Michelle was having one of the best days she had ever had. She and Karen had been shopping all day. They stopped in a little café for lunch and ended up spending close to 3 hours talking. Karen had really taken Michelle under her wing. Without a mother of her own, Michelle had never had a chance to do this type of thing. There had never been a 'mother type' figure in her life and the relationship she was forming with Karen was treasured to her.

Karen loved Michelle and was so thankful Tony had found her. Not only did she appreciate how happy Michelle made her son but also she loved how much effort Michelle made with her and David. Karen couldn't believe how well they had connected, there hadn't been a silent moment between them since they left the house. Michelle had helped her pick out an outfit to wear to a wedding she was going to soon and then they had found some earrings and shoes to match.

Michelle had seen a beautiful black jacket that she wanted to get for Tony. They had decided to wait until they were on the way home so she didn't have to carry it all day. It was after 6pm when her phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hi sweetie."

"Tony! How was your day with your Dad?"

"It was great. Are you guys still shopping?"

"Umm yes…"

"It's been like 9 hours!"

Michelle laughed at how surprised Tony was at their ability to shop for so long. "We will be home soon."

"Well Dad and I just picked up Emily and Jeff from the airport and we thought maybe we could just meet you down town for some dinner soon."

"Sounds good, I'll pass you onto your mum so you can figure out a place." Michelle lowered her voice, "I've thought about you all day Tony….I miss you."

Tony felt his stomach flip. "I've missed you too sweetheart."

Michelle passed the phone to Karen and then looked at some clothes whilst they worked out a place to meet up for dinner. When Karen hung up, Michelle had already found a couple of shirts she thought Tony would really like as well.

"Karen, do you think Tony would like these?"

"I think he would love them. Are you still thinking about getting the jacket too?"

"Yes definitely. I think it is so Tony."

Karen watched Michelle stare off into space for a moment as she thought about Tony. It sent tingles all over her body seeing how much she cared for him. Karen hadn't seen Tony so happy in as long as she could remember and she knew that was all thanks to Michelle. She knew Tony had spent the day searching for a ring and she was thrilled that Michelle was going to be her daughter in law. She hoped Tony asked whilst they were in New York, she wanted to be able to share the precious time with them.

Tony found himself so excited waiting for Michelle to walk into the restaurant. He had spent the entire day dreaming about her whilst they searched for a ring. He had found the perfect one, he knew it was it the one the second he saw it. It cost thousands of dollars but he hadn't even looked at the tag twice, he didn't care, he knew she would love it and that was all that mattered. He shoved his hand into his pocket and felt the small box, it was the 5th time he had checked it was still there in the last 10 minutes.

He saw her breeze through the door following his mom and he jumped up and went to meet her half way. All of her attention was on him as she dropped a pile of bags to the floor and threw her arms around his neck. It made him feel so good the way she let him know how happy she was to see him. He winked at his mom over Michelle's shoulder. He could tell by the way she smiled back at him that they had had a really good day. Michelle whispered in his ear before she pulled out of the embrace. "Hey handsome."

Tony leant in and kissed her quickly on the lips. "Hey beautiful."

Michelle then ran over and gave Emily, Jeff and David a huge hug. Emily had been saving the seat next to her for Michelle. She wanted to see everything Michelle and her Grandmother had bought so she begged them to pull everything out. Karen showed everyone her new outfit proudly, she was so excited about it.

Michelle pulled out a little package and handed it to Emily. "This is for you." Emily ripped it open to find a silver necklace with a little locket attached. Michelle went to put it on and do it up for her. "It's a friendship pendant….I want you to know I am always here for you, no matter what, ok?"

"Thank you so much Michelle. It's so cool." Emily gave Michelle a huge hug before turning to show it off to her Dad.

Michelle turned to Tony. "I got something for you."

His eyes lit up. "For me?"

Michelle pulled out the jacket and handed it to Tony. He held it up and grinned from ear to ear. "I love it Chelle." He stood up and pulled it on, everyone commented how good it looked. He bent down and kissed her. "You are so sweet, thank you. Is it ok if I wear it now?"

Michelle laughed. "Of course….but here I got you these as well. I couldn't resist because I know you would look so good in them." She handed him the other 2 shirts.

"Wow….do you get anything for yourself?"

"Ummm….no."

Tony held each shirt up for everyone to see. "These are great Chelle, I can't believe you got me so much…..and I can't believe you didn't get anything for yourself."

"I'm glad you like them."

Tony took her hand under the table. "I love them, thanks baby."

Dinner had gone perfectly but Tony cut it short saying he wanted to take Michelle to Central Park for a walk. Everyone besides Michelle knew what was going on so they all headed back to the apartment and got ready to celebrate. David and Jeff stocked up on alcohol while Karen and Emily went to pick up a cake and nibbles.

Tony was now scared to death. With all this stuff planned – what if she said no. He and Michelle were walking along side some water in a more secluded area. This was the perfect place, he just kept freaking out and not doing it. He needed her to say yes so much – he hated this feeling – of being so out of control.

Michelle was in heaven. Here she was with the love of her life in the most romantic place, the night couldn't get better. Tony had been acting a little strange all night though, almost like he was a little jumpy or something. Michelle found a secluded little area and threw the rug Tony had bought down on the ground.

Tony looked at the spot. "Here? You happiest here?"

Michelle went over to him and kissed his cheek. "What's up with you Tony….you seem all jumpy?"

"I just want to make sure it's the perfect place for you."

"Tony it's the perfect place because you are here……now come on I thought we were going to snuggle."

Tony went and sat on the rug, he patted the spot next to him for Michelle. When she sat down he took her hands and kissed them both. "You are so beautiful Chelle."