future. He began to chuckle lightly as he pondered how odd it was the Mimi Lockhart was the girl who finally made him fall in love.
"What's so funny?"
"I was just thinking about how I never would have believed six months ago that Mimi would turn out to be the girl of my dreams and that I would be doing whatever it took to make her fall in love with me."
"Love - it's truly impossible to explain or predict. I'm proof of that."
"How so?"
His mood remaining just a little more somber than usual, Jack answered, "I loved Jennifer with all my heart. But, it turns out that we just couldn't make our love last. It was that long-lost member of the Brady family that she wanted - not me. So, with Jennifer distracted with Colin, I turned to the beautiful princess. And, that turned out even worse."
Jason was almost intrigued by the tale his neighbor was spinning. It was rather nice to have a man around to share discussions about women and wrong choices. "How could it get worse?"
Thinking back to Greta introducing him to her gay friend Harold, Jack cryptically answered, "Let's just say that Greta tried to play matchmaker instead of showing romantic interest in me herself. Now, I have a feeling that she has been once again captured by her adoration of that dimwit Austin Reed."
Smiling, Jason appreciated Jack's sense of humor. And, as Jack stood and walked toward the door to return home, Jason wanted to tell him just how much he appreciated having Jack around. Instead, Jason merely waved goodbye and began to wonder why he had been cursed with a father that couldn't even live up to the standards of the neighbor.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For about the hundredth time since the idea had popped into his head, Brady wondered if he should just forget it. Standing outside Chloe's bedroom window, he realized it was probably a little too late to chicken out.
Following an example set by his uncle, Brady reached down and retrieved a few tiny pebbles to throw at Chloe's window. Brady hoped that he would be able to get her attention and sneak her out without any of the Wesley family knowing.
After the fourth pebble hit the window, Chloe appeared. Opening the window, Chloe curiously stared down at Brady and asked, "Brady? What are you doing here?"
"Come down, and I just might tell you."
Giving her classic look of exasperated amusement, Chloe shut the window and quickly made her way downstairs. She then slipped out the front door before any of her family members could notice her absence.
She was barely able to suppress an almost giddy smile as she neared Brady. There was just something about his smile that made her want to get lost in his eyes and forget all about the real world - something that made her want to feel his body against hers as she confessed all the secrets of her heart.
Forcing away all the desires that lurked just under her cool exterior, Chloe said, "Alright, I came down. Now, will you please tell me what you're doing here?"
"I have a surprise for you - and trust me, it's not something you're expecting."
"A surprise?" Chloe softly questioned. "Where is it?"
Smiling almost wickedly, Brady answered, "That's for me to know and you to find out."
A short time later, Chloe found herself quite nearly amazed. After being led to the penthouse, Chloe had been escorted out to the small balcony. And, there, Brady had soft music playing and flowers decorating the area.
Silently, Brady reached out and took Chloe's hand. He then pulled her willing body to his and began to gently sway to the music.
Feeling quite peaceful in the wordless dance, Chloe refused to allow those nagging logical thoughts to surface. On some level, she recognized how strange it was for Brady to be so silent and romantic. However, Chloe was far too intent on enjoying the rare moment to analyze it.
Continuing to hold Chloe close to him, Brady quietly said, "I know that you and I have had our share of arguments and that we haven't exactly had the most typical relationship. But, there is something rather traditional that I would like to do - even if our marriage is going to be anything but traditional."
After removing something from the pocket of his pants, Brady dropped to the ground and perched himself on one knee. As Chloe stood with her mouth literally hanging open, Brady said, "I realize that we don't have some fairy tale romance like you and Philip did. And, I also realize that we won't be getting married for the most holy of reasons. However, I want you to know that I do care about you and that someday you'll know just how much. Despite our different motives for getting married, I want you to know that I'm always going to protect you and that I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy. Chloe Lane, will you marry me?"
In a whisper, Chloe simply answered with teary eyes, "Yes."
With a light smile, Brady stood and slipped the exquisite diamond ring that he had been holding onto Chloe's finger - where if fit perfectly.
Lost in the moment, Brady spontaneously brought Chloe's hand to his lips and gently kissed her ring finger. Bringing his gaze up to meet hers, Brady gave in to his temptation and pulled Chloe to him once more - fully intending to take control of her lips with a powerful kiss.
And, only the shrill ringing of Chloe's phone stopped him.
Pulling the pillow away from his face, Jason glanced at his clock. He released yet another frustrated groan when he saw that it was only nine o'clock in the morning. He never got up at nine o'clock on a Sunday morning. Yet, as the sound raged on, Jason realized that there was a first time for everything.
Tossing aside his warm blankets, Jason removed himself from the comfort of his bed and crossed the room, clad only in a pair of plaid boxers.
Jason flung open his balcony doors and stepped outside into the cool autumn air of late October. Walking to the edge of the balcony, Jason was able to see none other than Jack Deveraux attempting to mow his near dead, yet terribly overgrown, lawn.
And, with a sense of bored fascination, Jason watched as his neighbor drove the riding lawnmower directly over the flower bed.. Wiping his eyes with his hands, Jason realized that his nutty neighbor was in serious need of assistance. And, since he was already out of bed and had nothing else to do, Jason figured he might as well head over and offer his help. After all, while he was there, he might be able to learn something about Jeremy to help with the battle for Mimi.
Jason quickly pulled open the top drawer of his dresser and retrieved a few articles of clothing before grabbing a simple hunter green shirt from the closet. Less than five minutes later, Jason found himself staring curiously over the fence as Jack cursed the machine causing him so many problems.
Clearing his throat, Jason stated, "You know, Mr. Deveraux, most people don't wait until the end of October to begin mowing their lawns."
Jack quickly spun around and stared at the teenager, obviously startled by his sudden appearance. Walking away from the lawnmower and toward Jason, Jack countered, "Well, I'm not most people."
"That's for sure," muttered Jason. Seeing the displeased expression that began to lurk upon Jack's face, Jason relented, "Look, I just noticed that you were having some problems with the mower and was wondering if you wanted me to help you. But, if you'd rather act like you know what you're doing and run the thing into the house, that's fine. I'll just go back to bed."
Jason was only able to take two or three steps away from the fence before Jack called out, "Wait! Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad for you and I took work together on this lawn. After all, I promised Jennifer that I would have it looking satisfactory by the time she, Abby, and Jeremy got home from visiting her grandmother."
As he unlatched the door of the fence and allowed Jason to walk through, Jack continued, "I don't understand why Jennifer is making such a fuss about the lawn. It's not that bad."
Taking a glance at the hideous looking lawn, Jason remarked sarcastically, "Sure, whatever you say, Mr. Deveraux."
Jack paid Jason no mind as he continued his rant, "If Jennifer Rose wants the lawn to look spectacular, perhaps she should call upon her dear friend Colin to come and do the work. After all, I'm not good enough for Jennifer to remarry, so how could I possibly be good enough to mow the lawn? Hmm?"
Giving Jason no time to make a response, Jack continued his rant, "I mean, if that scoundrel is good enough for Jennifer to choose over me, then surely he's good enough to mow this lawn. Don't you agree?"
"I guess, Mr. Deveraux."
Throwing his hands into the air, Jack haughtily questioned, "Mr. Deveraux? For goodness sake, my boy, I'm not that old. My name is Jack."
"Okay . . . Jack. Why don't we just work on taking care of the lawn and forget about women?"
"Forget about women? Humph, what a preposterous idea. How could one possibly forget about women. For that matter, why would any man ever want to forget about women?" His eyes widening, Jack sat down on the seat of the lawn mower and said, "Aah, I understand."
In return, Jason skeptically questioned, "You do?"
"Yes, my boy. It's quite obvious that you are having lady troubles. And, I get a feeling that those lady problems are actually your motivation for helping me."
Jason feigned innocence as he replied, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't kid a kidder, young man. I've pulled off a lot of schemes in my time. From the gigantic life-altering plots to the simple white-lie scams, I've done them all. So, I'm able to spot a con a mile away. What? Do you think that perhaps in exchange for help with my lawn I would offer you information about Jeremy?"
Shuffling his feet, Jason answered, "Something like that. But, you have to understand that he's all wrong for her. Jeremy's just some preppy little good boy who's looking for a girl that will conform. That's not going to be Mimi."
"Do you love her?" Jack bluntly questioned, all signs of humor erased from his face.
"Yeah, I think I do."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dropping his body into the booth at the Brady Pub, Philip greeted his friend, "Hey, Shawn. How's it going?"
Looking up from his plate of bacon and eggs, Shawn responded with an almost contagious smile, "Oh, things are going great. Actually, that's why I asked you to meet me here for breakfast."
Philip offered Shawn an almost suspicious look as he asked, "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah, I have some really great news."
His natural impatience showing, Philip replied, "So, are you gonna tell me this news or just hint at it all morning?"
If it were possible, Shawn's smile widened even more as he answered, "Belle agreed to go out with me. It was so cool, Phil. I took her out last night for a walk on the pier and just sorta asked her out. I feel like I've had this incredible weight taken off my shoulders."
Returning his pal's smile, Philip said, "That's great. It's just too bad that the homecoming dance is still a couple of weeks away."
Guilt was clearly written on Shawn's face as he replied, "About that . . . There's kinda been a change of plans concerning my date with Belle."
Philip held up his hand to silence Shawn. After releasing a heavy breath, Philip commented, "Please tell me that this new plan doesn't involve a love machine or knocking anyone into a pool or Chloe helping you wash your truck or you trying to make anyone feel better by throwing one of your insane parties."
"Not exactly."
"Not exactly? Shawn, where are you and Belle going on your date?"
Trying to appear entirely at ease, Shawn began to glance around the pub and run a hand through his dark hair. Quietly, he answered, "I'm escorting her to your costume party."
"My costume party?" Philip questioned. He voice rising, Philip continued, "I'm not having a costume party!"
"You are now."
"Shawn," groaned Philip, drawling out the name as though in physical pain. "Your parties never turn out like we plan."
Shawn's voice was unusually soft as he responded, "Philip, you have no idea how important this is to me. I've cared about Belle since we were just little kids. Some part of me has always known that we had a connection. So, it's been killing me to watch her and Zach together. You know how she flirts with him."
"Yeah, and I also know that she's only been doing it so you would wake up and finally ask her out."
"Maybe. But, that doesn't change the fact that I want to make this date a night that she'll never forget. Yeah, I want to take her to the homecoming dance, but I wanted our first official date to be something a little more special - and not near as far away. That's why you're having the party on Halloween."
Doubt plagued Philip's blue eyes while he observed, "But, that's like ten days away, and in case you've forgotten, the environmental trip is this week."
"Please, Philip, I'm asking you as a friend. I've already gotten the costumes picked out for me and Belle. It'll be perfect - if you agree to throw the party."
His romantic side getting the best of him, Philip answered, "All right, I'll talk to my dad and see if I can't convince him to hand the mansion over for the night. And, who knows? I'll call Chloe and maybe she'll come as my date."
A solemn expression quickly took over where a smile had been forming on Shawn's face. "Philip, you're joking, right?"
"No, why would I be?"
Shawn didn't want to hurt his best friend, but he would rather cause Philip a little pain than see him be transformed back into the jealous creature he had been during the last few months of his relationship with Chloe. "She doesn't want to be with you, Phil. I know you still care about her, but you have to see that the two of you are better as friends and nothing more."
Dropping his gaze to the tabletop, Philip quietly responded, "I suppose my mind knows that. It's just that I miss having someone in my life like that. I know that my relationship with Chloe was missing something, but that doesn't mean it didn't have a lot of good qualities. But, I guess you're right. It's definitely time for me to let Chloe go - for good."
"I agree. You two are going to be amazing as friends, though."
Showcasing his dimples, Philip commented, "Yeah, we are going to be pretty amazing friends. And, I have a feeling that this party just might be the only idea of yours that proves to be good. Someway, somehow, things are going to turn out for the best."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By early afternoon, Jack and Jason had somehow managed to make the formerly unattractive lawn into an almost lovely sight. All the fall leaves had been raked, the grass had been mown, and the flower beds were somewhat restored.
Their work complete, the two men sat relaxing in the kitchen of Jason's home. With his mother and sister gone to visit a relative, Jason was able to enjoy just hanging out with another guy without any female interruptions.
Still contemplating the earlier discussion, Jack casually asked, "Do you really think that girl is better off with you?"
His voice housing no weakness, Jason replied, "I know it."
"Then she should be with you. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that it's foolish for a man to try and hold onto a woman who not only doesn't want him, but is better off without him. Though it pains me to admit it, that is how things are with me and my beloved Jennifer. So, for that reason, I'll help you to make sure Jeremy doesn't find love with the young lady - for his own good. I don't want to see him get his heart completely ripped apart when the day arises that his beloved finally admits her heart doesn't belong to him."
Jason wasn't quite sure how to respond. Thank you seemed to be almost too shallow of a phrase to use. For the first time in a while, Jason almost felt hopeful about his romantic future. He began to chuckle lightly as he pondered how odd it was the Mimi Lockhart was the girl who finally made him fall in love.
"What's so funny?"
"I was just thinking about how I never would have believed six months ago that Mimi would turn out to be the girl of my dreams and that I would be doing whatever it took to make her fall in love with me."
"Love - it's truly impossible to explain or predict. I'm proof of that."
"How so?"
His mood remaining just a little more somber than usual, Jack answered, "I loved Jennifer with all my heart. But, it turns out that we just couldn't make our love last. It was that long-lost member of the Brady family that she wanted - not me. So, with Jennifer distracted with Colin, I turned to the beautiful princess. And, that turned out even worse."
Jason was almost intrigued by the tale his neighbor was spinning. It was rather nice to have a man around to share discussions about women and wrong choices. "How could it get worse?"
Thinking back to Greta introducing him to her gay friend Harold, Jack cryptically answered, "Let's just say that Greta tried to play matchmaker instead of showing romantic interest in me herself. Now, I have a feeling that she has been once again captured by her adoration of that dimwit Austin Reed."
Smiling, Jason appreciated Jack's sense of humor. And, as Jack stood and walked toward the door to return home, Jason wanted to tell him just how much he appreciated having Jack around. Instead, Jason merely waved goodbye and began to wonder why he had been cursed with a father that couldn't even live up to the standards of the neighbor.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For about the hundredth time since the idea had popped into his head, Brady wondered if he should just forget it. Standing outside Chloe's bedroom window, he realized it was probably a little too late to chicken out.
Following an example set by his uncle, Brady reached down and retrieved a few tiny pebbles to throw at Chloe's window. Brady hoped that he would be able to get her attention and sneak her out without any of the Wesley family knowing.
After the fourth pebble hit the window, Chloe appeared. Opening the window, Chloe curiously stared down at Brady and asked, "Brady? What are you doing here?"
"Come down, and I just might tell you."
Giving her classic look of exasperated amusement, Chloe shut the window and quickly made her way downstairs. She then slipped out the front door before any of her family members could notice her absence.
She was barely able to suppress an almost giddy smile as she neared Brady. There was just something about his smile that made her want to get lost in his eyes and forget all about the real world - something that made her want to feel his body against hers as she confessed all the secrets of her heart.
Forcing away all the desires that lurked just under her cool exterior, Chloe said, "Alright, I came down. Now, will you please tell me what you're doing here?"
"I have a surprise for you - and trust me, it's not something you're expecting."
"A surprise?" Chloe softly questioned. "Where is it?"
Smiling almost wickedly, Brady answered, "That's for me to know and you to find out."
A short time later, Chloe found herself quite nearly amazed. After being led to the penthouse, Chloe had been escorted out to the small balcony. And, there, Brady had soft music playing and flowers decorating the area.
Silently, Brady reached out and took Chloe's hand. He then pulled her willing body to his and began to gently sway to the music.
Feeling quite peaceful in the wordless dance, Chloe refused to allow those nagging logical thoughts to surface. On some level, she recognized how strange it was for Brady to be so silent and romantic. However, Chloe was far too intent on enjoying the rare moment to analyze it.
Continuing to hold Chloe close to him, Brady quietly said, "I know that you and I have had our share of arguments and that we haven't exactly had the most typical relationship. But, there is something rather traditional that I would like to do - even if our marriage is going to be anything but traditional."
After removing something from the pocket of his pants, Brady dropped to the ground and perched himself on one knee. As Chloe stood with her mouth literally hanging open, Brady said, "I realize that we don't have some fairy tale romance like you and Philip did. And, I also realize that we won't be getting married for the most holy of reasons. However, I want you to know that I do care about you and that someday you'll know just how much. Despite our different motives for getting married, I want you to know that I'm always going to protect you and that I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy. Chloe Lane, will you marry me?"
In a whisper, Chloe simply answered with teary eyes, "Yes."
With a light smile, Brady stood and slipped the exquisite diamond ring that he had been holding onto Chloe's finger - where if fit perfectly.
Lost in the moment, Brady spontaneously brought Chloe's hand to his lips and gently kissed her ring finger. Bringing his gaze up to meet hers, Brady gave in to his temptation and pulled Chloe to him once more - fully intending to take control of her lips with a powerful kiss.
And, only the shrill ringing of Chloe's phone stopped him.