Nina got home early, since she had the last period off. She wanted to see Jack anyway, and he had left after his interview, so she hadn't seen him since that morning. She didn't know what Jack had planned for her. So she was surprised when he came inside with a bag that was clearly from a jewellery shop.

"Hey Nina," said Jack, "you're home early."

"I didn't have a class and Susan said it was okay for me to come home. How was your interview?"

"I think it went alright. Susan took me out to the soccer field to meet the team captain this morning. He said he'd love to have a coach that is actually going to be there to teach them instead of one that turns up whenever they feel like it. I told Susan I would love to do it. She said she'd call me with an answer by the end of today. I assume that means five tonight."

"I hope you get it." She hugged him. "In fact, I know you will. You're a great candidate for the job."

"You're biased."

"So? Doesn't mean I'm wrong."

He grinned. "True." He handed her the bag. "Open it."

Nina opened the bag and pulled out a small, wrapped up box. "What's this?"

"Open it," he repeated.

"Okay." She unwrapped the paper carefully, then opened the box. She gasped when she saw the beautiful diamond ring inside.

"Nina Tucker, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Jack asked. He had gotten down on one knee while she had been staring at the ring.

She didn't answer at first, but once the shock disappeared, Nina smiled and jumped into Jack's arms. "Yes! Yes, I will marry you!" she shouted gleefully.

Jack lifted her off her feet and spun her around. He had planned on asking her after dinner, but now was as good a time as anything. He gently put her down again, but didn't let go of her yet. He wanted to hold her forever.

Karl and Susan shared a look of surprise at the shouting coming from inside the house. It didn't sound bad, but it was still shouting. Karl was about to knock when they heard Nina giggling and heard the word 'marry'. Both of them finally felt relieved as they knocked on the door. It had taken ten years to hear those words, but the wait was worth it.

Jack finally let Nina go so she could open the door. "Hi guys, come in," Nina said.

Karl and Susan came inside and hugged her. "Hi Jack," said Karl. "And congratulations."

Nina looked confused. "Congratulations?"

"We heard you from outside. You're engaged?"

"Yes! Jack proposed!" Nina pulled Susan to her. "Look what he got me!"

"Wow, that's lovely!" gushed Susan as she stared at the ring.

"It's so great! I can't believe it. Susan, I think everything is starting to turn out the way I wanted."

"I think so. You seem so happy Nina, I'm so glad you two have worked things out."

"Me too. I can't believe it. I'm engaged to the man of my dreams." She giggled again.

Susan couldn't help smiling. Sometimes she forgot that Nina was still very young. Her friend was excited, and she'd never take that away from her, even though she knew that marriage wasn't always so great.

"Susan, will you perform the ceremony for us?"

"Of course I will. When are you thinking of getting married?"

"We don't have a date yet," said Jack, though he wanted to have the wedding as soon as possible.

"Can we call you when we decide?" asked Nina.

"Of course you can. We're just next door anyway," smiled Susan.

"Thank you. You guys are the best!" Nina threw her arms around Susan and Karl. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to call Lou and tell him."

The three of them laughed as Nina disappeared into the kitchen. There had been a time when she hadn't even wanted to talk to Lou, now she was dying to tell him the happy news.

"Hello?"

"Lou, guess what? Guess what Jack did?" Nina said, too excited to even wait for an answer. "He proposed! We're engaged!"

"That's great sweetheart. Congratulations."

"We're going to figure out when we want the wedding, then I'll let you know."

"Okay. Do you want me to put Lauren on?"

"No, she's busy. But can you tell her?"

"Of course I can Nina. You go have fun with Jack, and call when you set a date."

"I will. Hey, Lou, how is Lauren?"

"She's okay, a little upset, but okay."

Nina said goodbye, hung up and returned to the lounge room, where Jack was busy telling Susan and Karl about the latest soccer stuff. She quietly slipped into his arms while he spoke, using the chance to cuddle up to him.

"How is Lou?" asked Jack.

"He's good. He's worried about Lauren though. I don't blame him. He's going to tell her for me."

"Great. She'll be happy," said Karl.

"When she fixes the mess with her son, she will be," said Nina. "I just wish I could help her with it."

"If she needs you, she'll call," said Susan. "She knows you're here for her."

Nina nodded. "I want to tell everyone."

"Well, tomorrow is Friday. We can throw you an engagement party if you like."

"Really?"

"Of course. We've been waiting for this day since the two of you actually got together ten years ago," said Karl, grinning.

"Thank you guys," said Jack.

Nina couldn't wipe the smile off her face, but then she remembered that her family wasn't around. "Can we wait until Lauren and Lou come back?"

"Of course. Lou said he'd be gone two days, so we can do it Saturday instead."

"Thank you Jack!" Nina cuddled him again.