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 fiancé 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

Laura's Engagement Ring Thanks to DeBeers