It’s Sunday morning and I’m still in bed. I can see out the window and it’s a perfect summer day… the sun is shinning… the birds are singing… and I have the most beautiful woman of the entire globe in my arms. Life can’t get any better. I stare at her face and admire her beauty. She’s asleep and I don’t want to wake her. I feel overwhelmed by this amazing sense of gratefulness.

I’ve always believed that the love that Katie and I profess to each other was strong enough to survive the ups and downs of life, but seeing it happen it’s another story. We’ve come a long way since the day in the attic. Yes, I think so. No… I’m sure.

I look at her again and suddenly I realize that she’s my other half. My better half. I’ve been starting to think in more serious terms about our relationship, not that I haven’t before, but lately it’s kindda hitting me every time.

-- More introspection Billie? - Wow… Katie is awake now

-- Hi beautiful! - I kiss her, sweetly

-- Mmmm… what was that for? - She asks with a wide grin

-- Nothing babe, I just felt like kissing you… but then again, I always want to kiss you! - I’m making a statement here, ok? And, of course, I’m kissing you again

-- Gosh! Someone is in a very good mood this morning! Not that I’m complaining for the affectionate gesture… NEVER… I’m just… gladly surprised – she locks her mossy green eyes on mine

-- Ok… I’m gonna take a shower, hun. Gotta do some things early – I give her a quick peck on the cheek and leave her in bed with a puzzled look

-- It’s Sunday Jess, what on earth you have to do on a Sunday morning? – I hate her when she knows me so well! – I kindda had our morning planned… - she adds with the most wicked grin ever!

-- Oh, I’m sorry Billie, but I think I forgot to tell you I promised Grace I’ll go with her some place – and I hate myself when I lie to her

-- Really? Where? Can I join you guys? – She starts heading my way to the bathroom with her toothbrush on her hand… I’m starting to get nervous

-- NO! … I mean… it’s just some idiotic Grace stuff… just for a couple of hours… I’ll be home early and we’ll do whatever you planned – I smile, as suggestively as I could with the toothbrush in my mouth

-- Well, ok then – She says.

I look at her dearly. I feel so guilty for lying to her and I decide to try the best way I can to make her forget this talk: I put my right arm around her waist and pull her body to mine. She looks at me again, and I tighten the embrace and kiss her deeply.

-- I love you Jessie – she pulls apart catching her breath

-- I love you Katie, with every fiber of my being – I say honestly, getting lost in her eyes and I realize that I always wanna be lost in them – God I love you! – I repeat as I take her hand and lead her with me to the shower…

We are in bed… again. Katie is kissing my bare shoulder and I feel her arms wrapped around my waist – I feel like I’m in heaven – There’s nothing that could be possibly better than this feeling. I let go a soft moan and I feel Katie’s lips draw a smile. I suddenly remember I had something to do "with Grace". I panic not wanting to leave this moment in a million years. I turn to face Katie and she looks at me deeply.

-- I… I… have to… you know… go to… that… Grace thing I mentioned – Damn me! Damn me!

-- You sure you wanna go? … now? - Katie sighs and I shrug

-- I promised… I’m surprised she hasn’t call exasperated! – Damn me! Damn me!

As an apocalyptic prophecy the phone rings and I rush to take the receiver.

-- Hello?

-- Jess! I’ve been waiting for you for more than an hour! This better be good or you’ll have to pay me big time for this one – Oh, yes, Grace… exasperated!

-- Oh, yeah, I kindda been "held back" by some personal matters – I say looking at Katie, grinning, although she’s not happy with this "personal matters" reference – but I promise Grace, it will be worth the wait.

-- I want your body here in 10, Jessica Sammler! – She’s not kidding

-- Ok, ok, chill. I’m on my way. Bye.

-- Geez, I so don’t like her when she gets so bossy!

-- Well, I guess you have to go – Katie says letting go… I curse myself again

-- Yeah…

-- Hey Grace! – I shout as the noise of the populated street interrupts me. I cross the street to the tiny coffee shop and make it to Grace’s table.

-- Finally! So, what’s this important thing you made me wait for so long?

-- I’m happy to see you too – I tease – Well, you know Katie and I have been together for this long and you know how much we love each other – my face is obviously glowing since Grace has this stupid grin on her face - and I truly want to spend the rest of my life with her and I was thinking that maybe it’s time for me to make it official…

-- Oh my God, Jess, are you saying what I think you’re saying? – Her eyes look like they’re gonna pop out any second

-- Yes, I want to make Katie my wife – now it’s me with the stupid grin – and I need you to help me propose to her

-- Aww… this is so great! I’m so glad you asked me, you know? Now, I’ve been thinking we could rent a cabin… wait! Maybe a romantic evening on the Caribbean…

-- Grace, thank you, really, but I have it all figured out already; I need your help with the sole purpose of distracting Katie a bit ‘till I get to the proposing part – I say, starting to regret ever asking Grace to help me out

-- Of course, but, you know, since I’ll be "involved"…

Note to self: Never ask Grace for a favor… NEVER again.

2010 – Back to Friday night

-- Grace, I swear to God, if you don’t take me to that restaurant NOW, I’ll make your children pay! I promise I wont care Tad’s my best friend!

-- Relax Katie; we’re almost there! I just got… a little lost – Oh, Jess, you owe me big time

-- It’s been an hour, Grace, AN HOUR! And Jessie hates it when I’m late… God, watch the road!

-- Stop being so grumpy! It will be worth it! – Ooops!

-- What are you talking about? I’m serious Grace. I noticed how Jessie’s been all suspicious this whole week and I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on… you are so going to tell me: now!

-- No… what? Katie, it’s nothing… I’m sure it’s nothing – Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God…!

-- What? You must think I’m blind or something! Since when do you offer yourself to pick me up and take me ANYwhere? You two are evidently up to something… you are soooo busted!

-- Do you have to be so paranoid about everything concerning Jessie? Look, I told you before, Jessie asked me to pick you up because she was finishing some rounds at the hospital… that’s all, I promise. Please, calm down.

-- I don’t entirely believe you, but I guess I don’t have an option here, do I?

-- This one is so perfect! I love it! What do you say?

-- Yeah, I guess it’s alright... – Crap! She hates it!

-- Grace, give me a break here! I AM the one who chooses and I AM the one who knows what Katie might like – I say matter-of-factly. She’s so frustrating!

-- Sure. Wait… look at that one! – Now she’s pointing to the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen… silver circle with the hugest greenest sapphire on earth… reminds me of Katie’s eyes…

-- Wow… – I manage – I’ll take it! – I say with a huge smile completely satisfied with the final choice.

-- Shit Jess! It’s totally perfect! Now you have the perfect ring… I only hope you’re planning the perfect proposal – We’re both mesmerized by the green rock

-- Don’t you worry about it; everything is under control – So help me God!

I make my way into the apartment. I’m frozen by the vision before me.

Katie is asleep. She’s laying on the couch of our living room; so peaceful. Her soft sun-touched hair is spread all over the pillow. Only a black Chinese silk sheet covers her perfect figure. She looks like a goddess. I don’t want to wake her; this moment is too divine. I’m capsized in the depths of her exquisiteness. God! She completely amazes me… I’m so in love with this woman! Slowly, I try to move to reach her side. I sit on the floor next to the couch, and declare myself surrendered by this woman.

She opens her eyes. I see her face morphs into a concerned expression.

-- I… was waiting for you… but I kindda fell asleep. Why are you crying honey?

-- I was… I just… - I didn’t notice there were tears pouring from my eyes

-- Jessie, what’s wrong? – She sounds really worried

There were no words I could possibly use to describe my emotions. The sensations were so intense that the single intent of using any kind of sound was completely unworthy. I kissed her sweetly, intensely then avidly. She grabbed me and pulled me on top of her…

Note to self: Ok… I can’t really think of anything right now… I’m soooo gonna get some!

2010 – Back to Friday night

I look to the crowd in the back of the restaurant. 15 people (Mom, Dad, Henry, Lily, Zöe and little Nicky, Eli and Ely – short for Elizabeth, isn’t that cute? - Tad, Mr. & Mrs. Singer, Katie’s brothers, Andrew and Wade, and their wives). My heart bounced at the picture.

I look at my watch. 9:30 PM.

I look through the door. I see my gorgeous soon-to-be fiancé. Her eyes are wondering, scanning the room and trying to find me. I see her smile when she finally heads my way. I greet her with a soft kiss and give her the gardenia bouquet I’ve been hiding behind my back.

-- Katie you look… stunning! – And that is absolutely true!

-- Awww… thank you honey, they’re beautiful! And you look stunning too – I meet her gaze again and she continues – Jess, Grace here made this ride totally impossible. I know you don’t like me to be late, but it’s not my fault! She got us lost for… wait… what’s doing my… our families here? Is that Tad?

-- I invited them here tonight - I smile fondly

-- Can I ask why? – You can ask anything you want…

-- I think today is going to be a very important day in our lives and I just though they should be here to share it with us – I say heading towards our tables.

-- Really? So… exactly how important are we talking about? – She says sliding her arm into mine.

-- You’ll find out soon…

We had a very cheerful dinner. I think I was the only one not enjoying it since the butterflies in my stomach wont let me.

The tables are finally clean – It’s now or never! – I discretely move my hand in order to catch Mr. Phillips’s attention. The maneuver worked and the lights start to fade… the candlelight’s make the perfect environment. I stand up as the plasma screen turns on and we hear the intro of an old song… I begin to sing:

Them that's got shall have
Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible said and it still is news
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own

Yes, the strong gets more
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own

On the screen some pictures of us start to slide…

Money, you've got lots or friends
Crowding round the door
When you're gone, spending ends
They don't come no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But don't take too much
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
(Repeat)

I hear the "awws" and the "how cute" comments on the background but my eyes are only fixed on Katie’s face; tears are now assaulting her eyes…

Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
He just worry `bout nothing'
Cause he's got his own
Yes he's got his own

As the song comes to an end I unfold a worn out piece of paper and begin to read: "…I have never felt so close to someone as fast as I have with you… I want you to feel like you can tell me anything, because I feel that way with you…"

Unable to hold back the tears I give myself to the crying. Everyone in the room is crying, overwhelmed by the holiness of the moment. I kneel in front of her and open a small velvet box and reveal the dazzling piece of jewelry…

-- Remember I told you I would keep this letter forever? – Katie nodded, eyes closed – Now I’m telling you I want to keep you forever… tonight I’ve decided to put my heart before you facing eternity. What I’m trying to say is if you’d do me the honor of making every second of my existence worth living; if you’d hold my hand thru the good and the bad times; if you’d fall sleep every night and wake up every morning next to me; if you’d let me spend every day in your company growing old with you; if you’d be my reason forever… Kathryn Singer, would you be my wife? – Tears streaming down my face again

-- Jessie… - she whispers – … of course…! of course…! Oh, I love you Jessie! – I slide the ring thru her finger and softly trail… -- I love you Katie!

We passionately melt into a hug and kiss away desperately the tears off each other’s eyes.

I hear the family clapping and everyone starts coming over "Congratulations you two!" I hear… but now I wont let go off Katie… never…