Oops, sorry about the mishap...it might have been too long. LOL. Anyways, hope you enjoy!

she said as she picked up the nice china, both hers and Troy's, and made her way into the kitchen, Troy following behind.

"Well, I have to say, for a freaky math girl like yourself, you can definitely cook," Troy said as he placed his arms around the front of Gabriella's hips, while she started the water.

"Well, thank you. And a basketball jock like you can actually wash up pretty good," she said looking back at Troy. "Let me just soak these, then we can go into the other room."

"Sounds good," Troy responded, as he glanced up at the round clock that hung on the kitchen wall above the sink.

Perfect timing. Chad will be here at 8:15. It's 8:12. Good. We will go into the other room right now, and I will make sure everything goes perfectly.

"Okay, I'm done," Gabriella said taking Troy's hand and started to head for the other room. "I was thinking maybe "A White Christmas" would be a good movie to watch?"

"Okay, Troy said as he sat down on the leather couch that sat on the wall directly across from the TV. Please work, please let this work.

Chad quietly made his way up the front walkway of Gabriella's house. He was very careful with the basket he was carrying, hoping to not make a noise. Please work……please! Chad thought as he stepped up to the front door, almost shaking from anxiousness.

"Let me just set this up, and we will be all good….."

DING-DONG. DING-DONG.

"Let me get that. It's probably like carolers or something," she said as she put down the remote control and headed for the door.

Chad glanced at his watch, checking for the time, as he looked down at the basket, making sure everything would go right. Anxious as he was, he was concentrating on the timing on everything so he would not screw anything up.

Gabriella made her way to the door, and gently placed her hand on the brass handle as she turned it ever so slightly.

This is going to be perfect; I know it is……Troy thought as he came up behind Gabriella.

Seeing the afro type hair through the faded glass, Gabriella continued to open the door. "Oh, hi Cha….."

All Gabriella saw was a yellowish, weaved basket sitting on the front step, and in it was a small black puppy, just sitting there staring her straight in the eye.

Gabriella just stood there, speechless, and almost to the point of shaking.

Wow. Look at her face. Just look at it.

"Troy……I-It's…the dog…from the pet store. But…" Gabriella said as she regained her ability to speak. She turned around, looking very confused. "But…it said it was adopted…" Gabriella gasped, as she nearly jumped onto Troy hugging him as she kissed him on the cheek.

Gabriella gently picked up the puppy in one arm, as she cuddled it next to her cheek. She interlaced her free hand with his. Cuddling next to Troy, with her head placed gently upon his shoulder, she began to embrace the puppy on her chest.

"Playmaker," she said as she looked down at the puppy. Troy smiled snuggling up to her closer than before. "Perfect."

Gabriella glanced up at Troy, looking into blue eyes. "Thank you…..for everything."

Troy gently kissed Gabriella on the lips. "I love you," he said.

"I love you, too."