"I"m assuming there is another surprise or I wouldn"t be wearing this blindfold again." Melissa said as she sat yet again in Nick"s car.
"Yes, it"s a surprise and we are almost there." As he got closer to his destination, the more he got nervous. He tried to compose himself as he pulled into the parking lot. Nick looked over at Melissa and smiled, she was his future. He got out of the car and walked over to the passenger side. He helped her get out the car and guided her to the beach.
"Okay, I can tell we are at the beach. I can hear the ocean, but what are we doing here?"
"You"ll see." Nick stated as he leaded her farther down the beach. He sighed with relief when he saw that everything was done and in place. "I"m going to remove the blindfold." He untied the cloth and watched her expression.
"Nick, this is amazing!" Nick had planned a picnic on the beach. He thought of everything. There was a large blanket covering the sand, a basket full of Melissa"s favorite foods, and two torches lit to give the picnic radiance.
"I thought it would be more romantic to have dinner here then in a stuffy restaurant." Melissa walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Thank you so much, I love it and I love you." She gave him an intense kiss.
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"Everything is planned!" Julie stated to the gang as she walked into the living room. "I just called the restaurant and gave them the menu and discussed decorations. It will all be done by the time Nick and Mel get back."
"Now we just need to think of a way to get them there!" Alyssa said sitting on Howie"s lap.
"Well, maybe we could tell them that we want to have dinner together and have them meet us at the restaurant." Howie stated to the group.
"Yeah, that will work; we will leave them a note. That way we can make sure everything is done before they show up." Jonathon added.
"That"s perfect; I can"t wait to see their faces when they walk into that restaurant." Jeni replied smiling.
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"That was delicious." Melissa said as she leaned back into Nick"s arms. He slowly enclosed her in his arms. "I"m so glad you thought of this."
"Me too." Nick stated finally feeling more calm then he had all night.
"Look at this scenery! It is so beautiful; the waves crashing into the shore, the stars and moon lightening up the sky, and you, the most romantic man who I love more than life itself. This night couldn"t get any more perfect."
"Yes, it can." Nick stood up and reached out his hand to her. "Come with me." She gave him her hand and stood up. The nervous Nick had been replaced by a Nick with who was determined and in love. He wanted a future with Melissa and he couldn"t wait to start it.
"Where are we going?" Nick didn"t response, he just kept walking. Then all of sudden he stopped and turned to face her.
"Mel, I have told you many times that you are my angel and that you saved me. But you have done so much more than that. You make me laugh, smile, open up, and most importantly, love. What I feel for you, I have never felt for anyone and I know that I won"t. You are the one for me. I want a future with you and only you."
"Nick." She said in a whisper trying to control her emotions.
He led her to a small piece of the beach that was surrounded by rocks. Melissa stopped when she saw the message spelled out in candles. "Will you marry me?"
She looked over at him and saw that he was down on one knee. He seized her hand and looked into her eyes.
"I love you Melissa, my Angel. I want you in my life, now and forever. Will you marry me?" He opened the ring case and revealed the ring. Melissa"s hand went to her face, trying not to cry. She lost that battle.
"Yes, I"ll marry you!" Nick stood up and placed the ring on her finger. He grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. Melissa pulled him in for a passionate kiss and Nick returned the kiss.
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"I wonder if he has asked her yet." Julie asked as her and Jonathon sat outside on the deck. Jonathon held her hand in his.
"I don"t know, but when he does, Mel"s life is going to change."
"She deserves to be happy more than anyone."
"Yes, she does, but so do we! Besides, Mel told me to make sure you had fun."
Julie looked over at him and smiled. "What do you have in mind?"
"Well, since we have this place to ourselves, I thought"" Jonathon finished by whispering it into her ear.
"I"ll race you!" She stated as she ran into the house. Jonathon was right behind her.