Chapter 23

A heavy knock came on the door as Randy got up and answered it, and as soon as he saw who it was he said, "What the fuck do you want Callaway?" Mark said, "Don't push you're luck boy...I came to see Rachel and Dave." David stood up and said, "What do you want Mark?" Rachel stood up and stood behind David and had a hold of is hand...He squeezed her hand to reassure her.

Mark walked in and put her script on the back of the couch and said, "I accidentally ran into Rachel in the hall and she dropped her script and I brought it back to her...Look, I know I'm the last person you wanted to see Rachel...I got that much from you watching the way you responded to me in the hall...I just wanted to apologize for what happened...While I was off for my suspension, I realized what a bad drinking problem I had...I'm not completely fixed, but I'm on my way...Dave, I have no hard feelings towards you...that ass kicking you gave me woke me up a little, but my daughter woke me up more. I just wanted to say that and that I was sorry about all the trouble...It won't happen again."

Dave and Mark shook hands, but Rachel remained behind David. All she did was nod to him.

Rachel was happy the rest of the night went off without any more encounters with Mark...She wasn't sure she could handle anymore. Now she was blind folded and stuffed into the front seat of the SUV with David, Paul, Stephanie, MJ, Kitty, and Randy.

Rachel said, "Have I told you guys how much you all REALLY suck?" They all started laughing at her and Randy poked his head through the seats and said, "This is the one time I can say this and not get my head knocked off by Dave...Pipe down birthday girl."

Rachel laughed as she heard David pop Randy in the shoulder and Randy grunted from it and Rachel said, "Thank you babe." Randy said, "How'd you know?" Rachel said, "Cause, you don't grunt when anyone else but David hits you." Earning another round of laughs at Randy's expense.

The SUV stopped and David got out and walked around to Rachel's side as everyone unloaded and David helped Rachel step out and Valet parking took the rental away. David kept a hold of Rachel as he led her through a door and music was playing, not loud or soft, it was just on. David stood behind her and slowly pulled the blindfold off.

Rachel's eyes focused to the dark surrounding and saw the Happy Birthday sign in the back and there were several tables decorated and as she turned around practically everyone from the company was there and all started singing happy birthday to Rachel as she blushed from the roots of her hair down to her toes.

David chuckled at her and kissed her neck and said, "Happy birthday baby." She turned around in his arms and said, "You planned this whole thing didn't you?" David smiled and said, "I did have some help...but other then that it was all my idea...You can thank me later." Rachel giggled and said, "And I bet you won't even have to remind me." David kissed her lips and said, "C'mon I want the first dance." As he took her hand and led her onto the floor.

The music enveloped them as David pulled her close to his body and whispered sweet words into her ear just to hear her intoxicating laugh.

The night was completely perfect there was dancing and drinking and great food and as the party was getting quiet, David pulled Rachel away from everyone and lead her through the hotel and out into the garden area and Rachel suddenly realized where they were.

David sat Rachel down on the concrete fountain as the colored water shot up around them...and he slowly sank to one knee in front of her...David cleared his throat and said, "You know where we are right?" Rachel smiled and nodded and said, "This is the same hotel we had our first date at." David said, "And our first kiss was right here in front of this fountain."

Rachel could feel the tears coming as she nodded and leaned over brushing her lips against David's as he said, "I brought you back here, cause this is where I fell in love with you...it's be an incredible year...and I want every year after it to be just as incredible, but it can't be that way, unless you agree to share my life with me...Rachel will you marry me?"

Rachel sat there stunned as David opened a tiny black velvet box and saw the tear drop shaped diamond; with princess cut side diamond stones on a silver band.

Rachel couldn't move...She couldn't even speak...she just nodded, as David slipped the ring onto her left ring finger and they both stood up and kissed in front of the fountain like they had a year ago with so much passion and love for each other.

Rachel couldn't have been happier as they walked back into the party and announced their engagement and got a round of hugs from everyone.

Rachel laid in David's arms that night after several hours of partying and several hours of loving making. She laid there watching as the moonlight made the diamond on her finger sparkle and shine like nothing she'd seen before. She couldn't wait to be his wife.