Katie grabbed his hand as he turned away from her. She got up and turned him round to face her. Then she kissed him. It was sweet and perfect and neither wanted it to end. It did however.
"You have no idea how long I've waited to hear those words." She breathed, her face still close to his. "Before Zack says how long it was, I'll tell you. I have been waiting seven years to hear you say that. That's how long I've loved you, Freddy. I was on the point of giving up, especially today when you rushed out without acknowledging my birthday. We've both been fools, fools in love. This couldn't be more perfect. Thank you."
She saw Zack grinning from over Freddy's shoulder. She rolled her eyes as she understood what he was getting at. He wanted her to get a move on with her end of the deal. He had done his and now he wanted her to do hers.
Katie disentangled herself from Freddy's embrace.
"Summer, could I talk to you in the kitchen, please. It won't take a moment."
They moved into the slightly more private kitchen area.
"Sum, I think I should let you in on a little deal I made with Zack."
Those left in the living area looked up as they heard Summer's shriek of glee. They looked over in time to see Katie clamp her hand over her friend's mouth. Then there was some frantic whispering and then they distinctly heard Summer say "This."
The next moment Summer had rejoined the group and had walked over to where Zack was sitting on one of the few armchairs.
Delicately she placed herself on his lap. He looked shocked and bewildered and not a little pleased.
Cautiously he shot a look at Katie who was watching closely. She nodded and he grinned as Summer kissed him soundly on the mouth.
Katie moved over to sit on Freddy's lap. They cuddled as they waited for Zack and Summer to finish snogging.
Dewey looked on in amazement, these kids never stopped surprising him.
Later when Katie had finished opening her presents and the party was on it's final legs, Katie happened to be lying quietly on the sofa when something heavy came and sat on her. Lazily she raised her eyes.
"Hello Zack." She said without much enthusiasm.
"Well, I think we can safely say that we killed the birthday girl. Go us! Hem! Well, I just wanted to thank you and to acknowledge that our deal is now complete. We both have our loves and both within the space of about 5 minutes. Good work!"
"To both of us. I assume that this party and that song are down to your insinuation?"
"You caught me! Good plan wasn't it?"
She kicked him onto the floor.
"Sorry honey, I'm not strong enough to hold both you and your huge ego!"
"Hey! I resent that!"