* * *

"Baby, that was delicious. Now I know what all the fuss is about,"

Maddy commented as they waited arm-in-arm for the valet under the

canopy of the building's entrance. "My gosh, I am so full!"

"You are? You hardly ate anything," he replied. "I practically finished

your entire meal, Madeline Rose. I hope you're still not worrying about

food. You look absolutely incredible but I don't want you starving

yourself. You know you always looked beautiful to me, from the day I

met you." He squeezed her shoulder as he spoke.

"I know, Kenny. And I appreciate that. I don't know why, but I just

had butterflies in my stomach tonight for some reason. Possibly because

you're keeping me in suspense?" She looked up at him with a hopeful

expression, but he refused to take the bait.

"Nice try," he laughed. "But I'm not budging 'til it's time." With that,

he took her hand and led her to the waiting white Lexus.

* * *

They cruised over the Spanish River drawbridge, heading east towards

the beach. The blue velvet box rested against his chest, still snug and

secure in its hiding place. Ken smiled to himself, imagining what was

about to occur; from the speakers, the classic dance and love songs he'd

recently burned onto a CD enhanced the scenery unfolding before them.

And as they passed by hedges of tropical foliage, city parks and

quintessential condos, his heart began to race. Seemingly oblivious, Maddy

softly sang along to The One, remembering fondly their first slow dance as

she rested her hand on top of his, which was occupying its usual place on

her thigh.

"Hey," he said with sudden urgency, prompting her to turn her head

to look at him. "I love you," he reminded her.

"I love you, too," she replied as he lifted her hand to his lips. "Are

you ok?"

"Never better, sweetheart. Why?"

"You just seem so nervous. That used to be my role, if you recall.

Now I'm the calm one? That's quite a turnaround!" They both laughed

uproariously.

"I guess I'm just seriously thankful to have another chance with you,"

he stated with sober conviction.

"Me too, Kenny," she reminded him. "I'd say we both have plenty of

awesome reasons to be grateful, starting with this beautiful night."

"The best is yet to come, baby," he promised, pulling the car into a

waiting space at the South Beach Pavilion on Palmetto Park Road and

A1A-his chosen location for finally fulfilling a long ago promise.




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