"Well?"

"Well what?"

Emma smiled, sitting in Jay's waiting lap. She gave his silk tie a playful tug. "Admit that you're having a good time."

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll be having a better time when we're at home tonight."

Emma blushed, shaking her head at Jay. "You can take the man out of the Hogart, but you can never take the Hogart out of the man!"

"And you love me and my Hogart-ish ways."

"I do," she smiled.

"Can I have everyone's attention, please?" came Manny's voice from the microphone.

Emma and Jay turned their bodies to see Manny, in her beautiful, strapless gown, standing on the stage, Toby, looking handsome in his suit, standing supportively beside her. Emma looked over at Liberty, in her matching gown, and the two shared a smile. This day had been perfect in every sense of the word. Perfect weather, perfect venue, perfect couple.

"Toby and I would just like to take this opportunity to thank a few very special people. First of all, we want to thank our parents for their support and generosity," Manny stated, pausing for the applause of their many guests. "We also want to thank our wonderful bridal party for all of their help over the last few weeks. And thank you to all of our guests, for coming to share in our special day."

Emma smiled at Jay. She whispered in his ear, "Doesn't Manny look gorgeous and happy?"

"Happy, yes. Gorgeous? I wouldn't know. I'm too stuck on how beautiful you look," he complimented.

"I think that there's one more person that I have to make a special thank you to," Manny began. She dabbed at the corner of her eyes. "I wouldn't be anywhere in this world, without this person. She's not only my best friend, but she's my sister, in every sense of the word. Emma, can you please come up here?"

Emma gave everyone at her table a shocked look, but got to her feet and approached the stage. She hugged Toby first, before turning to Manny, hugging her friend fiercely.

"Emma, I love you more than words can express. For everything you've ever done for me, I can only think of one way to even begin to thank you, and that's to see you as happy as I feel today. Jay?"

Emma gave Manny a questioning look, as Jay got to his feet and walked slowly to the stage. He walked up the three steps as if in slow motion. He nodded to Toby, who pulled Manny back against his side. Emma pursed her lips together tightly, tears forming in her eyes, as Jay got down on one knee in front of her.

He finally met her eyes, smiling widely. "I'm nervous as hell, so don't even think about pulling what you did last time."

Emma smiled. "I can't believe you did this."

"I haven't done anything yet," he laughed. Taking a deep breath, Jay took the ring out of his suit jacket pocket, presenting it to Emma. "Will you marry me?"

Emma pulled her dress up to her knees, bending down until her knees hit the carpeted platform. She took Jay's face between her two hands and kissed his lips softly. "There's nothing in this world that I want more."

The End!

I hope everyone enjoyed this story! Thank you for your great reviews and supportive comments! I've already begun my next story. Here's a little taste:

A child's life hangs in the balance... Can people overcome their personal fears for the betterment of this child? The present is always affected by the past, especially in this story.

Keep eyes open for it. It will be called The Donor.

Kisses,

Kerr