NOTE: Okay, I guess I need to address this AGAIN. This is a fanfiction and I can do anything I want in it, LIKE make Neela Arab or Muslim or a shaker (She's none of those, even though people around her assume). I *did* have a plan to go with it that would reveal itself in the future little by little. If you don't like how this fanfiction is going or any other, you don't have to read :) I love this fanfic so I write it for myself not anyone else. It's a bonus when other people love it.

March 14th, 2004

Michael wanted tonight to be special. He and Neela had been working different schedules all week. He had barely been able to kiss her, but after she got off her shift they'd have three days of rest.

Michael had bought two dozen red roses and placed them around the dinning room. He lit candles around the room as well. It has a very romantic feel to it.

Michael had made garlic-broiled shrimp, rice, and asparagus for their romantic dinner. He had selected the Dave Koz CD that they had on the first night that they made love. He heard keys in the door. He stood in the living room with a single rose in his hand.

"I'm home." Neela stood in the doorway staring at him, "What's going on?"

"I missed you so much." Michael handed her the rose. She smiled softly as she smelled it. "I prepared a nice dinner."

"Good. I'm starved." She walked in the dinning room and smiled at the candles and roses, "It's so beautiful in here."

"That's because you're here." Michael gave her a soft wink.

"Did I forget an anniversary or birthday?" Neela asked. Michael chuckled.

"Just sit right there." He said walking into the kitchen. Neela stared at all the beautiful things around the room. Michael was up to something. There was no doubt about it. The music...That was the CD they played when they first made love wasn't it?"

"It smells delicious." She said as Michael came in with the food.

"Well enjoy this." He put it in front of her. She smiled.

"Shrimp. What did I do to deserve such wonderful treatment?" She asked.

"You were born." Michael said to her. Neela chuckled.

"You're already getting lucky. You don't need to try so hard." She said.

"I'm serious, Neela. I love you with all my heart." Michael said. Neela smiled softly at him.

"Good, 'cause I love you with all my heart." She said.

"I wanted to run something by you." He said. Neela nodded as she sipped her wine.

"All right." She said. Michael cleared his throat and looked at her.

"Well, Neela, I think we should get married." He said. Neela's eyes went wide as she nearly choked on her wine.

"Wh-What?" She whispered. Her hands shook slightly.

"I would like to marry you, Neela. I have my grandmother's ring." He said, pulling out a small black box. He showed it to her.

"Oh my God, Michael." She said. Neela felt faint. She never had expected this in a million years. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest.

"I know it's soon, but I feel it's right." Michael said, "If you're not ready, I'll understand, but I know what my heart is saying. I want you to be my wife."

"Oh Michael..." She stared at the ring. It was so beautiful. She looked into Michael's eyes. Her parents would flip, but who cares. A smile came across Neela's face; "Of course I'll marry you!!" She laughed as Michael took in a big breath and slid the ring on her. This was so great. Now, they had the job of telling their families.

April 10th, 2004

So they were engaged. Michael and Neela were so thrilled and happy about it. Neela's parents weren't as happy though. They yelled at Neela for an hour over the phone about marrying an American. Then her father moaned about how he knew he shouldn't have sent her over seas. As if he had a choice.

"Have you set a date, Neela?" Susan asked her as she watched Neela sew a man up. She giggled softly and shook her head.

"No. But maybe in August of next year." She shrugged.

"August is a lovely month." Susan said, "Those are beautiful stitches. Will you both be Dr. Gallant?" Neela smiled. She'd be a doctor by then.

"Dr. Neela Gallant has a nice flow to it don't you think?" She asked.

"Beautiful." Michael stood in the doorway. "You almost ready to go?"

"Yeah I am." She said looking at her patient, "There you go, Mr. Burns. Come back in ten days to have these taken out."

"Thank you, Doctor." Mr. Burns said. Susan smiled.

"Have fun, you two." She said.

"We'll try." Michael said.

* * *

Michael pulled the car up to his sister's house. Neela smiled softly.

"Okay, my niece is Annika. They adopted her from Russian when she was three months old." Michael said as they got out of the car.

"And Jake is your brother in law, Right?" Neela said.

"Correct. You'll do fine. You like Susan." He said walking up the ramp and rang the doorbell. Neela smiled when she heard a little girl squeal about getting the door. A little blond hair blue eyed girl opened the door. She certainly couldn't pass off as Susan's kid.

"Uncle Mike!" She threw her arms around his legs.

"Hey squirt." He smiled, "I want you to meet, Neela. She's going to be your new aunt." Annika looked at Neela and extended her hand.

"I'm please to meet you." Annika said. Neela chuckled as she shook Annika's hand.

"I'm pleased to meet you as well." She said. What a nice child.

"Annie, you're letting the heat out. Jake walked to the door. Neela stared at him. So this is the parent they matched Annika with. Jake had blue eyes and blond hair and Lord, was he good looking. "Neela I presume?"

"Yes. That's her." Michael winked at Neela as they walked in. Susan wheeled herself in.

"Finally you guys are here." Susan chuckled, "I'm starved."

"Yeah, sorry about that. Patients, they never seem to stop." Michael chuckled softly as they went into the living room.

"Now let me see that ring of yours." Susan took Neela's hand, "It looks gorgeous on you."

"I think so as well." Neela said.

"It's been in our family for generations. When Nana died, she left it to Michael." Susan said.

"And it will continue to be in our family for many generations to come." Michael slid his arm around Neela's waist. They already planned on giving it to the first child of theirs who got married, but hopefully that's be a long time away.

* * *

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