Nick slowly woke up and smiled to himself, remembering what happened the night before. He turned onto his side and looked at her. She was facing him, with her hair fanned out on the pillow. He gently caressed her cheek, and then ran his hand down her arm till he reached her hand. Nick took her hand in his and kissed her palm.
�Morning.� She replied softly, looking up at him.
�Morning, sorry I didn�t mean to wake you.�
�No, that�s okay. I don�t mind being woken up by my future husband.� She responded and interlaced their fingers.
�I can�t wait till I marry you.� He stated pulling her to him. He laid down and held her in his arms.
�I can�t wait either, but we have a lot to talk about.�
�Like what?�
�Where we�re going to live? If we live here, do I finish my schooling or get a job?�
�Well where do you want to live?�
�I don�t care as long as you are with me.� She said kissing him.
�Mel, you have to finish your schooling, I know how important that is for you.�
�But when you tour, I won�t be able to go with you.�
�Yeah, I didn�t think about that.�
�Wait, I think I have an idea. My college has online classes; I could finish my schooling that way. I would be able to tour with you and I wouldn�t have to transfer out.�
�That would work out great.�
�I will look into it when I go back to Illinois.�
�Alright, enough talking, I think we should be doing something else with our mouths.�
�You wish Carter.� She grinned at him.
�Funny!� He stated and started to tickle her.
�Wow this place looks amazing!� Julie stated as they all walked into the room to make sure everything was done.
�They are going to be so surprised!� Jeni replied as she and AJ examined the room.
�Alright, I checked with the owner, everything is set for the party. All we have to do is get Mel and Nick here.� Brian said as he and Leighanne entered the room.
�Jules and I have that covered!� Jonathon responded as he squeezed her hand. They were going to make sure Melissa had wonderful engagement party. She deserved it after what she has been through.
�Okay, well we need to head back and get ready, before Mel and Nick get back.� Alyssa declared as her and Howie exited the room. Everyone followed them, hoping that the party was perfect for their friends.
�Why are we here again?� Nick asked as they pulled to the Water Front restaurant.
�Because our friends want to have dinner with us, what is so bad about that?� She asked touching his leg.
�Nothing, but I wanted to enjoy all the alone time I can with you.�
�We have the rest of our lives to be alone! Besides they are waiting for us.�
�You�re right, but if you keep touching my leg like that, I�m going to drive us home right now!� He grinned at her.
�I�ll keep my hands to myself, I promise.� She smiled at him. They entered the restaurant and were escorted to the private room.
�Your party is waiting inside for you.� The hostess stated and then left. Nick opened the door and let Melissa go in first.
�Nick, why are the lights off?�
�I don�t know. The light switch should be over here.� He replied hitting the switch.
�SURPRISE! HAPPY ENGAGEMENT!!� Everyone yelled once the lights were on. They all gathered around Nick and Melissa.
�You guys are unbelievable!� Melissa said as she hugged Julie.
�We wanted to celebrate your engagement. There is an engagement, right?� Jonathon asked Nick.
Nick laughed at Jonathon�s question. �What does this tell you?� Nick showed off Melissa�s hand that was wearing the engagement ring. All the girls assembled around Melissa as the guys congratulated Nick.
�Let�s see that ring!� Jeni stated grabbing Melissa�s hand.
�Mel that is a beautiful ring!� Alyssa replied glancing at it.
�How did he propose?� Julie asked Melissa. Melissa told them about the picnic on the beach and then the candles spelling out �Will you marry me?�
�That is so romantic!� Leighanne announced.
�Congrats Nick, I told you she would say yes!� Brian stated giving Nick a hug.
�Thanks man, I appreciate everything you did!�
�Welcome to the family Nick. Treat her right or you will have to deal with me!� Jonathon replied with a smile.
�You don�t have to worry Jonathon, she is my world.� Nick looked over at Melissa as she chatted with the girls. �I�ll never let anything bad happen to her.�
�I can�t believe you are getting married before me!� Howie said patting Nick on the back.
�Me either, D. I definitely thought I would be the last of us to get married, but you never know what the future holds.�
�You picked an amazing woman to start a life with Nick. We are all happy for you.� Kevin said wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
�Thanks Kevin, that means a lot coming from you.�
�Okay, enough of this mushy stuff, let�s get this party started!� AJ announced bringing the groups together.
He watched from a distance as she laughed with two girls he didn�t recognize. He couldn�t help but stare at her. She had changed since he saw her last. His gaze engulfed her body; his desire for her grew with every movement she made. The red dress she was wearing fit her curves flawlessly and showed off her long and tanned legs. He was going to make her suffer for what she did; nothing was going to stop him. Not even her new boyfriend. She was his, no matter who she was with.
