Sam watched in admiration as Ali slipped into her evening dress. He had been informed it was a flapper style, the kind they wore in the 1920s. All he knew was the black and white patterned fabric hung on Ali in a most delectable way.

"Here," Sam proposed, stepping forward. "Let me."

Ali presented her back to him and Sam slowly zipped up the garment. When he was finished, he kissed Ali's right shoulder, revelling in the delicate lilac scent of her perfume.

"Shoes?"

Smirking at him, Ali nodded. Sam knelt and helped her into the strappy black high heeled shoes, taking a moment to stroke one of her legs. Her skin was so soft.

Returning to eye level he asked, "What's next?"

"Necklace," Ali suggested.

Taking the long string of pearls off her dressing table, Sam tipped them over her head and arranged the small shimmering orbs in a knot just above the delicate dip between her breasts. He resisted kissing that spot because Sam knew there would be no stopping at only one.

Looking around the room Sam spotted the long white gloves that completed her ensemble for the evening. "These now?" Ali nodded.

He started to put the silky material on her offered hand when the sparkling diamond ring on Ali's third finger caught his eye. The sight of it and all it represented gave him a little thrill. It had been giving him those jolts of joy for days now.

Ever since Ali had accepted his proposal - or proposed herself, Sam was not sure which came first anymore and he did not care - he found himself giddy at the thought of their future together. He found any reason these last few days to concentrate on making Ali his wife. And not on the other things which weighed on his mind.

They had not left the apartment since returning from Vicky's that night. Ali took care of everything, having his laptop brought from the office so he could work from home, arranging for their clothing for the charity event tonight, talking to his family to cover for his absence. She created a bubble around him, making him feel safe.

But, despite her best efforts, the darkness still crept in. It was a black hole threatening to pull him in, too big to grapple with all at once. To her credit, Ali did not avoid it. Recognizing he was thinking about something grim; she would encourage him to open up. They talked and talked and talked.

Their relationship had taken a step forward. It was no longer a pristine lawn, green and luscious but a little too good to be true. It was now more like a garden. The grass had been disturbed in places. Turmoil had caused the disruption, but it turned over to reveal rich earth, ready to nourish the seeds they had recently planted. It would take time for them to bloom. Time and effort. Both of which Sam and Ali were willing to give.

Months ago, in Sam's apartment on the west coast, they had promised to always be honest with each other. Looking back now, it was easy to recognize how naive and shallow the pact had been. Honesty was only the top layer. They needed to be open. They needed to trust. They needed to put in the work.

So, they had redefined their relationship. Letting go of rigid expectations and binding oaths of unrealistic hopes. They committed to sharing, leaning on each other, partnering to deal with whatever came their way. It gave Sam hope.

And right now, he needed it. Sam sensed Ali was disappointed he had not immediately pressed charges against Vicky. Yet, she did not pressure him. For this he was grateful. It seemed impossible to come to terms with what she had done. He needed more time.

"She won't be there," Ali spoke softly. "I had them ban her from tonight's event."

Sam tugged the long glove over her elbow. "Oh."

"You'll be safe." Ali reinforced her point. "She's gone into hiding anyway. Her boss told me she's called in sick all week."

Swallowing, Sam pushed the concern he felt for Vicky's safety aside. He did not understand how he could still care about her after everything. Yet it turned his stomach to hurt Vicky. "Let's not talk about her."

"Ok. But you know I'm here if you want to."

A genuine smile came to Sam's lips. "I know you are."

Sam watched her as she straightened his tie, her ruby red tinged lips pursed in concentration. He considered asking her to skip the event altogether and going back to bed. Knowing Ali had put so much work into pulling off this evening, he resisted. It was her big moment. Everyone was going to be amazed by what his finance had accomplished with this charity event. Sam could not deny Ali the praise she would earn, he wanted a ringside seat.

Plus, he was excited to tell his parents they were engaged.

"I love you, Ali."

"I love you more."

Taking his hand, Ali ran her thumb around the ring he now wore. The platinum band felt strange on his finger. He had never worn any jewelry before. But it was a comforting strange. Sam could not wait until a band of gold joined it.

"Ah," Ali purred, "And now you have proof of it."

Sam beamed. "I do."

Hi there. That was a wild ride for Ali and Sam. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading my stories. Your votes, comments and general encouragement mean more than I could ever find the right words to express.

I don't know about you, but I feel there might be a few loose ends that need to be tied up in the lives of our favourite couple? What do you say to a third (and final) book? If you are interested, head on over to my profile where the first few chapters are waiting for you.

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