Note: Yes, I know there are some similarities to "Songs of Innocence and Experience," and the reason for that is . . . I'm . . . not . . . that . . . creative. . . . Sorry . . .

Ch. 15: Birthday Ideas

Jennifer was sad to have her friends leave and return to their own homes. However, on the plus side, since Sir Howard and King Garland were gone, she could visit Duke more.

On one night, she and Duke were making some s'mores next to Rouge Pond.

"I already told my servants about Arla's weakness," Duke said, after he assembled his s'more. "They're going to try to follow her to figure out where Arla stores her supply of extra skins, but I ordered them to not put their lives at risk. She's probably using one of my hidden rooms to store them. If they do locate it, they're going to contact me thru my animal friends."

"Any leads?" Jennifer asked, and Duke shook his head. After they ate their s'mores, Jennifer looked up at Duke. "Say, Duke . . . do you know how to dance?"

Duke had a big grin on his face and laughed. "Do I know how to dance?"

Duke got up, and offered his had to Jennifer, helping her to her feet. He then lead her around Rouge Pond, gracefully dancing all the way, to the tune of frogs, crickets, and owls, throwing in fancy spins and dips in there.

"Does that answer your question?" Duke asked, once they returned and stopped.

"Yes!" Jennifer said, thoroughly impressed.

"Why are you curious if I could dance?" Duke asked.

"Well, you see," Jennifer said, taking out an envelope, sealed with the Mason family's coat-of-arms. "My birthday's next week . . . and I would like you to attend. Audrey and Nathan are going to be there as well . . . plus, I'm going to have the party at night!"

"But that means Sir Howard and King Garland would probably be there as well," Duke said, as he took the invitation and looked it over. "How . . ."

"You see, on the birthday of a member of the Mason family, they can choose a person to be under their protection on that day," Jennifer said, getting his attention. "And I choose you."

Duke was agape and aghast.

"Under my protection, Sir Howard and King Garland can't touch you," Jennifer said, seeing Duke's expression.

"Jennifer, this is . . . incredible . . . how . . ." Duke then thought of something. "Vince and Dave are okay with this?"

"Well, I had to make a deal with them in order to have the party at night," Jennifer said.

"Which is?" Duke asked, concerned.

Jennifer waited until Duke put her birthday invitation away, so she could hold his hands and look him in his eyes.

"Duke Crocker," she began. "Would you marry me?"

Duke was caught off guard.

"I know it's unconventional . . . I don't even have a ring! But hear me out," Jennifer said. "If we get married, you can live at True Heart Castle! That would definitely break your curses! When we're married, we can explain what happened to Sir Howard and King Garland. If they are still part of the alliance, all three kingdoms could battle Wade and Arla! I know it's a longshot—"

Jennifer couldn't finish her sentence as Duke pulled her into long, deep, romantic kiss.

"Yes," Duke said after their kiss. "I, Duke Crocker, will be happy and honored to marry you, Jennifer Mason."

Jennifer let out a brief laugh. Before she hugged Duke and he spun her around.

"Oh! I hope you don't mind, but you have to propose to me at my birthday party to make it official," Jennifer said.

"I would love to propose to you at your birthday party," Duke said with a big smile, as he brushed his fingers through her hair.

"This is going to be great!" Jennifer said, smiling.

"When Wade and Arla are gone, I'm going to introduce you to Charlotte," Duke said. "She'll love you."

"That sounds wonderful!" Jennifer said, as their smiles grew. They just looked at each other for a minute.

"Thank you," they said simultaneously to each other. They then laughed and lovingly embraced each over.