The last scene opens with Seth and Summer tucking Zoe into bed. Her pajamas are on and she is under the covers. Both Summer and Seth are laying beside her in her bed. Summer has her arm around the little girl. The lights are out, but a night light illuminates the room enough for them to see each other. It is story time before Zoe sleeps. Seth has volunteered to tell the story.
Summer: Okay Zoe, are you ready for your story now? We've brushed our teeth, we've gotten a drink, we've gone the bathroom, and we said goodnight to Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats. There's nothing else to do, right? (Zoe yawns before shaking her head no.) Good. Cohen, hit it.
Seth: Hit what?
Summer: (She rolls her eyes at him.) You are telling the story, are you not?
Seth: Yeah.
Summer: Well, start.
Seth: (He smiles.) Oh, I get it…hit the story. (Summer leans down and whispers in Zoe's ear.)
Summer: See, not only does he look like a monkey but he's as smart as one, too! (Zoe laughs at Summer's comment, while Seth pretends to think it is hilarious and chews the scenery while faking to slap his leg and bursting into fits of mock laughter.)
Seth: Now that we've all had a good laugh at my expense, I shall begin the story.
Summer: (Again she leans down to Zoe.) Only took him twenty minutes to get around to it. (Zoe and Summer both laugh again, but this time Seth doesn't even pretend to find it humorous. Instead he folds his arms across his chest and starts to pout.)
Seth: You know what, Summer, for your comments, your character in my story is going to die! Haha, how do you like those apples?
Zoe: NO! Seth you can't kill Summer! I love her! (Seth realizes that his baby sister does not understand that he was only teasing, and he immediately regrets what he said and starts to try to make it up to her.)
Seth: Oh, I'm sorry Zoe; I was just teasing. I would never kill Summer, don't worry. How about I make her a super hero in my story to make up for what I said.
Summer: Oh I don't think so, Cohen! This story will have nothing to do with comics what so ever, and if you dare break that rule, you'll never get to tell the bedtime story again. Do you understand me?
Seth: Yes Summer. What type of story do you want then?
Zoe: I want to hear about how you two fell in love? (Summer laughs.)
Summer: This ought to be interesting! Good luck explaining our first…date. (Seth's face drops and his mouth falls open, but then he smiles all of a sudden and winks at Summer. She doesn't say anything but sits back down and makes her self comfortable hoping that Seth did not make a fool out of them in front of his two and a half year old sister.)
Seth: So, Zoe, it all started many years ago back when Summer and I were just a little bit older than you.
Zoe: Wow, you guy's have known each other for a long, long time, because you're old.
Seth: Yes Zoe, we're very old, ancient.
Summer: (She hits him.) Watch it Cohen! I better not hear you ever say I'm old again, do you understand me?
Seth: Yes Summer. So, anyway, for me, it was love at first site.
Summer: More like lust!
Seth: Who's telling this story?
Summer: Fine, tell it your way, but you're lying to the child.
Seth: I am not.
Summer: Whatever.
Seth: Anyway, I fell in love with Summer the moment I saw her, but it took many long years of her ignoring me for us to finally become a couple, but I never gave up on her. I used to watch her every move to make sure that she was comfortable and happy. I'd listen to everything her melodic voice said hoping to learn everything there was to know about my beautiful Summer Roberts.
Zoe: So, she was always pretty?
Seth: The prettiest. (Summer takes his hand in hers and kisses it before sliding down in the bed and making herself comfortable.) Summer, what are you doing?
Summer: I've decided that I want to hear this, so keep talking. (Seth smiles at Summer before continuing with the sage.)
Seth: Well, I have too many memories to share them all, but there are a few Summer stories from when we were in elementary school that really stick out in my memory. Of course, you've both heard me tell the mermaid story many times along with the tale about the squirrel, but there are some I've never shared. In second grade one day Summer was playing jump rope with all of her friends when this new girl came over and asked to play with them. All of the other little girls laughed at the new girl and made fun of her clothes and pulled her hair. When the girl began to cry and run away, Summer went off, in what I later learned was a rage blackout, and pushed and punched her way through all her friends making every single one of them cry. Then she told them to leave, and they listened. After they were gone, she ran over to the crying new girl and asked her to play with her. Eventually Summer's friends apologized to the little girl they had made fun of and Summer forgave them because she was too kind hearted not to, but from that moment on, I thought Summer was the bravest person I'd ever met. Of course she never noticed that I had watched the entire thing and looking back I'm ashamed because I hadn't done anything to help, but knowing me, I would have just ended up getting hurt and embarrassing myself in front of my crush. (When he finishes with this story, he looks over at his sister and his fiancée to find Zoe sleeping already and Summer silently crying while smiling at him. She leans over and kisses him passionately before laying back down.)
Summer: Will you tell me another story, Cohen?
Seth: Anything for you my love. (She smiles again and makes herself comfortable again before Seth starts his second story.) How about we just move on to my favorite memory from third grade? It was the annual Harbor View Elementary School talent show. I, of course, was too shy to try out although I did have a mean comedy routine even back then, but Summer Roberts wasn't afraid. The night of the concert, everyone became scared to go first, and the kid who was supposed to go on, refused, so the teacher was desperate. Before she even had a chance to ask for volunteers, Summer raised her hand and said she would go first. When she walked out on the stage and the spotlight focused on her tiny frame, she smiled at the audience, a toothless yet radiating smile and motioned to the piano player to start. She sang "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music and the entire time she sang the song, I kept thinking about my favorite thing in the whole world, her. I don't know what happened, but she didn't win. I still think they should have called for a recount, but oh well, it's too late now. When she was done, she ran off the stage and launched herself into her Dad's arms and he hugged her so tight and, unlike most kids our age, she kissed her Dad in front of everyone and told him that she loved him. On the way home that night, the only thing I talked about was Summer, so, if I had to pinpoint the moment when my parents realized I liked her, I would say it would have to be then. (He looks over and notices that Summer is sleeping now, too. He smiles to himself.) I love you Summer and I have since the moment I first saw you. It was the first day of Kindergarten. You had your hair in pig tails tied with ribbon and you wore a little yellow sundress with white sandals. I remember that you carried a purse which matched your outfit and that you wore sunglasses, too. You were a vision! (As the camera leaves Seth's room he continues to reminisce about Summer. It then moves to the beach where Ryan and Marissa are just arriving. She has the dress on that Summer secretly bought for her but she is barefoot while Ryan is in dress slacks and a white cotton button up which is un-tucked and the top buttons are undone. As they walk towards the beach they are holding hands and Ryan is carrying a picnic basket. When they get close to the water, he places the basket down, pulls out a blanket and spreads it on the ground. Before they can sit though, Marissa grabs his hand once again and pulls him towards the water.)
Ryan: What are you doing? You're going to make yourself cold. (They reach the water and she walks out until the water reaches her mid calf and pulls her with him.) And you're obviously going to make my pants wet, too.
Marissa: I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. You know how much I love the ocean, and I wanted to feel the waves rolling against my legs if only for a moment. Besides, you can always warm me up later. (She smiles at him. He pulls her to him and stands behind her so that he can wrap his arms around her waist and pull her close to his body. As they stand there just enjoying the view and the closeness of their bodies, he gently kisses her shoulder.)
Marissa: See, I already feel much warmer. (He kisses her other shoulder and then leans his head against hers in order to breathe her in. After a moment of silence, she breaks it.) So, what did you bring in the picnic basket. I purposely didn't eat dessert because you said that you had something to bring with us tonight. What is it?
Ryan: Aren't we impatient? Can't you just wait and see?
Marissa: I'll make a deal with you.
Ryan: Okay.
Marissa: (She turns around to face him before speaking.) I'll wait patiently like a good little girl if you do one small thing for me.
Ryan: And what would that be?
Marissa: Kiss me?
Ryan: I would do that for nothing in return. (He leans in and kisses her. As the passion flowing between them begins to increase, his hands move from her face to her back as his hands brush against her skin as lightly as butterfly wings, tickling her gently, and her hands go to his hips as she pulls him closer to her. After a long moment, he breaks away and puts his hand in hers again and leads her back to the blanket. He sits down first, so that when she sits she can sit between his legs. Once she is seated, she leans back against him and lets her entire body be supported by his.) So, to be honest, I'm kind of hungry, so what do you say to the idea that I show you what I brought with me now?
Marissa: Sounds like a delicious idea to me. (He laughs at her response.)
Ryan: A few weeks ago, I distinctly remember a food conversation you had with Seth, who else, where you mentioned that you loved Strawberry Shortcake. (She whirls around as looks at him with a shocked but pleased look upon her face.)
Marissa: You brought Strawberry Shortcake with you?
Ryan: (He laughs at her enthusiasm.) Yes. (He opens the picnic basket and pulls out a container with the smashed strawberries in it and then one with the shortcake, two bowls, two spoons, two champagne flutes, and a bottle of champagne. As he attempts to set it up, she grabs his face and kisses him with all the passion she can muster.) If I would have known you loved Strawberry Shortcake this much, I'd have some made for you every night.
Marissa: Thank you.
Ryan: You're welcome, and don't worry, Kirsten didn't make it. (Marissa laughs. As Ryan dishes out their dessert and pours the champagne, the camera leaves them and goes to Sandy and Kirsten. They are in her hotel room lying on the couch together starting to watch a movie.)
Kirsten: I'm glad you made plans for us to stay in tonight.
Sandy: I figured I had to share you every other year, so we might as well take advantage of the privacy your Father unwittingly gave us this year. (She laughs softly.)
Kirsten: First you had dinner brought up for us, and it was wonderful, and then you willingly consented to watch romantic movies with me all night.
Sandy: Whoa, wait a minute there; I never said anything about all night.
Kirsten: Just testing. I have better things in mind to keep us entertained later, but for now, we'll just watch this one movie, okay?
Sandy: One sounds good to me, besides, before we do anything strenuous, I really need to let all that food settle first. (Kirsten laughs at him.)
Kirsten: Aw, Sandy, that was just so romantic of you! (He laughs along with her.) So, what movie did you put in?
Sandy: It's called Love Actually; the girl in the store I was in today recommended it, said that it's one of her favorite movies ever and that it was not your traditional romantic comedy but better.
Kirsten: And what store was that?
Sandy: Oh no, I don't think so, honey. You're not getting clues as to what your present is, so you better quit wasting your time and efforts to get me to spill now, because these lips aren't budging.
Kirsten: Oh yeah? (She sits up and leans in and kisses him.) I think I just budged them.
Sandy: That kind of movement is allowed anytime you want, but the lips are not allowed to budge on revealing any clues as to what your Valentine's Day gift is.
Kirsten: Are you sure I can't convince you somehow to give me just one, teeny, tiny clue? (She leans in and kisses him again, but he pulls away.)
Sandy: Aw look honey, the movie's starting and we really don't want to miss anything now do we.
Kirsten: (She turns around and starts to listen the movie.) Oh my gosh, is that Hugh Grant's voice; I love him!
Sandy: And he loves prostitutes. (She grabs a pillow and smacks Sandy with it.)
Kirsten: That will be enough from you, and if you're not good, we will watch movies all night long!
Sandy: Did I ever mention how much I love Hugh Grant?
Kirsten: (She laughs and lies back down in his arms.) Much better. (They both focus on the TV but the camera leaves them and goes back to Ryan and Marissa on the beach. They have finished their dessert and have packed everything back up and are laying in each others arms just staring into each other's eyes not speaking at all. Suddenly, Marissa breaks the quiet and stands up pulling Ryan with her towards the water again.)
Ryan: We're going in again, and just when my pants started drying?
Marissa: Do you always complain this much or does Valentine's Day just bring it out in you?
Ryan: Hey, I'm not complaining; I was merely thinking of you…I didn't want you to get cold again.
Marissa: Well, quit worrying, we're not going back in the water, I just wanted to walk along the shore.
Ryan: That I can do. (He takes her hand in his and they start walking up the shore as they talk.)
Marissa: Now you stuck to our rule right, that you couldn't spend any money on the gifts? (He grins at her sheepishly.) Ryan!
Ryan: Hey, I didn't spend a lot, you'll see. I just needed to buy some supplies.
Marissa: Oh, okay. You know what, I think that we should do this every year for Valentine's Day; we should have to make each other's gift.
Ryan: I can go for that, it was actually kind of fun, challenging to come up with ideas but still when I was done, it felt as if it had more meaning.
Marissa: Good, so it's a deal. (He pulls her hand out of his and holds it out for him to shake, which he does while grinning at her. After they shake, he takes her hand in his as they continue to walk.)
Ryan: How much longer do you want to stay?
Marissa: Just a little bit longer; it's just too beautiful to leave. Sometimes I wish that I never had to.
Ryan: So I take it someday you want to live on the beach.
Marissa: I don't know. I mean, it'd be nice, but it probably wouldn't be the safest thing for the kids. (He smiles when she says this, but she doesn't even realize what she said and just keeps talking.) I've only known it now for about two months, but I hate it when I can't be near it everyday. It's like it's a part of me, and (She looks over at him.) it doesn't hurt that I met you by the ocean, that it was the reason that we met in the first place, that we both just wanted to escape the hectic world and relax in front of the sea. I'm thankful everyday that Seth can be annoying. (He laughs at this.)
Ryan: What?
Marissa: Think about it. If he was a normal person, he would have never driven you to run off that day for some peace and quiet, and then I would have never met you. So, because Seth is annoying, he led you to me, and for that I will forever be grateful.
Ryan: Yeah, you're right, but we're telling not him that, okay? (Now it is her turn to laugh.)
Marissa: Come on, do I look like an idiot, do you really think I'd ever tell Seth that? He'd never let us forget it or live it down. That is definitely one thing that needs to remain between us.
Ryan: Whew, for a second there I thought you actually wanted to tell him, but I have to think that somehow, even if we hadn't of met that day, that we would have, because I can't imagine my life without you in it, so, at some point, you would have had to show up sometime. (She leans in and kisses him.)
Marissa: And with that, you just earned yourself the chance to return to the poolhouse right now. (He laughs and starts running towards the blanket. She chases after him, and once he has grabbed everything and is holding it, he starts to walk off but she doesn't follow this time.)
Ryan: What, did you change your mind, do you want to stay here longer?
Marissa: Nope.
Ryan: Then what's wrong?
Marissa: I don't want to walk home.
Ryan: But we didn't bring the Range Rover, so we really don't have a choice.
Marissa: See, that's where you are wrong. You have no choice but to walk, but I have another option.
Ryan: You're seriously not going to make me go home by myself and then come back here and pick you up in the car?
Marissa: What, no, that's ridiculous. I want a piggy back ride home. (Ryan smiles widely.)
Ryan: Well, why didn't you just say so?
Marissa: It was more fun confusing you. (She runs over and jumps onto his back and they walk back towards the Cohen's with her arms around his neck, talking and laughing the entire time. The camera leaves them and goes back to Seth's bedroom. Summer is still asleep along with Zoe, while Seth is still talking to himself.)
Seth: And there you have it; that takes us up to the present, but I know that the future stories will only be better. (He looks over at a sleeping Summer and decides that he will just let her sleep, so he snuggles down in the blankets and makes himself comfortable as well.) Good night Summer. (As he says this, he takes her hand in his and holds it while he drifts off to sleep. The camera leaves him once again and goes back to the poolhouse where a newly arrived Marissa and Ryan have just entered the doors and closed and locked them behind them. He walks her over to the bed and collapses down on it with her. She giggles the whole time. As they lay there, Ryan begins to smirk.)
Ryan: Ugh! That had to be the longest trip I've ever made home from the beach; I thought it would never end!
Marissa: Hey there Mister, what are you implying?
Ryan: Just that I thought we'd never make it!
Marissa: Oh, you are so going to get it now!
Ryan: Well, I hope so, after that trip, feeling you so tightly pressed against my body with your legs wrapped around my waist and your arms around my neck, breathing steadily into my neck, I thought that I'd have to stop half way here and then just take you there right in the street. (As he continues with this speech, a wide smile envelopes her face. When he finishes, she crawls across the bed until she is hovering over him and leans down and kisses him.)
Marissa: Well, in that case, maybe you should have stopped on the way back. (She kisses him again, but after a moment, he slides off the bed and stands up.) What, now suddenly not in the mood? (She is, of course, teasing him.)
Ryan: No, quite the opposite, but I know that if we don't stop this now, we never will, and I want you to open your present. (She gets out of the bed and runs to her suitcase.)
Marissa: Okay, get yours out and I'll get mine at the same time, but who's going to give there's first, because I want to watch you when you open your gift, so I can't open at the same time.
Ryan: You can open first.
Marissa: No, you can go first.
Ryan: We're never going to agree on this, are we?
Marissa: Probably not, but…. (She gives him her puppy dog eyes.) Will you please open yours first?
Ryan: You're impossible, do you know that. I really need to learn how to resist those eyes, because otherwise you'll be able to control my every move. (They walk towards the bed and both sit down holding their gifts.)
Marissa: Okay, so while you open them, I'll explain why I got them for you. Here, (She grabs one.) open this one first. (It is an envelope. After he opens it, he pulls out what looks like coupons.) I know it's corny, but this is just your filler gift. The other one is the more important one, but I thought I'd give you redeemable coupons, ones you can use anytime you want and I cannot object.
Ryan: (He reads the first one.) Good for one entire body massage. (He moves on to the next one.) Good for one sex location choice. (He laughs at that one before moving on to another.) Good for one surrender in a fight. (He laughs even harder at that one.) This would have come in handy last weekend. (He starts to read the next one, but she stops him and pulls them out of his hands and sits them down on the nightstand.)
Marissa: Okay, you are seriously not reading all of them now; we have bigger and better things to do than that. (She smiles seductively at him.) But first, open your second gift. (After he un-wraps it, it is revealed to be a manuscript of some kind.) I didn't want to tell you until I heard some feedback, but I recently submitted some short stories for publican out of curiosity, and it turns out they loved them. What you're holding there is my final draft, well at least before the editing process begins, and you can read the stories if you want, but what I want to show and what is your present is the dedication page. (She takes the manuscript from his hands and flips the pages until she gets to what she is looking for and then hands it back to him. He reads it out loud.)
Ryan: Two months ago, I would have never have dreamed of trying to get my writing published, but then something amazing happened in my life, someone amazing happened to come into my life. He sheltered me the outside world yet let me spread my wings to experience all life has to offer. He encouraged my creativity and provided me with more inspiration than all other people combined from my past. He let me enter his family and they welcomed me into their fold with open arms, making me finally feel wanted and as if I was a part of something bigger than myself. He opened himself up to me and showed the vulnerable side that he kept hidden from the rest of the world. He took care of me and I took care of him. He needed me and I needed him. He loves me and I love him. To Ryan, the man who made me come to life with the sound of his voice and the touch of his gentle hand, thank you for being you. (When he stops reading, he looks up at her with his eyes glistening and he is smiling from ear to ear, but cannot say anything. He is speechless.)
Marissa: I know you are normally a very private person, but that book would not have been possible if you hadn't come into my life, and I wanted to shout that I love you from the rooftop. Besides, no one will probably read it anyway, so your reputation should be safe, and if you want, I can take your name out or you can edit what I wrote, whatever, nothing is set in stone. I….. (Before she can continue talking, Ryan stops her by kissing her gently.)
Ryan: You don't have to change a word or take my name out. Besides, I want the world to know that you're mine to love, and that no one is going to be able to take you away from me without a fight. No one has ever…. I mean, what you said, it is….
Marissa: Not even close to what I feel, but no matter what I wrote, I cannot put what I feel accurately into words. It's too big, too important, too powerful. (Ryan laughs softly.)
Ryan: Oh, I think you've succeeded. And, by the way, (He pulls her closer to him and kisses her again, but this time it is more passionate and lasts longer.) congratulations.
Marissa: Thanks.
Ryan: Do I get to keep this copy?
Marissa: Ryan, it's only a draft. You can have a book when they come out, and, if you're really good, I'll even autograph it for you. (He laughs.)
Ryan: Well, I definitely want a copy of the book, but I want to keep this, too; is that okay?
Marissa: It's fine.
Ryan: Now, it's your turn to open your gifts. There is a procession to it, though, so you have to open them up in the order I say.
Marissa: Okay. (He sets his draft down on the bed beside him and hands her the first box. It is small, shaped like a jewelry box. When she opens it, it is indeed a jewelry box.) Ryan, what is this? You said you didn't spend money?
Ryan: Well, aren't we presumptuous! And what exactly do you think you did to deserve jewelry for Valentine's Day?
Marissa: Fine, I won't jump to conclusions, but you better have stuck to the rules! (She stares at him for a moment, which makes him smirk even more.)
Ryan: Are you going to pretend to be mad at me all night and sit there and glower or are you going to open your present? The choice is yours. I already opened my present, and I can stare at you for hours. Granted, you naked would be even better, but this view isn't bad.
Marissa: (She surveys his face for a moment before slowly opening the box. She tries not to break eye contract with her, but knowing that his gift is visible, she can't help put look down. When she does so does the camera and it shows that the box is holding a key. He gets up and goes over to her purse and takes her set of keys out. Without saying anything to her, he takes the box out of her hand and places the key on her key chain. Then he hands her the next box. Marissa is beginning to become emotional.) Wha…what is this for?
Ryan: I'll explain as you open your next present. (She takes it from him and with shaking hands un-wraps the second box which is identical to the one she had opened previously. As she discards the wrapping paper, she holds the box a moment and opens it to reveal a second key. He takes this one and, again, places it on her keychain.) Now, the first key you opened is a key to this house, and the second key is to the poolhouse. I never wanted to be anywhere where you couldn't ever let yourself in, where it is not your home, too, so know you belong here with me as well as in the apartment. (Tears are streaming down her face but she is smiling while he talks.) Now, you're not done yet. (He hands her the third gift which is much larger than the other two. As she opens it, he once again speaks.) Now, this gift will look really strange when you open it, but I'll explain. (When the wrapping paper is off, the gift is revealed to be a lock kit for a new door.) I wanted to stay in the same family of gifts that I already gave you, so I needed to get a key for the future. (He hands her the last gift which is shaped liked a long tube. For this, she only has to pop off the ends. When she does, she puts her hand in and pulls out blueprints. He takes them from her and takes her by the hand and pulls her to his worktop. There he spreads the blueprints out.) I don't know when it will happen, but someday this is the house I want to build for you, for us, and for our family. I know I haven't graduated yet, but I already had some ideas before I met you as to what I wanted in a house, but I took those and thought of you and your personality and your likes and dislikes. You may not realize it, but every time you made any reference to a house, I stored it away in my memory so that I would know exactly what you'd want. Now, that lock set and accompanying key will someday belong to this house. (He finally looks up at her face which is shocked yet full of love and pride at the same time.) Take a look; let me know what you think. (She laughs and eagerly looks at the blueprints. She runs her hands over the house taking in every detail silently. While she does so, she is smiling. Even though words aren't being expressed, Ryan knows that she likes what she sees. After she laughs, he begins to grow a little nervous.) What?
Marissa: You were serious when you said you wanted a dozen kids; Ryan this place is huge, and it has so many bedrooms!
Ryan: Well, for a while, they all can be our bedrooms so that we have a variety. (She laughs.)
Marissa: Oh no, I don't think so. I clearly see a master bedroom, and that Mr. Atwood is the only bedroom we'll be sleeping in. We'll just have to do other things to add variety to our relationship. (Now it is his turn to laugh.)
Ryan: I think I like that idea better.
Marissa: So?
Ryan: So what?
Marissa: The bedrooms?
Ryan: Well, you never know how many kids we'll have, and I wanted to be prepared. Besides, do you honestly think that they won't go unfilled? Think about it. Seth and Summer will be over constantly with their children, Sandy and Kirsten will be visiting constantly. Friends will pop in, hopefully not unannounced,… (She laughs at this statement.)
Marissa: Okay, okay, I see your point; besides, you're the architect, I should definitely not be arguing with you. When it comes to houses, you know best.
Ryan: (He pulls her towards him and wraps his arms around her waist.) Is that the only thing I know best about? (She tilts her head and silently pretends to ponder this.)
Marissa: Well, you might know a few things about other…stuff. (She smiles when she says this and slowly kisses him putting her hands around his neck so that she can pull him closer to her. After a moment, she breaks away and laughs before turning back to the blueprints. She wriggles her way out of his arms, takes them, and starts to walk towards the bed. He runs after her and grabs her by the waist, lifting her off the ground and taking her back with him towards the desk. He puts her down briefly, but before she can get away, he spins her around and picks her up so that her face is facing his.)
Ryan: What do you think you're doing?
Marissa: (When she speaks, she is completely innocent not knowing what she did.) What? I just wanted to sit down and study these. I want to see every detail you put in them, so come on (She laughs and wiggles her body trying to get free.) put me down so that you can come over and sit with me and show me everything.
Ryan: You see, I would, but we can't look at this now.
Marissa: (She's puzzled.) Why not?
Ryan: Well, blueprints should always be looked at in natural light, lots of natural light, and it's night now, so there's none available. I guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow….afternoon. (She laughs.)
Marissa: But Ryan, I want to look at them.
Ryan: And we will, tomorrow afternoon like I said, promise.
Marissa: Okay. (She is skeptical.)
Ryan: If I put you down, you put them away, right?
Marissa: Yeah. (He puts her down, but she doesn't move. She is too puzzled and just stands there holding the blueprints. He takes them from her, rolls them up, and puts them away. She watches his every move, just moving her head and nothing else, frowning slightly as she tries to puzzle out why she really can't look at the blueprints. When he finishes, he goes back to her and puts his arms around her waist again and leans down and whispers in her ear.)
Ryan: I do believe that there is one more present you are giving me tonight. (She slightly pulls away from his embrace to look at him. When she sees his smirking, seductive face, she laughs.)
Marissa: Well then follow me. (She takes him over towards the bed, but does not let him sit down. Instead, she starts to strip him, first taking off his shirt and unbuttoning his pants for him to kick off. His wife beater comes next. Then she gently pushes him down so that he is lying down, tucking the covers in around him.) Now, after all your hard work designing my dream house for me, I'll give you a peaceful, uninterrupted night's sleep. (She kisses his forehead before walking towards the bathroom.)
Ryan: Hey, where are you going, and what do you mean by a peaceful, uninterrupted night's sleep?
Marissa: I'm going to change into my pajamas, and then I'll sleep on the sofa to make sure I don't disturb you. (She smiles teasingly at him.) Is that okay?
Ryan: No! (She laughs.)
Marissa: Fine, I'll sleep in the bed, but you, mister, are going to sleep right this instant. I can't have you becoming sick on me, now can I?
Ryan: What are you trying to do to me?
Marissa: I'm trying to give you your last Valentine's Day present, but you won't accept it.
Ryan: Yeah, because I don't want it; I want you.
Marissa: And you have me.
Ryan: You know that's not what I meant! I want you, all of you, right now.
Marissa: Aren't we demanding?
Ryan: You're purposely punishing me, aren't you, for not letting you look at the blueprints tonight? If that's what it will take to make you give me the present I want, then fine, we'll look at them right now. (He begins to stand up, but Marissa rushes back over and pushes him down so that he is lying there again.)
Marissa: No. I want to change; I want to get out of this dress. I'll be right back and we'll discuss this further, but until I get back, you better not move a muscle. Do you understand me? (He smiles as he begins to catch on to her game and puts his hands behind his head and leans back on them.)
Ryan: I'll wait for you forever.
Marissa: Good. (She kisses his cheek and bounces off to the bathroom. As soon as the doors shut, Ryan jumps up and runs about the room frantically. First he turns out the lights and then he lights a few candles that are sporadically placed around the poolhouse. Then he picks up the clothes that she had stripped off of him earlier and neatly lays them in a chair. Next, he picks up the various gifts they got each other and puts them on the kitchen counter. Going into the kitchen, he opens the fridge and pulls out a rose and goes over to the bed and lays it on her pillow. Before he runs back and dives into the bed, he makes sure that door is locked and lies down trying to look like he never moved. When she opens the door, she just peeks her head out and looks. Her makeup is all scrubbed off.) Ryan? I thought I told you not to move?
Ryan: Look, I didn't move at all. (He tries to play it off as if he innocent.)
Marissa: Uh huh, so then how did this room come to look like this?
Ryan: Cupid, he felt sorry for me and felt that he should try to help my wonderfully amorous girlfriend figure out what my last present was.
Marissa: Oh, he did, did he? What if I told you that Cupid was a girl, that would ruin your story, now wouldn't it?
Ryan: Yeah, but Cupid isn't a girl.
Marissa: Oh, Cupid's not now? Are you sure about that? (When she walks out of the bathroom, she is dressed as Cupid. Her nightgown is cut like a baby gown and is see-through and white except for where it covers her breast. It has spaghetti straps and she's wearing bloomers. The outfit is completed with feathered wings. Ryan smiles widely at her outfit and lets her walk towards him without moving or taking his eyes off of her. As she nears the bed, he finally speaks.)
Ryan: If you're Cupid, where are your bow and arrows?
Marissa: Ugh, I really didn't think they went with this ensemble; besides, I think you've already been struck with love's arrow.
Ryan: Oh, and with whom am I in love?
Marissa: You tell me.
Ryan: I'm clueless…..(She looks at him with her mouth hanging open playing along with his charade.) but maybe you're talking about this one person whom I can't fall asleep unless they're in my arms, or the future mother of my children, my future wife, or maybe it would be the woman whom I designed our future home for?
Marissa: I think you're getting pretty warm.
Ryan: How warm?
Marissa: On fire? (He smiles up at her.) Don't you think you should show her just how much you love her?
Ryan: I could probably do that, except she's not here right now, Cupid. (Now it's Marissa turn to laugh. She sits on the bed on her knees and walks up on them so that she is straddling Ryan's torso. She places her hands on his chest and runs her nails lightly over it so that they end up resting down by the waistline of his boxers. As she leans down to kiss him, he stops her and gently pushes her back so that she is sitting up.)
Marissa: What, is something wrong?
Ryan: No. I just wanted to look at you one last time. (He laughs lightly and smiles up at her.) Where did you ever find this?
Marissa: A woman cannot reveal all her secrets. That will just have to remain a mystery from you, because there are other things there that you'd like as well, and I can't have you going in and ruining future surprises now can I?
Ryan: Okay, I see your point, but can we at least take the wings off gently, because you definitely need to wear this one again. (She laughs and gets up off of him and sits down beside him. He sits up and helps her take them off and gently lays them beside the bed. As he lies back down, he grabs her waist and pulls her so that she is once again sitting on top of him.) Now, where were we? (She leans back down so that she can kiss him, but he once again stops her.) I love you. (She leans down to kiss him, yet again, but this time he lets her. After a deep, passionate kiss, she pulls back and stares into his eyes before replying.)
Marissa: I love you, too, Ryan. (He smiles up at her and pulls her closer to him and kisses him while rolling over so that he is lying on top of her. He pulls back, caresses her face softly with his hands and gently places kisses on her eyes, then her nose, her chin, the side of her neck, her collar bones, her shoulders, and then finally working his way back up to her lips. As he does this, she just sits back and smiles enjoying the feelings of his lips upon her body. Suddenly, he looks up and smiles at her before speaking.)
Ryan: So, Cupid, what do you say we get you out of your costume…and into nothing? (She laughs, sits up and raises her arms, and he puts his hands on the top and pulls it off of her as the camera pans around to face her back. Gently, he cups her left breast and kisses it before doing the same thing to her right. As she lays back down, he lays down with her engulfing her lips in his as their arms wrap protectively around each other and the camera fades out of the poolhouse to look at the ocean briefly before fading to black.)
End of Episode #8