They rode back in the direction of Jill's diner together in Mark's car. She stared down at the ring on her finger, watching it sparkle under the streetlights as they drove through the city.

"Oh, Mark, I'm so happy..." She sighed contentedly and rested her head on her new fiancé's shoulder.

"Me too." He chuckled. "I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight."

"Then don't…" Princess giggled.

Mark's eyes widened in surprise. What was Princess insinuating? He knew that she had wanted to remain a virgin until she married.

Princess read the look on Mark's face and giggled even more. "I don't mean that, silly, but you could just cuddle with me tonight. I don't think I'll be able to sleep either."

"Well, in that case," Mark smiled, "Maybe we should head back to my place. I can just see Keyop bounding into your room in the morning and freaking out when he sees me there…and then accidentally letting the information slip to the Chief."

Princess laughed. "You've got him pegged. Okay, let's go back to your place then."

Mark pulled up to the shack in his airfield and opened the door for his fiancée.

Mockingly, he picked Princess up and carried her over the threshold. Then, he tossed her lightly onto his bed.

"You know, before too long, I'll be doing this for real." He grinned.

"Carrying me over the threshold?" Princess' asked.

"And this too…" he reclined next to her and leaned in for another series of kisses.

Princess pushed him back. "You do remember that I want to wait until after we're married, don't you?"

Mark leaned back on his pillow and huffed loudly. "I know, I know…damn…this is so tempting…"

Princess giggled in the darkness. She snuggled next to him and sighed. "I'm sorry, honey, but you know... it's tempting for me, too."

"I'll bet it's not as difficult for you," Mark grumbled.

Princess laughed and found her way to his face for a quick kiss. "Do any of the others know about this?"

"Jason actually went with me to the jeweler's to help me pick it out."

"What did he say when you told him you were going to propose?"

"It's about time!" Mark chuckled. He knew that the team had been rooting for the two of them to get together for a long time.

"I can't wait until we tell everyone tomorrow!" Princess exclaimed.

Mark could make out her outline in the darkness; she was examining her left hand, trying to catch a glimpse of her new ring.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, baby, but I have a long delivery run to make first thing in the morning." Mark sighed.

Princess gave him a quick peck. "That's ok, honey, I'll be glad to fill everyone in on the good news by myself…and I'll be here to welcome you home when you return."

"What would I ever do without you?" Mark chuckled.

He pulled her closer, and after a while, they both fell asleep.

88888888888

The morning came all too quickly, and Mark groaned as he slipped his legs out from beneath the covers. He peered over at the sleeping Swan next to him. Her ivory face looked so peaceful. Ebony locks flowed all over his pillow. She even looked cute in the morning. Mark studied her and pondered his good fortune. He traced his fingers around her heart-shaped face, and kissed her forehead.

After a quick shower and a change, he reluctantly walked over to say goodbye to his new fiancée.

A kiss on the lips woke her gently. "I have to go, baby. I'll be back tonight. It will be a while, but I hope you'll be waiting for me. I'll be thinking of you while I'm gone."

Princess' long eyelashes fluttered in the early morning light. "I'll wait as long as you need me to, Mark… and I'll be thinking about you, too."

One last kiss transpired between them before Mark trudged out the door.

Princess listened to the familiar hum of his Cessna as he took off down the airstrip. She peeked out the window just in time to catch a glimpse of the red, white and blue plane disappearing into the pale blue sky.

She suddenly felt so empty inside.

However, the smile crept back across her face as she looked down at her left hand. Her new diamond glistened in the early morning sun that cascaded through the bedroom window. I'd better get back to Jill's. Can't wait to tell the others…she thought happily.