February

"Pick u up 8, dress smart! Love u p x" Sam flipped the cover of her phone down as began walking upstairs. It was February 14th, Valentine's Day, it was the first one she and Phil had spent together as a couple and they were both looking forward to it. Phil was slightly more nervous than Sam though and he had every right to be. Sam walked into her bedroom; she looked at the unmade bed and smiled to herself. Although she and Phil weren't living together they were spending a lot of time in each others company with Sam often spending a few nights a week as Phil's before he came to stay are hers. Neither had mentioned moving in together however but Sam knew that one day it would just happen, she and Phil had that sort of relationship, Sam had surprised herself at just how relaxed she had been about the whole thing.

She went over to her wardrobe and opening both the doors gazing in it hoping the perfect outfit would just jump out at her, no such luck! She sifted through the hangers until she found 3 possibly suitable outfits, the first was a trouser suit in blue – very similar to what she wore to work she thought and immediately put it back. The next was a black knee length skirt with a cream halter neck top – this was nice but not very smart, Sam had no idea where Phil was taking her but the txt he had sent suggested that it was going to be posher than their usual Italian restaurant in town! She put the combo back into the wardrobe and picked up her third and finally option, this was a red dress with a cow slick front, it ended with a diagonal cut finishing just below her knee. Combined with the boots she had been given by her parents for Christmas this would be perfect she thought. She put the dress on the bed and went to the bathroom to begin the preparations.

Phil got home and went straight to the kitchen. He reached into one of the cupboards and pulled out a bottle of whiskey, he grabbed a glass pour what was probably more than a measure and downed it. He shuddered as the warmth filled his throat and chest before making his way upstairs to get ready. It was 7.15 so he just over 30 minutes before her had to leave to get Sam. He jumped in the shower before shaving his 5 o clock shadow. He then made his way into the bedroom and across to the wardrobe. He pulled out his best suit, dark grey Armani with pale blue shirt and dark tie. She got changed before carefully putting the finishing touches to his 'perfect' hair. He checked he had everything he needed in his pockets before grabbing his keys and heading out the door. He arrived at Sam's dead on time; he took a few deep breaths before getting out of the car and making his way to the door and ringing the bell.

Sam didn't take long to open the door; she opened it fully and smiled as she saw the look on his face.

"Wow, babe, you look amazing, did I ever tell you just how much I love you?" His heart started pounding as soon as he saw her.

"So you think this looks okay then?" Sam laughed as she leant forward to kiss Phil. He grabbed her waist and pinned her against the front door, at the beginning of their relationship these public displays of affection were something they would never had done, but now they could care less about what anyone else thought. Sam pulled away any longer and they definitely wouldn't have made dinner! She took hold of Phil's hand and led him to the car.

"So where are you taking me then?" Phil paused for a second almost revealing his secret but decided it would be better if he didn't.

"Well that's for me to know and you to find out aint it!" Sam laughed as Phil opened the passenger door for her before moving round to the driver's side and getting in. He started the car drove away.

They got out at a very expensive restaurant just outside town; Phil walked round to Sam's side and opened the door for her.

"Oh my God Phil we cant seriously be going here!?" Sam was both excited and confused, this was the best restaurant in town and it took bookings week and weeks in advance how on earth did Phil book a place like this, and more to the point how were they going to be able to afford it?

"What, would you rather have a takeaway at mine?" he smiled knowing full well that she wouldn't. He took her hand and led her into the restaurant.

They were shown to their table and given their menus. Phil ordered a bottle of house wine for them and looked at the menu. After they had ordered their meals Phil took hold of Sam's hand and gently rubbed his thumbs against hers. They didn't speak for a few minutes, too engrossed in each other to say words. Their food arrived and they began to eat. They talked about their day as well as Romania, New Years Eve and their first real date. As they waited for the desserts to arrive Sam went to the toilet to straighten up her make up. When she returned Phil wasn't looking too good.

"Are you feeling ok babe?" she asked with slight concern in her voice.

"Urm, I'm not sure I think I might have something in my eye can you take a look for me?" Without waiting for answer Phil moved next to Sam and knelt down beside her chair. Sam began looking at Phil's eye completely oblivious to what Phil was really doing.

"Sam …"

"I can see anything is it sore?" Sam had no idea what was going on.

"Sam … stop and looked at me will you!" Phil reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. As he did tears began to form in Sam's eyes.

"Samantha Jane Nixon" His breath was getting faster and his heart was pounding in his chest.

"Phil … what are you doing?" Sam smiled as she wiped a tear away from her cheek.

"Samantha Jane Nixon, will you marry me?" Phil paused praying that he had chosen the right time to pop the question.

Sam took a deep breath before she replied although she didn't need to think about an answer. She smiled and leant down to kiss Phil.

"Yes, of course I'll marry you, you old softie" She laughed as Phil picked her up and spun her round. He sat her back on her chair and knelt down again. He took the ring out of the box, it was a white gold ring with a single diamond. It was beautiful, this made Sam cry even more. He took her hand and gently slipped the ring onto her finger then kissed it into place.

"I love you" he said as her put his arms round her waist.

"I love you too" Sam smiled as she pulled Phil into a very passionate kiss. She was going to be Mrs Phil Hunter and she couldn't wait.

Hope you like the chap and realise that I was late for a dance lesson cos I got so caught up in writing it!! Please press the button Vicki xxxx