Logan International Airport

'Alright! We're going to Vegas!'

'This is so exciting! I've never been to Vegas!'

'You haven't?'

'Nope.'

We had all boarded the plane to head to Vegas. Mommy and Daddy paid for us to get the First Class cabin all to ourselves. Emily and I looked at Jane, completely dumbfounded.

'What?' said Jane, 'why are you looking at me like that?'

'You've never been to Vegas?' I said, 'never ever?'

'Never,' said Jane, 'never, never ever.'

Emily and I looked at each other, then we looked at Jane.

'Girl, you have been missing out,' said Emily, 'Vegas is fucking awesome.'

'Really, now?' said Jane, raising her eyebrows, 'I never would have guessed.'

'Marie and I used to go to Vegas a lot,' said Paul, 'but we never took Jane.'

'Paul Maximillion Smecker, I should smack you upside the head for never taking your daughter to one of the best places ever,' said Rebecca, 'I am extremely disappointed in you.'

'Marie wanted to take her back in 2010,' said Paul, 'but she passed away in June of '09. I never took Jane because of that.'

'I'm sorry,' I said.

'Ahh, don't worry about it,' said Paul, 'at least she's going with her friends instead of it being her and her lame-o father.'

'Don't say that, Daddy,' said Jane, 'you have your moments when you're not being swarmed by work.'

'I miss hanging out with you, Jane,' said Paul, 'I remember when you and I always used to hang out before work got to be too much.'

'I understand, Daddy,' said Jane, 'catching bad guys is more important. Besides, we get to hang out in Vegas.'

'Aww!' said Emily, 'Daddy-Daughter bonding!'

'In Las Vegas,' I added.

'An' let us agree tha' we stick ta tha sayin' What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas,' said Connor.

'I'm making zero promises, bro,' said Michael, 'I am making jack-shit promises.'

Connor frowned at Michael. Michael laughed.

'You know me, Connor,' he said, 'your embarrassment is my amusement.'

'Well, hardy-har-har,' said Connor, turning away and crossing his arms.

'Aww…' I said, turning to Connor, 'is the baby getting fussy?'

'Don't you start,' scolded Connor.

'Aww, Connor…' teased Murphy, 'did Mama forget ta feed ye?'

'Shut it, Murphy,' growled Connor.

'Behave, you two,' said Angelica.

'Yer not our mother,' said Connor.

'Yeah, Angelica,' said Murphy, 'yer not our mother.'

'Behave, Murphy,' scolded Emily.

'Yes, sweetie,' said Murphy.

Connor sniggered.

'You, too, Connor,' I scolded.

'Hey!' said Connor.

I laughed. I kissed Connor on the cheek. Greenly looked up at the lights.

'Looks like we might be taking off soon,' he said.

'Saints in Sin City, baby!' said Rocco.

'VIVA LA ANARCHY!' said Michael.

'Tonight's forecast for Las Vegas: cloudy with a chance of shit-show,' said Isabelle.

'YEAH, BABY!' said Angelica.

'Don't get too excited, Mamacita,' teased Romeo, 'I don't want you getting hurt.'

'I'm not too worried,' said Angelica, holding Romeo's hand, 'I got you to protect me, after all.'

Romeo smiled.

'Okay,' he said, 'you win.'

'That's what I thought,' said Angelica.

Just then, the plane started moving. We all cheered.

'ALRIGHT!' Emily and I chorused together, 'LAS VEGAS!'

The plane slowly descended into the sky. It was all smooth-sailing from here.

'So, what are we doing for excitement when we get there?' asked Rocco.

'I wanna play Poker!' said Murphy, 'I kicked ass last time!'

Connor snorted.

'Ye got lucky,' he said, 'total fluke.'

Murphy raised his eyebrows at his brother. Fluke?

'Oh, really?' he said, 'does Tha Luck O' Tha Irish sound familiar to ye, dear brother?'

Connor groaned.

'Yes, Murphy,' he said, 'yes, it does.'

'Well, guess what?' said Murphy, 'I'm Irish, so I'm full o' luck. That an' I kick ass at Poker.'

'Yeah, yeah, yeah,' said Connor, rolling his eyes, 'whatever.'

'Are we gonna be hitting any strip joints?' asked Romeo.

All of us turned to Romeo, raising our eyebrows. A strip joint? Really?

'Excuse me?' said Angelica, 'what?'

'Yeah!' said Romeo, 'there's a place called Club Fantabulous that my buddy Eddie owns. It's a gay/lesbian/bisexual club.'

We were all silent for a moment, then Isabelle spoke up.

'For some reason, I like that idea,' she said slowly.

'Me, too, actually,' said Emily.

'What about the rest of you?' asked Romeo, 'you wanna go?'

We all looked at each other for a few moments. We all sighed.

'I'm game,' said Angelica.

'Sure,' I said, 'I think it would be fun.'

'Alright!' he said, 'it's settled!'

Connor held my hand. He looked at me, smiling.

'Ye excited, baby?' he asked.

'Beyond excited!' I said, 'this is Vegas we're talking about!'

Connor smiled. He kissed my forehead, burying his nose in my hair.

'This is yer celebration,' he said, 'make tha most o' it, love.'

'This is your celebration, too, you know,' I said, 'it's not all about me.'

'But everyone makes more o' a fuss over tha bride than tha groom,' said Connor, 'so this is more o' yer celebration.'

'Shut up,' I said, 'you're as every bit as special as I am. Don't say that.'

'Alright! Alright!' said Connor, 'settle down!'

I sighed. I rested my head on Connor's chest, folding my arms.

'You're ridiculous sometimes,' I said.

'Well, so are ye,' said Connor, 'now we're even.'

'Yeah, yeah,' I said, 'hush.'

Connor laughed.

'I can't wait!' said Jane, 'my first trip to Vegas!'

'You are gonna have a blast, girl,' said Isabelle, 'guaranteed.'

'You're gonna love Vegas, Jane,' said Angelica, 'it's all that it's cracked up to be.'

'We went last year,' said Emily, 'I swear to God, it was a total shit-show. We trashed our hotel room at one point.'

'No way!' said Jane.

'Yes, way,' said Emily, 'it was completely destroyed.'

'We had no idea what we did until Michael showed us the video,' said Isabelle, 'we were so fucking hammered.'

'Shut the front door!' said Jane, 'how bad was it?'

'Ask Michael,' I said, 'he watched is rip the place apart.'

'What did they do?' asked Jane, 'tell me!'

'We can watch it during the flight, baby,' said Michael, kissing Jane's cheek, 'I have it on my flash drive.'

Jane giggled.

'Okay,' she said.

Connor reached over and pulled me onto his lap. He pressed his lips to mine, knotting his fingers in my hair. Murphy groaned.

'Seriously?' he said, 'now?'

'I'm with Murphy on that, y'all,' said Michael, 'this is a public place.'

'Shut up,' muttered Connor.

'Come on, you guys,' said Angelica, 'they're just kissing. At least she's not sucking his dick.'

'Don't remind me,' said Michael, rolling his eyes.

I groaned.

'Let it go!' I said, 'I was drunk!'

Connor grabbed my head. He pressed his lips to mine again, kissing me passionately. Dolly sighed.

'Lucky bastard…' he mumbled to himself.

I pulled away from the kiss. I crawled back into my seat. I smiled at Connor. Connor smiled back.

'I made sure that I packed every sequined thing I own,' said Angelica, 'and I own a lot of sequined things.'

'We all do, Angelica,' said Emily, 'we all do.'

'I think I'll wear my new pink top,' said Angelica, 'I gotta look sexy for all the male strippers.'

Everyone laughed.

'Jane, do you have your laptop?' Michael asked.

'I do,' said Jane, grabbing one of her bags, 'here.'

Jane handed Michael her laptop. Michael grabbed it and opened it. He took his flash drive out of his pocket.

'Awesome,' he said, 'you wanna see all the crazy shit that happened in Vegas last year?'

'YES!' said Jane, bouncing excitedly, 'YES! YES! YES!'

'You're gonna lose it,' said Michael, un-capping the flash drive.

'I can imagine,' laughed Jane.

Michael turned on Jane's laptop and plugged the flash drive in. He looked at Jane.

'Are you ready, sweetie?' he asked

Jane nodded.

'Ready,' she said.

Michael took out his headphones. He gave one earbud to Jane and hit play. They watched the video together while everyone else minded their own business.

Murphy reached over and carefully pulled Emily onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her, cuddling her close.

'Oh!' said Connor, 'so, when I put Rebecca on my lap, it's a crime, but when ye put Emily in yers, we can't say shit.'

'I'm cuddlin' wit' her, asshole!' said Murphy, 'you were stickin' yer fuckin' tongue down 'er throat!'

'Oh, well, la-dee-da, Fairy Boy!' said Connor, 'I can do whatever tha fuck I want!'

'Shut it, Rope Baby!' said Murphy.

'Make me, Fairy Boy!' said Connor.

I sighed. I reached into my pocket, pulled out Connor's binky, and shoved it in his mouth. Romeo sniggered.

'He has a fucking binky,' he said, 'wow.'

Connor glared at Romeo. Romeo laughed even harder.

'Behave, Romeo,' scolded Angelica.

'Sorry,' said Romeo.

'I just thought of something,' said Emily.

'What's that, babe?' said Murphy.

'Maybe Becca and I can pick up a couple chicks tonight,' said Emily, 'have a bit of fun.'

Connor and Murphy's ears perked up.

'Did I just hear pick-up an' chicks in tha same sentence?' asked Murphy.

'You sure did,' said Rebecca, 'but these girls will be for Emily and I only. You guys can watch.'

Connor busted into the Johnny Bravo dance. Everyone laughed.

'Settle down, Johnny Bravo,' I said, patting Connor's arm, 'settle down.'

Connor laughed. He put me in a headlock, ruffling my hair.

'Hey!' I laughed, 'stop!'

Connor let go of me. I brushed my hair with my fingers, wrinkling my nose.

'You okay, Jane?' asked Michael, 'you look like your gut's about to bust.'

Jane nodded, her hand over her mouth. She was laughing so hard she couldn't speak.

'I think she's dead,' giggled Emily.

'I told you we caused chaos,' smirked Isabelle.

The video ended. Jane took a deep breath, wiping the tears from her eyes.

'Oh, wow!' she wheezed, 'that was insane!'

'We didn't destroy one room, though,' smirked Murphy, 'we destroyed four.'

'FOUR?' gasped Jane.

'Four,' said Murphy.

'Didn't we get kicked out for that, Murphy?' asked Michael.

'No,' said Murphy, 'they let us off wit' a warnin', plus Em and Becca's Da is friends wit' tha owner.'

'We're gonna be staying at the same hotel,' said Michael.

'Oh, shit!' said Isabelle, 'they're not gonna be happy!'

'Well, we paid for the damages,' said Emily, 'which is better than nothing.'

'Hopefully they won't hold a grudge,' said Isabelle.

Connor reached up and grabbed my Thomas blanket out of one of my bags. He pulled me into his lap, wrapping me in it and cuddling me close. Dolly sighed.

'Dolly, are you okay?' asked Paul.

'I'm fine,' said Dolly cooly, 'I'm perfectly fine.'

'Are you sure?' asked Duffy, 'you look kind of mopy.'

'I'm not mopy,' said Dolly, 'I'm just tired.'

'I don't remember packing this,' I said, tugging on the blanket, 'did you pack this?'

Connor nodded.

'I did,' he said, 'I know ye get chilly when we fly anywhere, an' I know how much ye love this blanket.'

'Aww,' I smiled, 'thank you.'

Duffy sighed. He confessed to me last year that he was in love with me, and he wished with all his might that he was in Connor's shoes.

'Dude…' said Greenly, 'are you moping because you're in love with her?'

'I should have stayed in Boston,' mumbled Dolly as he watched Connor gently rock me in his arms, 'fuck Vegas. My heart hurts.'

'Come on, Dolly,' said Paul, 'it's Vegas.'

'Who gives a fuck about Vegas?' said Dolly, 'I'm watching the woman I love celebrate her engagement, and it's not to me.'

Michael took out one of his earbuds and turned to Duffy. He glared at him.

'Oh, shut the fuck up, Dolly,' he said.

Dolly gasped. Michael fake-whined, mocking Dolly.

'Wah, I'm so depressed 'cause I can't get Rebecca! Wah!' he said, 'get a fucking grip and get yourself a girlfriend instead of relying on hopes and dreams of getting Rebecca. Sheesh!'

Everyone stared as Michael turned around and put his earbuds back in. Dolly sat there, shocked.

'Whoa,' said Murphy, blinking furiously.

'Hey, Dolly!' laughed Romeo, 'do you need some ice for that burn?'

Dolly turned a bright shade of red. Rocco laughed.

'I don't think Loki has enough ice to give him for that burn!' he said, 'holy shit!'

'Oh,' said Michael, taking his earbuds out, 'by the way…PIPEBOMB!'

Everyone cheered and laughed as Michael turned around and put his earbuds back in. I yawned. Connor chuckled.

'Ye tired, love?' he teased.

'Shut up,' I said, yawning again.

'Would ye like me ta sing to ye, babe?' asked Connor.

I nodded, holding back a big yawn. Connor smiled, singing softly in my ear.

Reach for the speed, reach for the whistle, go where the rail may run

Reach for the words, reach for the stories, follow the rainbow sun

To Shining Time Station where dreams can come true

Waiting there for you

So much to see, so far to travel, so much to learn, to know

Friends by your side, hopes to hold onto, who knows how far you'll go?

To Shining Time Station where dreams can come true

Your own imagination waiting there for you

Everyone looked over at Connor. I was curled up in a ball in his lap, sound asleep. Emily smiled.

'Look at her,' she whispered, 'she's out like a light.'

'She'll be put fer a while,' whispered Connor, holding my head, 'poor girl.'

Dolly folded his arms, huffing angrily. Jane rolled her eyes, turning to face him.

'Seriously?' she said, 'what are you, five? Give it a rest. She's in love with someone else.'

Michael sighed. He took his earbuds out, putting his MP3 player back in his pocket.

'I guess you didn't get my message,' he said in an exasperated tone.

Dolly huffed again. Paul put his hands up, shushing everyone gently.

'I think we should keep the noise to a minimal level,' he said gently, 'we don't want to wake Rebecca.'

'For you, Paul, I will,' said Michael, turning around and cuddling with Jane.

Connor gently rocked me in his arms. I snored soundly, my arms wrapped tightly around him.

'Is she a heavy sleeper?' asked Paul.

'Yeah,' said Connor, 'she slept through a really bad thunderstorm we had last week. Everyone else woke up.'

'Wow,' said Paul, 'I remember that storm. I thought the roof was gonna blow off the mansion.'

'It's a chore to wake 'er up,' said Connor, 'I don't even think a stampede could wake her up.'

'Sometimes that's not a bad thing, Connor,' laughed Isabelle.

Connor laughed.

'Yeah,' he said, 'I guess so.'

Just then, one of the flight attendants named Ashley walked into the cabin. She looked over at Connor and smiled.

'Aww,' she said, looking at me then smiling at Connor, 'what's bringing you guys to Sin City?'

'We're celebratin' an engagement,' said Connor, brushing my hair out of my face.

'Aww,' smiled Ashley, 'who's engaged?'

'I am,' said Connor, then he smiled at me, 'this is my fiancée.'

'She's very beautiful,' said Ashley, 'I like her blanket.'

'It's 'er favourite blanket,' said Connor, 'she's had it since she was three.'

I stirred slightly, turning on my side. Ashley laughed.

'We'll be landing soon,' she said as she walked away, 'I hope you guys enjoy your trip.'

Everyone thanked Ashley as she walked away. Greenly looked over at Connor, then he looked at the blanket.

'She's had that since she was three?' he said.

'Yup,' said Connor, 'she has.'

'That blanket's in really good condition,' said Duffy, 'how old is she again?'

'Twenty-one,' said Connor, 'she'll be twenty-two in October.'

Just then, the pilot's voice came over on the intercom.

'Buckle your seat belts, everyone,' he said, 'we'll be making our descent soon.'

'I suggest ye wake 'er up, Connor,' said Murphy, 'like, now.'

'I'm with Murphy on that one,' said Michael, turning to Jane, 'we're almost in Vegas, sweetie.'

'I can't wait,' smiled Jane.

Connor gently shook me. This was gonna be a chore.

'Hey,' he said, 'Becca-Bear. Wake up.'

I mumbled slightly, not waking up. Connor tried again.

'We're almost in Vegas, love,' he said, 'wake up.'

I reached my hand up and smacked Connor in the face. Murphy laughed.

'Looks like someone's not wakin' up anytime soon,' he teased.

'Shut it, Murphy,' growled Connor.

'I know what'll wake her up,' said Emily.

'What?' said Connor, 'let's see.'

Emily walked up to Connor. She knelt down, putting her lips to my ear.

'Sheamus.'

My eyes snapped open. I flailed, nearly kicking Connor in the nuts.

'SHEAMUS?' I said, 'WHERE?'

Emily laughed.

'She's awake,' she said.

I glared at Emily. I rubbed my eyes, yawning.

'Where are we?' I mumbled.

Connor beamed.

'We're in Vegas, sweetheart.'

I gasped. I jumped to my feet.

'WELL, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?' I said as I grabbed my bags, 'LET'S GO!'

Everyone grabbed their stuff and walked off the plane. Jane gasped.

'Wow…'

All the lights in Vegas were lit up tonight, and, as always, it looked beautiful. Michael smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist.

'Beautiful city, isn't it?' he said, kissing Jane's cheek.

'Beyond beautiful,' said Jane, looking around in awe, 'wow.'

'Well, let's get to the hotel and get ready to go,' said Romeo, 'come on!'

Luxor Hotel

'Are you girls excited?'

'Beyond excited!'

'This is gonna be awesome!'

'Duh!'

All of us were in the bathroom getting ready to go to the club. We each wore black skinny jeans, stiletto heels, and sequined tops. I wore blue, Emily wore pink, Angelica wore orange, Isabelle wore gold, and Jane wore black. We had just finished our hair and had moved on to our makeup.

'Hey, Becca?' said Jane.

'Yes, Jane?' I said.

'I was just wondering if you would tell us about your first date with Connor,' said Jane.

I laughed.

'You really wanna hear it?' I said.

'Yeah,' said Jane, 'if you wanna tell it.'

I smiled.

'Okay,' I said, 'we were boyfriend and girlfriend at this point, and I swear to God, this was the most romantic night of my life. It went a little something like this…'

July 2010

'Come on. Spill. Where are you taking me?'

'I'm not telling you.'

'You're no fun.'

'I'm not supposed to be.'

I groaned. Connor had decided to drive Lita, the red Ford Mustang convertible that my dad had bought him for saving me and Emily. I wore my red dress and he wore one of the suits that Daddy had given him. My hair was tied in a fancy ponytail and my bangs were pulled back into a pompadour. Only thing is he wouldn't tell me where he was taking me.

'I'm gonna make you tell me,' I said, 'even if it kills me.'

'Oh?' said Connor, raising his eyebrows, 'really now? An' how do ye plan on doin' that?'

I looked at Connor. I pouted and bat my eyelashes at him. I use this trick on Daddy when I want him to do something for me or tell me something. Connor laughed.

'Really?' he said, 'puppy-dog eyes? Really?'

I pouted even more. I bat my lashes faster, sniffling like I was about to cry. Connor shook his head.

'Nice try, love,' he said, 'but it's not working.'

I groaned. Connor chuckled.

'Yer a determined little thing, aren't ye?' he said.

'Pwease?' I said, batting my lashes again.

'Nope,' said Connor, 'I'm not telling ye.'

I decided to pull out the big guns. I fake cried. Connor looked over at me. He snorted.

'Nice try,' he said, 'crocodile tears. You fail.'

I sighed, defeated. I crossed my arms, glaring out of the windshield. Connor looked at me and scoffed.

'Oh, Becca…' he said, 'don' be like this…'

'You're mean,' I pouted, not taking my eyes off the windshield.

Connor laughed. He reached over with one hand and rubbed my leg. I didn't unfold my arms, even though his touch was making my stomach burst with butterflies.

'Yer a very persistent person, ye know,' said Connor as he continued to rub my leg, 'I'm assumin' yer used ta getting yer own way.'

'Mostly,' I said, pretending I was still mad, 'I did come from a rich family where if we protested, we got what we wanted.'

Connor chuckled.

'Well, I'm not Lisa or Jeff,' he said, 'I'm yer boyfriend. An' I'm as every bit as stubborn as ye are, love.'

'I'm sure you are,' I said, 'I'm sure you are.'

Connor laughed. He pulled into a parking lot. Now was the moment of truth.

'Alright,' I said as Connor un-buckled his seatbelt and went to get out of the car, 'where are we?'

Connor grinned.

'You'll see,' he said, 'let's just say that yer Da an' I pulled a few strings.'

I groaned loudly. Connor got out of Lita, walking around to my side and opening my door.

'Aww!' I said as Connor helped me out of Lita, 'you're so sweet!'

'Are ye sure tha' those shoes are comfortable?' asked Connor as he closed my door, 'ye look like yer gonna fall an' break yer neck in these things.'

I looked down at the silver stiletto heels that I wore with my dress. I snorted.

'These?' I said, 'these aren't as high as some of the pairs I have. I'm a model. I've walked in worse.'

Connor shrugged. He held my hand and lead me to my surprise destination.

'I have a guess as to where we are,' I said, 'but I'm keeping my mouth shut in case I'm wrong.'

Connor laughed. He stopped and pointed.

'Look up,' he said, 'there's yer answer.'

I looked up. I gasped.

'Oh!' I breathed, 'Luigi's!'

Connor laughed.

'Rocco's best friends wit' tha owner,' he said, 'yer Da had it closed so it's just me an' you tonight.'

'We're gonna be alone?' I said, 'me and you?'

Connor looked at me. He beamed.

'Me an' you,' he said, 'no one else.'

I smiled at Connor. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and pulled him in for a kiss. Connor was left breathless after I pulled away.

'Wow…' he said, blinking, 'remind me ta do this more often…'

I giggled.

'Come on,' I said, 'let's go.'

Connor grinned. He held my hand and walked inside. We were greeted by a chubby Italian man with a mustache. By the looks of it, he was the owner. He looked at Connor and beamed.

'Connor!' he said, embracing Connor, 'e 'così bello rivederti!'

'Allo stesso modo, Antonio,' said Connor, 'allo stesso modo.'

I stood there in amazement. Connor can speak Italian. CONNOR CAN SPEAK ITALIAN.

'Come sei stato?' asked Antonio, still beaming, 'come è Rocco?'

'Rocco sta facendo molto bene,' said Connor, 'Sono qui in una data.'

Antonio looked at me. He smiled warmly.

'Questa è la sua?' he asked, 'lei è molto bella.'

Connor chuckled.

'Questa è la mia fidanzata,' he said, 'il suo nome è Rebecca.'

Antonio smiled at me again, then he looked at Connor.

'Seguitemi,' he said, turning around, 'suo padre mi ha dato istruzioni specifiche. Ha già pagato per il vino e spaghetti.'

Connor smiled. He took my hand, following Antonio out to the back patio. I couldn't believe my ears. My boyfriend knows how to speak Italian. Oh. My. God.

Antonio lead us outside. There was a table sitting on the back patio. There were two beautiful blue candles in the middle of the table already lit along with a bottle of my favourite red wine and a plate of spaghetti. I couldn't believe my eyes.

'Wow…' I whispered.

Connor chuckled.

'Beautiful, isn't it?' he said.

I nodded.

'Very beautiful,' I said.

Antonio walked over to the table and pulled out one of the chairs. He looked at me, motioning for me to sit down. I smiled warmly, sitting down.

'Thank you, Antonio,' I said kindly, 'that is very nice of you.'

Antonio grinned. I sat down, still in awe. Connor sat across from me, smiling from ear to ear.

'Enjoy your dinner, you two,' said Antonio, 'if you need anything, give me a call.'

'Grazie, Antonio,' said Connor.

Antonio smiled and walked away. Connor poured me a glass of wine. I looked at him in amazement. Connor frowned.

'What?' he said, 'what's tha' look fer?'

'I did not know you could speak Italian,' I said, taking my glass, 'I'm impressed.'

Connor laughed merrily.

'Ma insisted tha' Murph an' I learn different languages,' he said, 'I know a lot more.'

I smirked.

'Prove it,' I said, 'tell me I look beautiful in five languages.'

Connor chuckled.

'Sei bellissima,' he said.

I giggled.

'That's Italian,' I said, 'so there's one.'

'Du siehst wunderschön aus' said Connor smoothly.

'German,' I said, 'three more.'

'Vobis speciosa,' said Connor.

I grinned.

'Latin,' I said, 'two more. Come on, Saint Boy.'

Connor smirked.

'Te ves Hermosa,' he said.

I grinned.

'Alright,' I said, 'Spanish. One more.'

Connor sipped his wine slowly. He pulled the glass away from his lips, his eyes dancing. He looked right at me. The language he spoke next almost had me on my knees.

'Tu es très belle.'

I gasped. I clutched my heart, panting hard. Connor laughed.

'What's tha matter?' he said, sipping his wine with a cocky smirk, 'did I impress ye too much?'

'You spoke French…' I panted, 'I…oh, wow…'

'Oh, Rebecca…' said Connor, playfully shaking his head, 'ye need ta stop underestimatin' me, darling.'

'Oh, hush,' I said, 'you're just hot.'

Connor threw his head back, laughing hard. I laughed along with him.

'Oh, Rebecca!' said Connor, wiping his eyes, 'yer too much!'

I laughed.

'Yeah,' I said, 'I guess.'

Connor smiled. He reached across the table, holding my left hand. He rubbed my ring finger with his, looking at it.

'Ye have really pretty hands,' he said, 'but yer left hand would look a lot prettier wit' a diamond ring on it.'

I blushed. Connor noticed.

'Am I makin' ye blush?' he teased.

'No one has ever said that to me before,' I said, 'ever.'

'Aww…' said Connor, 'they're prudes. Yer beautiful an' yer hand would look prettier wit' a diamond ring.'

I sighed. Connor took his hand away from mine, grabbing his fork. He grinned.

'Open up, beautiful,' he said, 'even pretty French models need to eat.'

I scoffed.

'I'm not one of those models who do drastic and stupid things to maintain my weight,' I said, 'I work out and eat healthy. I don't go into anorexia or bulimia.'

'I was teasin' ye, Becky,' said Connor, holding up the fork, 'now, eat.'

'Whoa!' I said, throwing my hands up, 'what did you just call me?'

'I called ye Becky,' said Connor, frowning slightly, 'did I hit a nerve?'

'No,' I said, 'it's just that no one's called me Becky before. Everyone always calls me Becca.'

Connor shook his head and laughed. I frowned at him, confused.

'I'm yer first real love, Rebecca,' he said, 'an' tha first guy who's ever treated ye like a princess.'

'That's very true,' I said, 'you are.'

Connor looked at me. He smiled warmly.

'Alright,' he said, 'eat.'

I laughed as Connor slowly put the fork in my mouth, feeding me the spaghetti. Luigi's has always been my favourite place to go to for Italian food in Boston, and being here with Connor with just me and him and no one else made me feel happier than happy.

'Do ye realize how beautiful ye are?' asked Connor as he dabbed my mouth with my napkin.

'I realize it,' I said as I fed him a forkful of spaghetti, 'but I'm not cocky about it like most girls.'

'That's very true,' said Connor, feeding me, 'ye got a heart o' gold, an' ye don' get cocky because yer beautiful.'

'Yup,' I said, sipping my wine, 'I hate girls who look like me or are as pretty as me and get arrogant about it. Inner beauty matters.'

Connor smiled. He didn't take his eyes off me as he sipped on his wine. I could see his smile getting bigger and bigger as he eyed me up and down.

'What are you smiling about over there?' I teased.

'I'm smilin' because I'm here wit' a beautiful woman,' said Connor, 'that's why.'

I shook my head. I wasn't used to men complimenting me like this. I was used to being called a whore, a slut, nothing but a pretty face. Connor didn't do that. He made me feel beautiful.

'Come here,' said Connor, pulling his chair out a bit, 'come on.'

I smiled and got out of my chair. As soon as I was in arm's reach, Connor pulled me into his lap. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, cradling my head to his chest. I shivered.

'Oh,' said Connor, 'are ye cold?'

'It's pretty chilly,' I admitted, shivering again, 'it is night time.'

Connor sighed. He reached around and grabbed his peacoat. He draped it around my shoulders, covering me up. I smiled.

'This is nice,' I said, 'I like peacoats.'

'I thought I'd use it as a blanket ta keep ye warm,' said Connor, rubbing my arms, 'I don' want my girlfriend ta freeze.'

I laughed.

'You're sweet,' I said, 'you're very sweet.'

'Sweet as candy,' said Connor.

I giggled. Connor kissed my forehead, burying his nose in my hair.

'I love you,' he whispered.

'I love you, too,' I whispered back, 'I love you, too.'