| "Yeah, Fitness Universe, would be really interseting to compete in, I'd be competing against girls from other countries. Germany and Japan ususally send tough competitors.." I added. "I hear other congratulations are in order.." Drew started. I looked at Jake and took a deep breath. "What are you talking about, Drew?" I asked, coyly. "Oh come on Jess. You're wearin' a pretty good sized rock on your left hand there...that mean what I think it does?" he egged me on. "Yeah, it does." was all I would offer. "Well, congratulations then. Who's the lucky sucker..I mean, guy?" Drew teased. "He's a musician...and we haven't set a date yet." I looked at Jake, who was trying not to laugh and feeling kind of sorry for Drew. "Wel, it's time for us to take a break," Drew began, "How about another question and answer session? You wanna take some calls Jess?" "Happy to..sure." I agreed and winked at Drew, who scowled and then grinned, pointing his finger at me. "Okay, we'll be back after this.." Drew punched a button and looked right at me. "What happened to my scoop, Jess?" he asked mock angrily. "I'm sorry Drew. But I have seen how goofy Hanson fans can get...saw it first hand over the weekend. Kinda scary and I don't want to cause problems for Tay." I said. "I understand Jess. But it will get out, might as well make an official announcement." he shrugged his shoulders. "I'd feel really bad doing that without him here.." I tried again to get out of it. "Hmmm..we'll take care of that then.." he said and nodded to Jeff who grinned. That was the first time I had ever seen any expression on Jeff's face that wasn't complete concentration. "back in 15 seconds guys.." he said into the speaker. "Ready?" Drew asked me. I nodded and Jake held my hand. |
| Drew let go with his DJ spiel again and started taking calls. I answered a few questions and then Drew gave me a funny look. "One more call, Jessie, Okay/" he asked. "Of course...." I answered, wondering what the hell was up. "Hey! You're on the air caller..what's your name?" Drew asked. "Hey Drew! It's Taylor.." my mouth dropped open. Was he insane? "How's it going man?" Drew kept the conversation going. "Really well, actually. I just got back from Detroit, I watched Jessie win that competition. She was awesome... I'm looking forward to watching her win the next one." Taylor continued. "Cool. So, Taylor Hanson, thanks for calling in..do you have a question for Jessie?" |
| "Yeah..actually, I do. If she's still there.." he chuckled. "she's awfully quiet all of a sudden." "OH knock it off! I'm here you screwball..." I huffed. Everyone in the room laughed and I heard Taylor chuckle again. "Good. Because I have something very important to ask you, I think I need to ask you again anyway.." he began. "What do you mean AGAIN?" I asked. "Well.." he took a deep breath and blew it out softly. "I seem to remember asking you to marry me not too long ago. I also recall that the answer was yes, but now all of a sudden you don't want to talk about it. I love you Jessie. I want to marry you, I want you to be my wife. So I'm asking you again. Please, Jessie, will you marry me?" he said. I looked at Jake through the tears that stung behind my eyelids. He motioned toward the mic. "Yes, Taylor. I love you so much...I will marry you. You know I will." I said my voice breaking halfway through. Jake handed me some tissue, smiled at me and gripped my hand tighter. "Good. Now hurry home. I miss you." he said. "I miss you too baby. See you soon." "Bye, Jess." "Bye, Taylor." I looked at Drew, but he just shook his head. "Wow! There you have it kids. You heard it here first...congratulations again, Jessie, on both your win and your engagement. Make sure you come back and see us when you're in town.." "Anytime I'm in town Drew.." I agreed. He then thanked Jake on the air and wrapped up the show. When we were finished and in the hallway I let Drew have it. "What the hell? You called him? You put him up to that? What were you thinking?" I said angrily. "Hey, now..I didn't call him. He called in as soon as you were supposed to start. It was all his idea..." Drew held up a hand to forestall my tirade, and looked at Jake for help. I looked at Jake, also. "It WAS Tay's idea, Jess. Although he didn't expect t have to propose again, I'm sure." he chuckled. "He figured you'd have said something already, he just wanted to call in and show you his support.." "So that's what that phone call this morning was all about?" I asked, wiping my eyes. "Umm..yeah.." Jake answered. He shook Drew's hand and put his arm around my shoulders to usher me out of the building. I stuck my hand out and shook Drew's. "Thanks, Drew." "Serious, Jess. Come back in anytime you're in town. Good luck, sweetie." He hugged me. "Sure thing, Drew." I said, suprised, and hugged him back. |
| Jake led me out the door and to the cab that was waiting. He threw our bags in the back seat and held the door for me as I got in. All of our things should be in storage in Tulsa by now. Except for the few things in our carry on bags and the clothes that would fit in our suitcases. Tomorrow we would look for an apartment. We got to the airport and Jake checked us in. We had a few minutes to kill so we stopped at the bar and had a beer, while waiting for our flight to be announced. It was, as soon as we had finished our beer. We boarded our plane and I sat next to the window, excited. Jake laughed and shook his head. "Oh yeah.." I said sarcastically. "I can't wait to see you the day Abbey is due in.." I socked him in the shoulder. He grinned and put me in a headlock and ruffled my hair. "Dammit! I hate it when you do that.." I said. I smoothed my hair and tucked it behind my ears, then leaned back in my seat to wait out the painfully long plane trip. |