“Where would you like to go, honey? Caribbean, Africa, Europe, China?”

I laughed. From the time he got back from Detroit, he always was very busy organizing special events. Little parties, special treatments, or beautiful candlelight dinners.

“Sweetie, we both know, that we don’t have enough days off to have an enjoying vacation.” I looked in his gorgeous eyes. I felt sorry for him, but all these special events cost me many days off and Richard was already getting a little frustrated with me. Oh, well, love can really interfere with everything, and I love it. Still, I didn’t want to lose my job, yet. Next to that, I had something else on my mind for us. It was a surprise, so I couldn’t really talk about it.

“Come one, we both need a break. Why can’t we just go for a few days to relax a little? We don’t have to go far.” Larry looked at my like a little kid. I just could smile. He was so cute. If he would be from chocolate, I probably would have eaten him up already. Well, thank God, he isn’t from chocolate. I knew I had to change the topic, so I started to talk about a case, which I was working on. He rolled his eyes, but after a few minutes he was ok, and very into the case. After an hour we drove back into reality. A Hectic, loud and stressful crowd greeted us.

“So I will see you tonight?” and I gave him a little but still passionate kiss.

“Well, I hope so, if I don’t have to sleep on the sofa again.” He giggled only to know how my reaction would be.

“Very funny, that was only because of the stupid rivalry, which goes on between you and Jackson.” I smiled at him while he slidded his hands through my hair. Oh, love. What a magical word.

We kissed each other again and then went our separate way. While I was walking away, I looked back and saw him smiling at me, so I sent him a little kiss. He caught it and pretended to fall. I laughed and started to make my way to the law-firm.

"Ally, Allllly, stop right now!" Richard was yelling after me as I stepped out of the elevator.

"What Richard" I looked at him with sharp eyes. I knew, what would come, and I was sick of hearing it.

"Do you know what time it is! Four, Four o'clock PM and you missed our meeting. Money doesn't just fly in through the window. More work, more work pleeeease." he looked at me with these begging eyes.

"Whatever" and with this I turned away and walked toward my office.

"Ally" Elaine stopped me.

"What now, Elaine!" Oh, I just entered this building, but in already a few minutes and could just open a window and scream. Can't they understand the special love, which exist between my and my man. They felt pity for me when Larry was in Detroit, and now they can't understand that I needed and wanted to spend more time with him. Great friends!

"A new client is in your office for a new case,” Elaine said while calling me back from my thoughts.

"Wha..what a new case? I still have the other on. Uhh, what a pain!" I turned away and greeted my new client. A quite tall guy in his 20s, long black and slimy hair and a totally dark suite. Juck, where the only word which came into my mind.

"Hi, Ms. McBeal?! My name is Frank Sanders, but just call me Frank. Thanks for taking my case."

"Oh, yeah, you’re welcome. So what is the case about?"

He took a seat and started to explain his situation. I was just able to follow him for the first two minutes, then my mind somehow slipped away. I had a "oh-yummy' daydream. What was it about? Hm, I first had an image of my apartment. Next thing I know, I am opening the door to my room and there he was lying on our bed. Uhhh, he had these cute boxers on and a very tight shirt. Grr, I could have melted away right there on the spot. He was waving at me to join him. A little unsure but I lay down next to him and we started to kiss. There was so much passion and love and......*Knock Knock* I looked up and we both, my client and me looked at the door.

"Yesss?" Ah, they don't even let me enjoy me dreams, how cruel.

Elaine looked inside. "There is a quite huge box for you. What should I do with it?"

"Oh, wow! They delivered it already. That was fast. Let them bring in inside" with a surprised face I turned to my client.

"So do you think we can win?" Frank asked me with a questioning face.

"Yeah, sure. Could you come tomorrow again, like around two and we will further discuss the facts." with that I took his arm and pulled him toward the door. " It was nice to meet you. See you tomorrow. Bye!" With that a kind of kicked him out of my office.

Next. Two very well built men were carrying my box inside my office. I was a heavy wooden box like from the beginning of the century. It looked like an antic wooden box, but that wasn't the mean idea.

"What is in it?" Elaine asked with a huge smile and a giggling voice.

"I will tell you if you help me with something."

"OK, so what is in it?"

"Well,....hm...it is a little surprise for Larry. I don't think anybody of you know, but hi.... his birthday is coming up this weekend!

"Uhhh, really. How cool and interesting. So how can I help you?"

I walked to the table and handed Elaine a long list of thinks she had to buy me.

"Balloons, confetti, ....... You are throwing him a birthday party? How sweet.

"Yes, and it isn't the only surprise that I have in mind. Ok, talk to the others, but NO word to Larry or I will hang you all."

I smiled; it felt good to share your excitement with other people. Since the day I came up with this whole thing, I had so many ideas. I have only two more days to organize everything, which included a very important phone call and a short talk with Richard. I hope it will work, because then the surprise will be perfect.

It was Friday afternoon. The day went by pretty fast and I only had until tomorrow to organize the whole celebration. I was really really excited and it was quite hard to hide it from Larry. I think, he started to suspect something but I always tried to fake it with my ‘not knowing of what he is talking about’ thing. I knew, I tortured him with that, but what can you do. It is a surprise and it should stay a surprise.

I heard the opening of the door to my apartment. I looked up and saw Larry entering. His face looked disappointed and sad. I jumped up from the sofa to hug and greet him with a long kiss.

“Hey, Larry, what’s wrong.” I looked into his eyes and could see that he was hiding something from me. “What are you not telling me?”

He took my hand softly and led my to the sofa, where we both sat down. Quite uncomfortable he started. “Well, I have this client who I promised to represent months ago. He called me yesterday and told me to take a flight to New York City, this evening. I declined and told him that I don’t have the time, but he told me, he will sue my for what ever reason if I won’t keep my promise.”

“W..what, you are kidding, right??...Today? Tomorrow, tomorrow is your birthday. You can’t just leave.” My voice turned scratchy and I could hardly keep my tears back.

“I know and I tried to cancel, but he wouldn’t accept a ‘no’ as an answer. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to get sued, for such a stupid thing.

He looked a little depressed, since he probably or for sure wanted to spend his birthday with me. I felt helpless. Why do such people exist, who think they can buy everything with money?

“Ahh, such a silly stupid ... and so on man. Can I help you somehow? For example to be your second chair or something like that?”

“That is so sweet,” and he put his arms around my shoulder to comfort me, “but I will just do it and come back as soon as possible. You also have a lot of work to do yourself. I may already be back on Wednesday.

“Oh no, Wednesday.” I turned around, looked into his eyes and then put my head on his chest. Tears rolled down my face. All my ideas and organization was for nothing. My dream of his birthday slowly faded away. My good mood was gone for sure.

“You know what, lets go out and have a small dinner together,” Larry suggested with some hope in his eyes.

I nodded. “It is better then nothing, considering it is your birthday tomorrow.”

Under a clear dark sky, we walked slowly to a sweet little Italian restaurant with a good atmosphere. We didn’t talk too much. Somehow, this bad news ruined our day.

“Are you very upset?”

I looked at Larry with surprise. “Me? Not upset. I am just sad that we can’t celebrate this great day together.”

“I am getting a year older, that isn’t great! I am just getting closer to more wrinkles and gray hair.” We both smiled for the first time, since he came home.

“Funny, you know what I mean.”

“Well, we still can celebrate when I come back. You can surprise me with something.”

“Whattt?” I looked at him with shock. Did he know something? “What do you mean?”

“Well, it is not a surprise if I tell you the answer, but as a tip, maybe a special dinner or romantic bad.

“Ohhh, ok, I will find something special for you, sweetie.” I smiled, realizing that he probably didn’t know about my already planed surprise.

At home again we packed his things for the trip. We now both felt a little better.

“Well, this is it.” He looked at me. Somehow we were at same situation when he left for Detroit, although we knew we would see each other in a few days. I guess we don’t like to be separate.

“Yes, I guess, it is time. Take care of yourself and call me as much as possible.”

We kissed and kissed and we didn’t want to stop. I think we both felt like running to my room.

“Ok, I really have to go.” He started to walk but turned around once more time to kiss me, and then he left. He was gone again, just for a short time, but gone. ‘Gone’, I hate that word.

I watch a little TV, but all I could think about, was Larry of course. I was about to call Renee, when I realized she had a date with Jackson. Since there was nothing to do I snuggled into my cold and lonely bed. Somehow tears gathered in my eyes again. I though about my organization for his party. It was his birthday and they took him away from me. The surprise, the party everything melted away like when the sunlight touches the snow.

I couldn’t sleep at all. I was up all night, trying to find some hopeful solution to this chaotic situation. How would I be still able to make him happy? New York City? With still many thoughts on my mind I finally fell asleep.

‘Ring’ (or whatever a phone ringing sounds like). I sat up and almost fell on the floor while getting out of the bed. I ran to the phone.

“Hallo, Larry?”

“No, its me Renee. What’s wrong? Where is Larry?”

“Oh, hi Renee, sorry. Ahh, nothing is wrong. Larry just left for a few days to NYC, because of some stupid mad client, which he had to represent.

“But it is his birthday, today....Ohh, Ally, I am so sorry. So what about the surprise?”

“Thanks Renee. Well, I don’t really know what I should do? Do you have any idea?”

“Hmmm,........actually, I do. How about we all take a small trip to NYC with the surprises. On Sunday, we would all fly back, but you could stay until he comes back. How about that?” I could hear Renee’s voice getting more and more excited.

“I don’t know. I don’t think the whole group will be able to come? Next to that I don’t believe Richard will give me more days off.”

“Richard isn’t the real obstacle, here Ally isn’t it?”

“Yessss he........well, ok, No. So what do you think we should do next?” I gave up; Renee was to into it, to stop her. Maybe it will work. Ohh, that would be so amazing.

“I will call the others and tell them about the little changes. You call the hotel, where Larry is staying and request some rooms and a big party room. Next to that buy the tickets for everybody. We will just move everything to NYC. Oh, I can see it already, it will be a lot of fun.”

“Hmm, I see you are very excited, too. Ok, I will do my job and call you in an hour. By that I hope everybody will be ready.”

I think I still didn’t really realized what is going to happen. We all going to NYC to celebrate my sweetie’s birthday. It sounds a little unrealistic, but I am sure now it really will be a huge surprise.

I left for a few minutes for the bathroom to get ready, and then I was just hanging on the phone making calls to the travel agency, the hotel and to reorganize one of my special surprises. In between these calls, I got one from my yummy man, Larry. We just talk for a short time, about how we both were. I was strong enough to hold back all my excitement. I was so happy that I would see him soon, and he didn’t even know about it. Puhh, after like 30 min I was done and ‘fortunately’ everything worked out fine. What a surprise. Now, I really started to get excited and I smiled and giggle every now and then about the idea how surprised Larry will be. Next, Renee called me back and confirmed me that everything worked out fine on her side, too. I was jumping around.

“What kind of method did you use on Richard, Renee?”

“Hmm, you don’t want to know. Just be happy it worked out. I told everybody that we would meet in hour at the airport. Is that fine?”

“Yeah, that is perfect. I already packed everything, which we will need for the party.”

“How did the call about the special surprise go?”

“Haha, it is better if you don’t ask. A lot of begging and sweet-talk and so on, but it worked, fortunately. I still wonder how, but it did. Well, I will see you in an hour. Thanks Renee, you are the best, thanks!!”

“Oh, don’t mention it. I think it will be a great party. I am sure Larry will love it. So see-you in an hour. ....Bye”

Uhh, now I was in heaven. I just hope everything will work out like it should. I really want to know how Larry will react. I hope he will like it.

It was time. We were all gathered and seated at the airport. Our flight was supposed to depart already, but like always, when you are in a hurry, it was delayed. Great!! Everybody was chatting around with each other. I think it was the first time that our whole group went somewhere together; quite funny to watch. Finally went on board and in like 30 min we landed in the Big Apple. The others already took the taxis and left for the city. I had to wait for a very special delivery. After an hour of waiting I finally saw him coming out of the gate. That cute little boy of age 8 or 9. He looked at me with his gorgeous eyes and a smile, which so reminded me of Larry.

“Hey Ally, it is nice to see you again.”

“Hey Sammy. How was your flight?”

“Nothing new. You know!”

“Oh, yeah, can’t forget that little incident. I am sooo glad your mom let you come. I am sure Larry will be so happy.”

Even though Sam reminded me of Jamie, he was just the cutes thing and I really loved him. He had so much from his father. After some minute of chit chat, we also took a taxi. Through the Brooklyn Bridge we entered Manhattan, the heart of New York City. High skyscrapers arose in front of us. Big masses of people were running around like a bomb would go of somewhere. Quite fascinated, we both looked out of the window. I don’t live far from New York; still I never really visited it. After a quite bumpy and fast ride we finally made it to the hotel. Hyatt, the quite expensive and tall building lay next to our feet.

“Hi,..ehm, my name is Ally McBeal. I think my group arrived already. We all had reservation under the name of Cage & Fish. Can you tell where they are?

“One second Miss”

“Yeah, you rooms are located on the 15th floor.”

“Is the party room prepared already?”

“Yes Miss, the party will be help in the Grand Ball Room on the 40th floor. The special wishes, which you requested, were already made. I hope everything is to your satisfaction. Any further question?”

“Yeah, well, my bo.. boyfriend is also in this Hotel. The party is for him you know. Could you tell where his room is and may be even give me a key?”

“I am not really supposed to.”

“Please, look this is his son” I pointed to Sam to find some excuse.

The clerk smiled. The situation was awkward. Here, I was standing, the girlfriend of Larry, which sound a little funny, considering I was with his son of his other girlfriend. I started to smile about this idea too.

“Well, I guess I will make an exception this time. Here are the keys. Anything else?”

“No, thanks you so much, for your cooperation.”

“The Gentleman will lead you to your rooms. Enjoy your stay.”

We headed toward the elevators. Puh, that was over. I started to get nervous. I knew, after talking with Larry that he wouldn’t be back until seven. We had two and half-hours to get ready for the surprise. First we visited Renee’s Room. I knocked......and the door opened.

“Hey Ally, you made it. Oh, hi Sam.”

“Yup, we made it and I even got Larry’s key.” I smiled like when a five year old achieves something he or she shouldn’t have.

“Hallo Renee.” Sam just stood there and followed our conversation.

“So what are we going to do now?”

“....Well, first I wanted to visit the party room and look what last minute preparations have to be done. I also have to let the porter carry up the other surprise. Then I will go to Larry’s room, which is located four floors higher. Sam and me have to get ready. I would be good, if all of you would get up to the part room with Sam before seven, so when Larry arrives, I would come up with him. How does everything sound?”

“Go girl, I see you organized everything perfect. So after you dropped of Sam, I will see you after seven when you both will come up?”

“Yes, thanks Renee. I am a little exhausted, but I know it will be all worth it at the end. By the way, can you tell the others everything?”

“No problem. See you later.” With a huge smile on both of our faces we said good-bye. Now, Sam and me headed to the party room. I was really excited to see, how it turned out. Through the phone the promised me great work. Then we were there on the 40th Floor. I open the door.

“Wwwwwwwwwooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwww,” was coming out of both of our mouths.

“This is so coooooooooooool,” Sam screamed while he started to run around the room.

It was really well.....amazingly well done. I am sure over 100 blue and white Balloons were floating around. Festoons were stretching from one side of the room to the other. Beautiful colorful lamps were hanging from the sealing. The room had 3 big and beautiful decorated tables. In the middle, there was a dance floor. We even had a disco ball. If you went to the window you had an incredible view of the city. It was really amazing.

“So Sam, how do you like it?”

“Are you kidding, this is so great.” Then he came and hugged me. I was so touched and first a little speechless. “Ally you are really great. I am happy that Dad found a person like you.” I kneed down to him and looked into his gorgeous eyes.

“Oh, Sam, this is so sweet from you. I am happy that your Dad has you and that you could make it to his birthday party. How about we are going to his room now and get ready for the big event?”

“Great idea. I also have a little present for him.”

“Ohh, that is so nice from you. Ok let’s go down again. I hope he didn’t came yet.”

We went downstairs again. His room was clean and neat, which was quite a surprise. We both changed cloths. I wore a long blue gown. It had shiny glitter on the top and on the bottom. Sam wore a sweet tux. It was so funny to see him stand there in front of the mirror preparing himself.

“Mr. Sam Paul, are we ready?”

“Yes, Ms. McBeal, we are ready!”

We both started to laugh. It was a funny situation.

“Do you want me to bring you up to Renee’s room?”

“Ne, I am old enough to make it myself. So see-you later.”

With this he headed toward the door and left. Now I was alone. I felt a little uncomfortable. I was walking around, trying to figure out how to surprised him. I left to the bathroom for a second and as I came out, he was already standing there with a great surprised smile on his face.

“Ally?”

I ran to him, first to fall into his arm and then to fell his soft and yummy lips on mine. My heart was pounding and I didn’t wanted to let go of him. Happiness overcame my mind and body.

“Hey Larry.”

“Hey Sweety. What are you doing here?”

“Hmmm,...well, it is your birthday, so I just thought I would surprise you. I couldn’t leave you alone this day. I hope it worked?”

“Oh, yeah, it did work for sure.” He still had this huge smile on his face.

We started to kiss again but with even more passion. His hands were caressing my neck and shoulders. I took his jacket off and loosened his tie. After some seconds I realized that I still had something else for him. Something special. I slowly and painfully stopped our affectionate kissing and looked into his eyes.

“What??” He didn’t really understand my situation.

“Well, I thought we could go to eat somewhere. They have a beautiful restaurant upstairs.”

He looked surprised but then smiled back.

“I guess we can. Do you want to go right now?”

“Yes, so we could enjoy the evening later, hmmm?”

“Uhhhmmm, ok!”

We left to go upstairs. Hand in hand, two people in love, love that is so hard to find, but possible. I got a little nervous again. I could hardly wait to see his face, when he would see the surprise. We were standing in front of the ballroom and slowly he opened the door. The door to heaven.......

“SSSUUURRRPPPRRRIIISSSEEE!!!!!!!!!!” the loud scream echoed through the whole room.

Larry was stunned. There they stood, Richard, Nelle, Elaine, all the others and of course Sam, smiling happily at Larry. When Larry caught Sam’s presence, his eyes started to fill with tears and he ran to him, kneed down and hugged his beloved son. Everybody was following this beautiful act. After may be a minute Larry stood up again and slowly came up to me. First we just looked into each other’s eyes. A harmonic and loving air surrounded our bodies. He kissed me slowly.

“Surprise Larry!!” I just smiled while following his reaction.

He looked around once more time. His face was delighted.

“Ally, you did this all for ME, for my birthday?”

“ Well, ....yeah, Larry I love you so much, I had to make it a special day. You did so much for me and spending each day with you lets me realize over and over again, what an amazing man I have.”

He just smiled and was actually speechless. I think he still couldn’t really believe it.

“I don’t know how to thank you? I ....I really am speechless.”

“Hey,....Mr. Larry, you don’t have to thank me. Your love and presence is the greatest gift ever given to me. You made me the luckiest person. Thank you..........But know let us celebrate!!!”

Everybody cheered up and clapped. We all moved to the tables to enjoy the food and later on a huge chocolate cake with fresh strawberries. A band was playing some new songs or some oldies. In between Renee or Elaine went up to contribute with some special songs. Somehow, it happened that everybody was in a good mood and actually enjoyed the party. No complaints, just happy faces celebrating my man’s birthday. This made me feel so happy. Larry and I had the first dance together. Arm in arm, our bodies attached to each other’s like chains never to be broken.

“Thanks you some much again! You are the best! You made it my best birthday ever!”

“Hey, the evening is young!” with that I smiled shortly and looked away. He touched my head lovingly and turned it to him.

“What do you mean with that? Ally?” He looked at me with this huge smile. Oh, this sexy smile, I couldn’t get enough of it.

“Well, you will see.” I smiled back. If I do something, I will do it right. A birthday is only once a year and since I never ever was and will be able to enjoy my birthday I wanted to make his perfect.

We had some fast songs and everybody was moving and shacking their bodies. It was so funny. Sometimes Larry, Sam and I danced hand in hand. It was so sweet, like a cute family. It made me lose my smile for a second. Sam was here now, but he will also have to leave again. Ohhh, brrr, I shock my head a little and with that I was back to reality, and the sexiest man on this earth was next to me.

Later that night, while a full moon delighted us with its beautiful glow, each of us gave a present to Larry. First the lawyers from my firm rowed up, where the presents went from an expensive watch, to a colorful tie, to musical tickets and so on. Then Sam stepped up to Larry and handed him a small box. It contained a frame with a picture drawn by Sam.

“Oh, Sammy this is beautiful. You did this?”

“Yeah, of course dad, that is you and Ally and mommy and I standing in a park. You all are very important to me.”

Larry looked at me and we both were so touched by his maturity. What a sweet kid. In the past when Larry had to leave to Detroit, I felt a little jealous, that this tiny but smart boy had such an influence on his dad. Well, now I understand why. It must be really hard for Larry to be apart of his son.

“This is great Sammy. Thanks you very much. We will hang it up in Ally’s room.” He hugged Sam once more time.

“ I am glad you like it Dad!”

I slowly stepped up to Larry and whispered in his ear, “You will receive mine later.” I smiled and stepped back. With that I left him again. He looked again quite surprised but understood fast.

The party continued until midnight. Now Elaine was singing and everybody seemed to settle down slowly. Larry and I were standing in front of the window enjoying the incredible skyline of the city. Next Sam, Renee and Jackson came up to us.

“We are going to bed, it is way over Sam’s bedtime.” Renee and I exchanged some face expression with some smiles. I knew she and Sam understood why. Renee is really a great friend.

“Thanks Renee and Sam. Renee keep it clean tonight!!!"

Larry looked at us a little clueless.

“Can’t he just stay with us?” Larry begged me.

“Hmmm, ......I think it is better, when he goes with Renee. Sam is staying for two more days. You will have enough time tomorrow. It is late anyway.”

“But since he is only….”

“Dad, listen to me, I will go with Renee and I will see you tomorrow. Have a great night.” With a huge smile he turned around and walk towards the door. You just have to love this kid. How understanding, which I almost found a little scary. He knows too much for his age. I had to laugh.

Slowly people started to leave and so did we. We said good-bye and left for the elevators. We were holding each other’s hand, but didn’t talk at all. I opened the door and again the hotel kept their promise. Beautiful candles decorated the room. Flower petals stretched along the floor and on the bed. Again Larry’s eyes were glowing with fascination.

He came to me, laid his hands around my waist and kissed me tenderly.

“Tell me, why am I so fortunate, to have the most amazing person next to me?”

“Hmm, well, because I was lucky enough to get the most incredible and sexiest man. You Larry made me the fortunate one.”

While we talked he discovered the wooded box, which I brought with myself. He looked at me again, knowing what will come next.

“Just out of curiosity, what is in that wooden box?” he asked while pointing at the box.

“Well, ........why don’t you open it, to solve that mystery?”

I sat down on the bed and watch how Larry opened the box.

“What is this? The box was filled with glass marbles.”

“Just look around.”

He ransacked the box and finally after a minute or so he found an envelope. He stood up and set next to me on the bed. He ripped the envelope and pulled out a paper. He read everything carefully and his eyes started to sparkle like diamonds.

“Is this what I think it is?”

“Yup, you guessed right. It is a round-trip in Europe. We will spend two and half weeks traveling around Europe from England to Italy and so on. I knew you really wished to do it so I went to the travel agent and reserved it for us. I hope you like it?!”

His face was blooming with happiness. He hugged me and kissed my lips softly and then more passionately.

“Are you kidding? Of course I love it!! How will I ever be able to repay you?”

We started to kiss again with the urge to more.

“hmm, .....” I loosened his tie and started to unbutton his shirt. “How about exchanging our love to each other. I really want to feel you Larry. Your love, your amazing body and all that comes with it.”

He grinned at me and started to kiss my neck, my lips then he looked into my eyes.

“ I think there is nothing that would speak against it.”

With that we sank into a passionate act of love. This was just an amazing night. The party, the presents and our love made it a day you will always remember. A day where you still can feel the excitement in your stomach and you wish you could turn back the time. The day was a full success.

It was the morning after. We lay huddled together, tickled softly by the warm sunlight, which escaped through the curtains. One of his arms around my waist toughing me belly, the other under my neck. I could feel his breath massaging my ear. Just to feel his smooth skin rubbed against mine, let me feel tiny tingling butterflies in my stomach. He realized that I was up and started to kiss the back of my neck softly. Each tender kiss sent a warm electric shock, which made my heard pound irregularly. I turned around, moving my hand slowly from his chest to his back, hugging him lightly. I looked into his gorgeous brown eyes.

“Hey Mr. Larry!”

“He Sweetie!!”

We kissed tenderly, hoping time would stop, leaving us in this land of love and magic. We moved even closer when we were disturbed by a loud knock on the door.

“Dad, Ally can I come in?” Sam screamed through the door.

We looked at each other and in a hectic movement jumped out of bed, looking for some cloths.

“One second Sammy, only a second!” Larry screamed back while pulling up his boxers.

I jumped back into the warm bed and started to laugh hysterically, while Larry hopped on one leg to the door trying to take on some pants. He opened the door and Sam came in looking and at his dad then at me, and a grimace formed on his face.

“Hi, Sammy. How are you doing?” I asked while indicating both to come into our cozy bed. A light blanket, Sam between Larry and me, covered all three of us. It looked so sweet.

“Thanks fine. I am sorry that I disturbed you, I just thought…”

“Oh, its ok. We were already getting ready, right Larry?”

“Yeah, right.” He nodded with a huge smile covering face.

“I promised you a big city-tour around Manhattan, and I will keep my promise.” I assured Sam so he wouldn’t feel bad. He knew what was going on and I think he felt a little embarrassed.

We started to talk about our plans. After like 30 min., we finally discussed everything. Basically we would follow every wish made by Sam, but that was obvious, because it was his special day now.

We were ready and the whole law firm decided to take a small trip on their own. Finally we stepped out onto the sunny streets of New York. First we all three had a small breakfast in a friendly café. Sam was enjoying his donuts and Larry and I just had some coffee with some small fruitcakes.

“19 dollars and 34 cents Miss!” the waitress looked waiting.

I searched through my bag but nothing. No wallet no money.

“Hey Larry, do you have some money, because I left my wallet at the hotel?”

He also searched his pockets but no money in site. Great, what an embarrassing situation. We both left the Hotel without any money.

“Sorry, I have like 5 cents,” Larry looked at me a little helpless while holding up some coins.

“Ok, just stay here, I will just run back to hotel and get the money.”

I stood up and walked to the Hotel. Both of our wallets were on the table in his room, waiting to be used. I walked back to the café, but something was different. It wasn’t the clean mopped floor in the café or the annoyed smile of the waitress. It wasn’t the smell of fresh backed goods. It was Larry and Sam. Both had this soft but hardly recognizable smile on their face. Smiles where you know, that you were left out of something. It was weird.

“Hey you two. Why are you smiling?” I looked at them a little confused.

“Hmmm, nothing special, right Sam?”

“Yeah, Ally, nothing really, why?” Both of them exchanged some face expressions, leaving me still clueless.

“I don’t know,.....Anyway, do you guys want to stay here or continue our trip? I paid already so we can leave.”

“No no, we can go.”

Both stood up and we continued to walk down 5th Avenue, stopping at every toy store possible. We really spoiled him, buying everything his small heart desired, but what can you do. Both of us just couldn’t resist his cute begging eyes. I never thought children have such a power over you. It was really fun, although I felt somehow uncomfortable knowing that they were hiding something, but after a time my thoughts were busy keeping an eye on Sam.

Around 1 pm we went up to the top of the Empire State Building eating a slice of pizza while enjoying and incredible view of the city. Sam was running and jumping around the place taking pictures from every viewpoint possible. Larry and I were such sitting, watch this happy son enjoy his day. We continued our tour, visiting bookstores, not that it has to do anything with the city, and just ambling up and down the streets.

We spent some time in Central Park, playing with a huge ball he just got at FAO Schwartz. The sun started to stretch its beautiful wings of light across the tall buildings of Manhattan and slowly disappeared, leaving an orange glow on the sky. Even though evening has set in, Sam was still filled with happy energy.

“So Sam, what next?” I asked while we prepared to leave the park.

“Well,… Dad and I decided that we should have a nice dinner at this elegant Hotel somewhere near Times Square.”

“Oh,...... Ok, I guess we should do that then. Let’s go.”

Under a clear sky and sparkling starts, with Larry’s loving arm around my back tenderly touching my shoulder and Sam moving happily in front of us, we walked to that Hotel.

The elevator rose its way up to the 60th Floor. A waiter greeted us with a happy smile and led us to a table next to the window. Sam had its kids-meal and Larry and I enjoyed some light fish with Indian rice and fresh lettuce. Next to that we had some French wine leaving us with full stomachs. I thought that was it, an amazing dinner with my handsome boyfriend and his son, until something else awaited me. Both started to act a little funny or better nervous. I realized it but I felt unsure of what to do. Sam and Larry were exchanging looks, their eyes beaming messages unknown to me. Larry looked at me. His eyes filled with mystery. I really got a bad feeling. My stomach was making 360 degrees twists.

What if he has bad news?
What if he wants to go back with his son?
What if he wants to leave me?
What if he still loves Jamie?
What if he is a terrorist?

Ahh, this was making me crazy. I really started to get enough of this insecure act by Larry and Sam. I even started to have hallucination of windows exploding due to my screaming. But then, Larry stood up abruptly pulling me back to reality.

“Heeey, Larry, where the heck are you going?” I called after him angrily.

He turned back quickly, indicating me to wait patiently. Again his smile changed and so did Sam’s. A new atmosphere surrounded them.

After some minutes Larry came back with a waiter, who was holding a silver plate, the once you serve huge chickens or turkeys on. First I didn’t really see what was on it, but later it almost caused my eyes to pop out. The plate was decorated with chocolate hearts with dark red cherries around them creating a flower. That wasn’t everything. In the middle of the plate arose a large chocolate figure, also holding a plate. On it, there it was the object of every girl’s dream. My heart speeded up like a rocket, making my heart almost jump out of its place. A ring, a golden ring. A golden ring with a small diamond on it, in a shape of a heart.

After he realized my emotions he knelt down on his knee, lovingly and deeply looking into my eyes, searching for my answer.

“Ms. Ally, would you give me the honor, the right to take you to be my beloved wife?”

Wuushhhhhhh, my mind was mixed up like after a tornado. Speechless, yeah that is the word. I was really really speechless, happily speechless. My mind was really loose.

Did the sun rotated around the earth? Who comes first, the chicken or the egg? Ohh, I still don’t know the answer for that one.

Ally, Ally, earth calls Ally!!

I was back to his waiting eyes. Now he was holding the ring in front of my ring-finger waiting to slide it on.

“Y......ye..... yes, of course!!!!!!!!!”

He put the ring on my finger and I jumped into his arms. A cascade of tears poured down my face. There I lay in his arms and a loud sound of clapping forced its way through the whole restaurant. After a time, which seemed like an eternity, we both stood up smiling like a happy engaged couple, which we were. Next Sam came up to me and we embraced into a loving hug. I could feel his small pounding heart on my chest. He was excited, too.

“Congratulation Ally!”

“Thank you Sammy, thank you so much. It means a lot to me.”

He was congratulating me, me not his mom, me. His dad made like the biggest commitment to someone else, and he is happy. What a wonderful kid. I couldn’t be the happiest fiancé in the world.

We were sitting in the taxi, on our way back to the hotel. The shacking of the car made Sam fell asleep. Larry was holding my hand gently and caressed it softly. My head lay slightly on his muscular shoulder. It was late and I was quite tired but the excitement over the engagement kept my mind running and my eyes wide open.

At the hotel, Larry carried Sam up to his room, to put him to bed. I sneaked up to Renee’s room. I hoped, not to disturb her in something, but I couldn’t resist telling her about this amazing news today. I knocked slightly....... no answer. I knocked again with a little bit more force. Finally I could hear footsteps.

“What the hell.......!” Renee opened the in a frustrated move.

“Hey Renee.” I looked at her innocently.

“Ally, do you know what tim......”

I hold up the ring in front of her eyes. She fetched my hand with the ring with both hands, while looking at it admirably.

“Ally....., Ally....., is it from......?”

“Yup, it is from Larry.” I couldn’t stop smiling.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, you are engaged!!!” Renee was jumping up and down, screaming and probably waking everybody on our floor.

“Shhhhhhhh, Renee!”

“Oh, sorry. Uhhhh, I still can’t believe it. Wow! Come in!”

I followed her inside and we both set on a couch.

“I am sorry if I disturbed you two!”

“Ah, no problem, the night is long.”

“Ally, you here, at what time?” Jackson walked in, topless with an annoyed look on his face. He looked at the time.

“Jackson, nice to see you, too.” This guy had really the weirdest attitude. Pahh.

“Yeah, whatever.” With this he was on his way back to the bedroom. Like I said, this guy has issues.

Renee and me chitchatted for a while. I told her about our trip in the city. How Sam and Larry were all acting weird and then of course about the big surprise.

“And then you said yes?” Renee’s was glowing with fascination.

“Yeah, it was so wonderful. I still can feel the huge huge butterflies in my stomach.”

“Uhhh, I am so happy for you!” We hugged again. Both of us were giggling and smiling.

After some more minutes of talk, I said good-bye and headed toward Larry’s room.

What a beautiful sight, there they both lay on the bed, still with their cloths on, sleeping next to each other. Father and son. As I slowly stepped toward the bed, Larry held up his head looking at me with a smile.

“Hey my sleepy fiancé!!” I lay gently next to him, my hands touching his soft cheeks and our eyes just melting in each other. His warm hand was rubbing my back lovingly.

“So what did Renee say?”

“Oh, she was so happy and amazed. I think she was as surprised as I was.”

“So did you like the surprise?”

“Larry!” I looked at him with a surprised face. “Of course, how can you ask that? I love you with all my heart, soul and body. This is the greatest gift ever given to me. Well, almost, because your love is the biggest.”

Although he probably knew my answer already, this statement forced him to smile even more. For the next few minutes we just starred into each other’s sparkling eyes, reading the love, which lay strongly on them. We started to kiss, but we realized fast, that it was quite impossible, with having Sam next to Larry. That bed was a little too small for that. So we just fell asleep arm in arm, two pounding hearts filled with love and happiness.

The next morning was a little chaotic. Richard and the others left with an early flight. We had to go to the airport too, first to put Sammy on his flight and then to take ours.

We were at the airport waiting to check-in Sam. Larry knelt down to his son, looking softly in his eye.

“I am so glad, I got to see you. A really great birthday present.”

“Thanks Dad! I'm happy everything worked out so well, you know....” Both smiled.

“Yeah! Well, you take care of yourself and say ‘Thanks’ to your mom, for letting you come.”

“Flight 321 to Detroit is ready for boarding. I repeat, Flight 321 to Detroit is now ready for boarding.”

We all stood up, looking a little uncomfortable and sad. Larry hugged his son one more time, and then he came up to me.

“Thank you Ally for everything.” We also hugged. It was hard to say good-bye. I really grew close to him.

“Hey, I thank you. It was a pleasure to have you with us. I hope you will come and visit us more often now.

One more time we said good-bye, when this small creature so full with love, happiness and energy, made its way to the Gate. I could see the sorrow in Larry’s eyes. I am sure it was very painful, to let go of his son again. I took his hand and squeezed it lightly. He looked at me and kissed me softly on my lips. Hand in hand, two people in love, we left to find our own gate, the gate to a new part of our lives, like the wedding and our trip to Europe.