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You know, I think some people actually like this. Cool.

Chapter Four – Keeper of the Stars

Watching Emily Haas over the candlelight at their table, John Tracy kept wondering – what had he done so right to have been given this moment? This one incredible, life defining moment. To say that she looked beautiful was an understatement. Her golden blond hair, which had always been in a very profession up-sweep previously, fell in glorious waves about her shoulders; her blue eyes, so dark a blue that they rivaled the night sky, sparkled as if dotted with stars; and she had been right – it was a great outfit. Emily Haas was femininity personified and John knew there wasn't a man at the exclusive Auckland restaurant that didn't envy him.

Smiling at John Tracy, Emily felt like Cinderella at the ball, that her prince had finally come. She had always been strong and independent, men were nice but not necessary. But at that moment, that one perfect moment, Emily could not imagine spending a lifetime that did not include John Glenn Tracy. His platinum blond hair reflected the candlelight and his bright blue eyes reminded her of the sky on a perfect summer day. To Emily, he was like a graceful swan, beauty and splendor. There wasn't a woman here, she was sure, who didn't envy her at that moment.

They had been there almost two hours, enjoying a fine wine, excellent food, a perfect night with all the stars in the sky, and the music coming from a piano bar set up on the corner of the patio. Emily knew from hearing others talk about this place that there was often a month long wait for reservation – two for a patio table, which included a small dance floor nearby. She smiled at the idea that John was trying to impress her. Always reluctant to show her deepest emotions, Emily pushed down the urge to quote a movie: "Shut up, you had me at hello."

Suddenly, Emily began to laugh. John, a little puzzled and a bit hurt, found himself asking, "Can I be let in on the joke?"

"Do you realize how hard you are trying to avoid not talking about your family and I am trying not to discuss my work? I love astronomy, politics and business, but why are we avoiding talking about what we love most. Oh, let me guess, other women have been turned off by the fact that you are obviously so close to your family." At John's surprised look, Emily laughed again. "So I guess that is why I was avoiding discussing medicine? That and my I.Q., I don't know which has threatened more men." John was now laughing with her when Emily suddenly stood up and walked over to the piano bar. While he could not hear what she said, even without the words her low, soft voice gave him a shiver of pure happiness.

As he watched Emily put a bill in the tip jar, smile her thanks to the musician and begin to watch her walk gracefully back towards him, John was transported into a memory from his childhood. John was eight and his mother had recently discovered she was expecting Alan. While John and his brothers didn't know about the new baby yet, Lucille Tracy wanted to tell her husband in a romantic, private atmosphere. Grandma Tracy was coming over to baby-sit so Lucy and Jeff could go out to dinner. Watching his mother apply a brush to her long blond hair, her blue eyes sparkling with happiness and the secret she carried under her heart, John began to understand why Scott was starting to act a little goofy around girls. Not much, the boy was only ten, but John had seen him primp when the giggly girls looked his way. "Mom, are going to love Dad forever?" Lucy smiled. "Johnny boy, I will love your Daddy until the stars turn cold in the sky." "Mom, how did you know you loved Dad?" Lucy looked serious for a moment, and then hugged the only son who looked like her. "Baby, I looked at your Dad on our first date and realized I never wanted to live another day without him in it. When you meet the girl who takes your breath away and you can picture a future only with her in it, don't question or doubt yourself. She'll be the one." John hugged his mother back, smelling the jasmine perfume she loved. "How will I know for sure Mom?" "Because she will look at you like you hung the moon and the stars for her alone." His father's voice had added that. John had backed out the room, leaving the private moment of a woman who still took her husband's breath away and the man whom she thought hung the moon and the stars just for her.

The musician began to play softly as Emily held out her hand. "He's playing our song, John. Dance with me?"

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight

Standing up, John walked with Emily over to the small dance floor. No other couple was on it at the moment. There was no hospital, there were no Thunderbirds, and there was only the two of them, lost in the moment.

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

Emily smiled up at John before laying her head on his shoulder. She had never felt such unquestionable happiness. Every tear, every heartbreak, every frustration had been swept away. There was no doubt in her mind. Emily Haas was in love.

Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude

John smiled back at Emily, her head resting on his shoulder. He had never felt so complete in his entire life. Every fear, every self-doubt, every anxiety had shriveled up and been blown away. He now knew what his mother had meant, and he would not question the sweet awareness. John Tracy was in love.

So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

Did she dare say it? Would he think she was crazy?

Did he chance it? Would she believe him?

By the whim of fate, they ended up saying it at the same time.

"I love you."

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew

"Emily Haas, marry me..."

"Yes."

a/n - whoa, and people thought Scott moved fast in kissing Kate like he did within hours of meeting her. John is even faster, huh. Well, he is supposedly the smartest Tracy son. Must know a good thing when he sees it. Rest of the Tracys are back next chapter. See you soon. Next Tuesday good with you guys? Just kidding. Chapter 5 will be up soon. Honest Sam1, I promise. But not until later tomorrow, as I have too make sure I get off tomorrow by a certain time. So I am turning this machine off and (honest) I am not turning it back on until I get home from work/ picking up my kid, so about 5:30 EST You guys can wait 20 hrs, right?