I'm starting to get sappy. Everything is going to get wrapped up in a giant bow, happily-ever-after and all that jazz. I'm updating with two chapters this morning and there's only one left after. I'm going to miss it.

Atmosphere

He came out of the jewelry store clutching his bag as if it were a life preserver. He walked on shaky legs to his car and once inside, he leaned back in the seat with the bag on his lap.

He was nervous. Not of the act itself, but the preparation for it. He didn't doubt what his boyfriend's response would be, but was it appropriate for him to propose? They had been friends for thirty years; lovers for less than half that. They were strong, a unit. Maybe they couldn't actually get married, but the commitment of it was for them. They had suffered through years of longing, coming together, coming out, and the random prejudices over the years. But still, he was nervous. He had it figured when he'd do it and some of the generalities, but the exact details, the mood of what he wanted was absent. He put the bag in the passenger seat and found his cell. He dialed the number of the woman he always turned to, his gaze straying to the bag. Finally, he pulled the velvet box out and held it in his hand. Instantly, he eased.

"Hello?" she said.

"Hey, 'Sha, it's me."

"What's up?"

He smiled. "Nothing much. I was wondering if you'd help me with a surprise."

"Of course I will, silly. What's the surprise?"

"No, no, no. You'll find out soon enough, but for now I need help with the mood."

"I don't think this is fair that I have to help and not get to know, but this time I'll let it go. What kind of mood do you want?"

He thought for a minute. "Surrender." He frowned at her silence. "Are you okay?"

"Surrender?" she drawled. "If this is some sort of sex act that you want to do, I don't want to contribute. I mean, I don't tell you the positions Zack and I do it in or…"

"Aisha! NO! It's not about sex. I don't need any help there, thank you."

"Thank God. I thought…well, never mind."

He laughed. "So, what kind of positions do you do it in?" She growled softly and he laughed harder. "Moving on. I just want something special. Something that says that "I love you". Soft music, a picnic."

"Maybe out in the gazebo."

"That's a good idea."

"When do you want it done?"

"Next Friday."

"Ah, the day before your anniversary."

"Yours too. But if you don't have time, don't worry about it. I know how busy you are with the kids and your writing."

"Nope, Zack and I are celebrating this weekend and I'm taking a few weeks off from writing because I'm trying to get pregnant again. So, I'll have the time. I love helping you guys and besides," she laughed softly, "I've been toying with the idea of writing gay romance. This will be inspiration for a scene."

"Only you, Aisha." He rubbed his fingers on the box he held. "You have the best ideas on making a romantic atmosphere, so I'm leaving myself in your hands."

"Hmm, candles, a good wine; none of that crap you two drink, flowers, a blanket, and music. Something comfortable to sit on. Maybe even lay on if I know you two," she added dryly. "Food, well, I'll work on it." She talked her ideas out. She always thought best by talking out loud, though it was sometimes embarrassing when she was out in public. "Okay, sweetie. I'll talk to you in the next few days and we'll set it up."

"Thanks for everything," he said softly. "Bye." He closed the phone. His stomach was jumping again and he took a deep, calming breath. He started the car and put it into gear. Everything would be fine; he just needed to have faith.