Lucia grabbed her keys and gave a small sigh. "Alright. I'm off."

"Thanks, Luci, for all your help." Denny hugged her goodbye.

"It was no problem at all," Lucia assured, hugging him tightly. "I love you, kid."

"I love you back, Luci."

"Try not to kill yourself, kay?" Lucia chuckled.

"I'll try not to," Denny smiled brightly.

Lucia kissed his forehead. "I'll see you at work tomorrow, alright?"

"Alright. Drive safe."

"Thanks." Lucia smiled at him before leaving and going down to her car. She drove back to her and Monica's house. "Hey, I'm home!" She yelled from the front door.

Monica came out and squeezed her friend tightly. "Oh, I am so happy you're back home. I was worried I'd have to watch Pride and Prejudice all by myself."

"Never," Lucia chuckled.

Monica hugged her friend again and they went to grab Lucia's stuff from the car.

"So, how are things with Jonah?" Lucia smiled.

"Just fine."

"Wonderful," Lucia nodded. "I'm still trying to talk Sean into coming back to town."

"Yeah? What does he say to that?"

"He's going to see. He got another job so it's going to be hard."

"Why a second job?"

"I guess there were some 'unexpected expenses'."

Monica nodded, having an idea what those "expenses" may be.

"What?" Lucia chuckled. "You're oddly quiet."

"You have zero idea what those expenses may be?"

"None whatsoever. Well, I assumed maybe something having to do with his mother passing, but I'm not sure."

Monica shook her head fondly.

"What?" Lucia laughed. "What do you think it is?"

"I'm not going to say. You have to figure it out."

"Great," Lucia sighed. "Guessing games...You think he got a new car?"

"Nope."

"Bought a new house?"

"Nope."

"He got a pet?"

"Nope. Think....long term."

"He bought a piano?"

Monica sighed. "And you think I'm dumb."

"Hey!"

"When he comes to visit, we're getting you some new clothes. I have a feeling it'll be special."

"What, you think he's proposing or something?" Lucia joked.

"I don't know," Monica shrugged, walking off casually.

"Wait, Mon, I was joking," Lucia frowned. "You don't really think he's proposing, do you?"

"Nothing is stopping him."

"Oh my gosh."

Monica turned around. "You're doubting him?"

"No- no, not all," Lucia said breathlessly. "It's just- gosh, do you think he really will?"

"You scared?"

"No, I'm just excited."

"I think if he knows what's good for him, he will. He's madly in love with you, Luci."

A small smile crept onto Lucia's face. "Gosh. I- I can't- this is great!"

"Just- if he does, you can't let on that you knew. It'd kill him."

"I know, I know," Lucia nodded.

Monica smiled. "You two are perfect together. He balances you out."

"You know, I'm happy for you and Jonah too. You finally found a good guy," Lucia chuckled.

"For the most part," Monica giggled.

Lucia hugged her friend tightly. "Gosh, this is so exciting."

They squealed lightly and Monica giggled. "I think we need a shopping trip."

"Me too," Lucia nodded. "Let's go."

They grabbed their purses and headed out.

—————

Paisley sat down on her couch and tapped her fingers on her thigh. After a moment, she pulled out her phone. "Hey," she texted Denny, "what are your plans like for today?"

"Not any. Why?"

"Well, I'm off of work today and I was thinking that maybe we could go for a hike or something."

"Yeah! I'll get dressed and come get you."

"Awesome," Paisley texted with a smile. "I'll see you soon."

Denny got up and went to put on some shorts, hiking boots, and a light jacket. He ran through a checklist in his head to make sure he had everything before going down to his car and driving to Paisley's house.

"Hey," Paisley grinned, opening the front door.

"Hey, there," Denny smiled.

"It's good to see you." Paisley kissed his cheek.

"You ready?"

"Yep. Let's go."

"You know the way?"

"Yeah," Paisley nodded as they both got in the car. "I can just put it in the GPS on my phone, if it's easier for you, though."

"Whatever you want," Denny shrugged, starting the car again and pulling out of the driveway.

Paisley gave him the directions, and twenty minutes later, they arrived at the gorge. "The trail starts over there. We don't have to walk the whole thing, but we should at least walk a few miles," Paisley nodded, putting her camera's lanyard around her neck and fixing her hair.

Denny nodded and sighed. "I forgot a water bottle. Oh, well. I'm okay."

"I have extra, if you want," Paisley smiled, lifting up a small backpack. "I also have a first aid kit, because you're accident prone."

Denny chuckled and gave a thumbs up. "Nice thinking."

"Why, thank you," Paisley chuckled, getting out of the car.

Denny got out too and followed her.

Paisley wrapped an arm around him as they walked, but he took her hand instead. "Easier to walk like this."

Paisley kissed his cheek. "Good with me." She held onto his hand as she adjusted the settings on her camera.

Denny looked around and took in the bright greenery, the wildflowers, and the sturdy trees. "So beautiful out."

"It really is," Paisley smiled. "Kinda hot, though."

"Yeah."

"Just let me know if you want water."

"I will."

Paisley smiled at him. "I'm really glad we could do this."

Denny nodded in agreement.

"Hey, since you don't have plans after this, why don't you come to my house for dinner?"

"Yeah. Sounds like fun."

"Perfect," Paisley grinned.

"Thanks for the invite. Will we need to pick up anything?"

"Depends on what you want to eat. I could make a pizza or pasta or whatever you like."

"Whatever is fine with me. I'm an easy guy to please," Denny grinned.

"Alright," Paisley smiled. "Pizza it is."

"Sounds awesome."

"Great...Hey, do you dance? Like ballroom dance?"

Denny paused slightly. "No."

"Well, I really like it and I was thinking that I could teach you."

"You know how?"

"Yeah. My grandfather taught me. He and my grandmother used to go dancing all time when they were younger."

"Oh, that's really sweet. I do have two left feet when it comes to dancing, though," Denny admitted shyly.

"That's alright," Paisley shrugged. "It'll still be fun."

"If you don't mind getting stepped on a few times."

"Not at all," Paisley smiled, kissing him briefly.

Denny chuckled.

—————

"Look at how beautiful that landscape is," Paisley smiled.

"It is beautiful," Denny nodded.

Paisley looked at him and could tell he was a little tired. "Do you want to sit down?"

"No, no, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Do you want some water?"

"No, I'm okay."

"You seem like you're not feeling well," Paisley frowned. "Should we head back?"

Denny shrugged."How long have we been on the trail?"

"About two hours. But it's been a tough one," Paisley smiled. "We can go back."

Denny nodded. "Yeah...that'd be nice."

"Alright," Paisley nodded, pulling a bottle of water out of her backpack and handing it to him. "Drink this as we walk."

Denny kept walking with her and carried the bottle.

After a couple hours more of walking, they made it back to Denny's car.

"Would you like me to drive?" Paisley offered.

"Why? I mean, I'm not against it, but I can drive."

"You just don't seem yourself and I want you to rest, if you don't feel well."

"I'm fine, Paisley. I promise."

"Alright. As long as you're sure," Paisley smiled, opening the door.

Denny nodded and tried to knock himself out of the daze so he could drive. "Actually...Paisley?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you drive? I'm in this odd funk."

"Sure," Paisley nodded, taking the keys and kissing his cheek gently.

"I'm sorry I don't know what's wrong with me."

"It's alright," Paisley said softly. "You might be dehydrated. You haven't been drinking enough water."

"I'm fine."

"If you say so," Paisley sighed, getting into the car.

Denny got in the passenger and closed his eyes.

Paisley kissed his cheek before driving back to her house. Once she pulled into the driveway, she took the keys out of the ignition and opened her door. "Do you need help getting out, Babe?"

"I'm okay." Denny got out and held a hand to his throbbing head.

"Are you alright?"

"Mhm."

Paisley wrapped an arm around him. "Come on. Let's get you inside." She helped him into the house and he fell onto the couch. "Babe, what's wrong?" She sighed. "I can tell you're not okay."

"I don't know."

Paisley sighed and went into her kitchen and pulled a bottle of Gatorade out of the fridge, bringing it back to Denny. "Here. Drink this."

Denny gave a small whimper.

"Come on, Babe," Paisley said softly. "This'll make you feel better."

Denny nodded and finished it. "Thanks, Paisley."

"You're welcome," she smiled. "Do you want me to get you something for the headache?"

"No. It'll go away."

"Alright," Paisley said softly. "I'm going to go start dinner and get you some water, okay?"

"I'm fine. I can help."

"You need to relax."

"No, I'm okay." Denny stood up.

"Babe," Paisley chuckled, "you really should rest."

Denny moved over and hugged her. "Nah. You need a helper, right?"

"Not really," Paisley shrugged. "But if you want to, you can."

Denny smiled. "Yeah. I'll be fine."

"Okay. But after, you're resting. We can do something chill like watch a movie."

"Oh fine. You're just like Lucia. Won't let me do anything fun," Denny pouted teasingly.

"Then Lucia's smart," Paisley chuckled. "You need to rest and rehydrate."

Denny huffed.

"Hey, it's what you get for dating a nurse."

Denny chuckled.

"Denny...I...how soon is too soon to say that you love someone? I just...I've always wanted to know a guy's opinion on that. I mean, I've never had a real boyfriend, so I've never had anyone to ask."

He paused and thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. I guess when you feel positive that you're meant to be with someone, then it's okay to tell them you love them."

Paisley nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess you're right," she smiled.

Denny shrugged. "But I'm not sure."

"Well, we'll figure it out."

—————

"Hi," Monica smiled. "How was work?"

"Just fine," Jonah smiled, kissing her cheek.

"Well, at least we get to spend time together."

"Oh, yes."

Monica wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him gently. "I've missed you."

"We just saw each other the other day," Jonah chuckled.

"So? I can still miss you."

Jonah smiled.

"I made you chocolate macaroons."

"You did?" Jonah smiled brightly.

"Of course," Monica smiled. "So, guess what?"

"What?"

"I think Sean might propose to Lucia."

"Really? Oh, that'd be awesome," Jonah smiled.

"Mhm," Monica grinned. "I'm super excited. He told her that he had to pick up a second job because of some 'unexpected expenses'. Isn't that so romantic?"

Jonah smiled again and nodded. "Yes, very."

"You know, speaking of romantic, I was thinking maybe we could go to Lake Union and go swimming and then to dinner. Thoughts?"

"Ooh, a whole day trip. Kayaking too?"

"Perfect," Monica grinned.

—————

Lucia flopped down on her bed. "Hey," she texted Sean. "How are you?"

"Oh, good. You, Dear?"

"The same. Can you video chat?"

"Yeah, sure." Sean called her.

"Hi," Lucia grinned.

"Hey, gorgeous. How was your day?"

"I moved back in with Monica and then we went shopping. She's in the living room with Jonah, so I've been banished to my room," Lucia chuckled.

Sean laughed. "They're cute, huh?"

"Yeah, I've gotta admit," Lucia nodded.

"I miss you."

"I miss you more."

Sean chuckled. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Lucia smiled. "How's your new job?"

"Fine. Just a boring job. I didn't want to choose a something that would tie me down."

"Does that mean you'll come visit soon?" Lucia grinned.

"Maybe. Again, just trying to figure it out."

"I hope you will. It's been nearly two months since I've seen you last."

Sean smiled. "Doesn't it seem too soon?"

"Just the opposite actually. It's been too long."

"Oh, you just love me all the more. Absence makes the heart grow fonder," Sean smiled.

"Yeah, yeah," Lucia shrugged. "I just...it's weird not having you here."

Sean tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Well, when we dated in college, I could see you whenever. Now we just video chat and text."

"Yeah. Well, why don't you come visit me?"

"I don't have the money, and quite frankly, I don't think it's safe to leave Denny alone for a whole week."

"He has his girlfriend. How about I buy you a ticket?"

"My boss wouldn't give me the time off. Flirting and sucking up only goes so far."

Sean smiled some. "Alright. I'll try and see when I can come."

"Alright," Lucia smiled, "perfect."

"I'll tell you when I am able."

"That sounds wonderful," Lucia grinned. "I'm really glad we found each other again."

"Me too, Dearest."

"We need to plan some fun things to do when you come."

"Yeah."

"Obviously, the Italian bakery and the Indian restaurant," Lucia nodded. "Maybe tennis or a round of golf?"

"Yeah, sure. That'd be awesome."

"Wonderful," Lucia smiled. "We can also go to the mall. There's a new chocolate place in there."

"Yeah? I'd love to get you a nice dress."

"You don't have to do that."

"Yeah. A really nice one," Sean smiled, thinking about a long, white gown he wanted to buy her.

"Whatcha thinking?" Lucia smiled fondly.

"Nothing much."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Besides, I have a particular idea and I can be there to make sure you get the right one." Sean winked.

"You're so mysterious," Lucia chuckled. "I like it."

"Oh, good. I have a lot of secrets."

"And I can't wait to find out every one of them," Lucia grinned.

Sean smiled more and looked at the time. "Oops. I have to go somewhere."

"Why?" Lucia whined.

"I have a very important appointment, Baby."

"But I miss you," Lucia pouted.

"I know, but I promise to call you soon."

"Okay," Lucia sighed. "Love you."

"Love you most. Bye, Baby," Sean smiled, hanging up. He quickly drove to the jewelry store, walked in, and began to look around.

"Hello, sir," the woman behind the counter smiled. "Can I help you?"

"Yes. I'm looking for an engagement ring and a wedding band."

"Engagement rings are over here," the woman nodded, walking over to a display case. "Do you have an idea of what you want?"

"This one looks absolutely beautiful." Sean pointed to a ring.

"We have a few people looking at that one, so if you want it, you'll have to act fast."

Sean hummed. "What's the price?"

"Three thousand dollars," the woman nodded.

"Really? Hm...oh, I love the wedding band that fits into it."

"If you get both, that would make it five grand," the woman nodded.

Sean nodded and hummed. "The girl I love deserves it, but I can't pay it all at once."

"You could put them on hold and pay them off in installments."

Sean nodded again. "Okay. I have about three thousand, five hundred dollars that I can put down now."

"Alright, then you can take the engagement ring and finish paying off the wedding band at a later date."

Sean smiled. "I'll take it."

"Perfect," the woman nodded, putting the ring in a small box and handing it to him. "I hope everything goes well with your girlfriend."

"Me too," Sean nodded, handing her a check.

"Thank you. Have a good night."

Author's Note: The pictures to follow show the engagement ring and the wedding band respectively. The third picture is what they look like together.