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| Chapter 80: Popping the Question Lauralee flopped on the couch, exhausted after a whole morning of ring shopping with Kevin. After sifting through what seemed like a thousand of them, Lauralee felt sure she could be an expert on engagement rings. It was selected: 3-carat oval diamond solitaire with trillion-cut sidestones embedded in a platinum band. Now she had to pray that Laura would say yes. ~*~ �Hey girl!� Laura crushed Lauralee with a hug. �Hey! How was New York?� �Great. Saw the family, your mother called me and said hello, and I also paid a visit to Carmela and Anthony.� �How are they holding up?� Laura sighed. �Taking it a day at a time.� �That�s all any of us could do.� �Yeah, so what�s been going on here? Any gossip I should be hearing?� Lauralee shrugged her shoulders. �Not really, just lounging around.� �Hmm, that�ll change now that I�ve arrived,� Laura smiled. �You see Kevin yet?� �Yup, he was busy in the studio so I told him I would see him later. He said he has a special night planned.� �Nice.� �Come on, show me around this paradise!� Laura grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the room. ~*~ They all stood around Lauralee and Alex�s place, nervously awaiting Kevin and Laura�s return. They had called Elizabeth and Bianca, who were thrilled about the event and told them to call as soon as they had an answer. Kevin had even called Laura�s parents asking them for their blessing and they welcomed Kevin into their family with open arms. �Oh come on, four words: Will you marry me? It can�t take that long!� Nick whined. Lauralee laughed. �It�s not as simple as that Nicky.� �Yeah where�s your sense of romance?� Brian asked. �You southern people are all alike,� Nick shook his head. �Maybe they�re having some celebration of their own,� Alex winked. �Jesus, I don�t need to paint that picture in my head!� �Shh!� Lauralee heard Kevin�s car pull up. �They�re here! Now don�t rush them when they come in. Act natural.� �Now I won�t when you just told me,� Nick ducked as Lauralee tried to slap him across the head. They all scrambled towards the couch; Lauralee turning on the television set as they heard the door open. �Hey y�all!� Kevin walked inside, followed by Laura. �Hey bro,� Nick tried to act nonchalant as he stretched his arms. �What�s up?� Laura walked inside letting a slow smile cross her lips. �I said yes!� She held out her left hand, the ring fit her like a glove. �You said yes?� Lauralee jumped up and gave her a hug, screaming, jumping up and down while in their embrace. �Congratulations!� Brian gave Kevin and Laura a hug. �You guys deserve all the happiness in the world!� Nick smiled. �Thanks Nick,� Laura smiled and turned to Lauralee. �Now I have a question for you. Will you be my maid of honor?� �Do you need an answer? I�d be honored,� Lauralee gave her a hug. �Now we got something to celebrate. I�ll be right back.� Lauralee disappeared into the kitchen, when she saw Howie staring out the window stone faced. �Howie?� Lauralee came up behind him. �Hey.� �I was getting the champagne. You OK?� �Not really.� Lauralee led him to the table and they both took a seat. �I know it�s hard.� Howie nodded. �I was thinking about proposing to her. I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life.� Lauralee grabbed his hand. �Howie, Veronica wanted to be with you too. And I know you don�t want to hear this, but you will find someone� not now, because you need time to heal, we all do, but somewhere down the road the right one is waiting for you.� Howie nodded, Lauralee knowing he was completely unsure of himself. �Come on, let�s have a toast OK?� Lauralee went into the refrigerator, grabbed the bottle, and Howie followed her carrying the tray of glasses. �A toast of you will,� Lauralee popped open the bottle, poured the champagne and passed the glasses around. �I would like to toast,� Howie smiled and winked at Lauralee. Lauralee nodded in his direction. �To Laura and Kevin, a lifetime of happiness, friendship, trust, and love. Congratulations to you both.� He lifted the glass and the others followed. �Thanks Howie,� Laura gave him a hug. �Now if you don�t mind, my fianc� and I want to celebrate.� �Go on you little horndogs,� Nick called out as they left. �Ah, young love,� Brian batted his eyes as they laughed. Chapter 81 Contents Chapter 79 |
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| Laura's Engagement Ring Thanks to DeBeers |