“Later,” said Joann.  Devin led Lauren through the crowd to the elevator.  They got into the elevator and closed the door. “So what is it?” asked Lauren. “You are so impatient,” said Devin.  “All will be revealed in time.” He pushed the button to the roof. “The roof?” inquired Lauren. Devin just smiled.  The elevator got to its stop.  Devin and Lauren walked off and got to the door.  “Close your eyes,” he commanded.  Lauren obeyed and closed her eyes.  “Are they closed?” “Yes.” “You sure?” “Yes!” “OK,” said Devin.  He opened the door and all Lauren felt was Devin leading her through the door.  She felt as if she was outside, with the wind rushing around her.  “Alright, open them.” Lauren opened her eyes.  “Oh my God!” she exclaimed. She found herself on the roof of the building, with the city lights gleaming around her.  She saw a huge blanket lay on the ground, with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket with two glasses.  A plate of strawberries sat next to the champagne, as well as a mini stereo system. Lauren was in awe.  “How did you… where did you?” “Remember when we got out of the movies and you said you have always wanted to go on a nighttime picnic with the stars shining down…” “…And a plate of strawberries with champagne and music waiting,” Lauren finished his sentence.  She felt the tears coming into her eyes. “Now don’t start crying again,” Devin commanded, as he wiped her face.  “Let’s sit down.”  They sat down on the blanket and Devin poured the champagne.  He gave her a glass.  “I know we have been through a lot of toasts tonight, but I would like to make this one especially for us.” They held up their glasses. Devin took a deep breath.  “The past couple of months have been a whirlwind for me.  I found this group, and before you know it, I was signed to a recording company, and making music.  And now, we have a potentially hit song, our CD is coming out, and we’ll probably be all over the place.  I should be the happiest man in the world.  But, I can’t help feeling sad.  Because for the first time, I have found the real thing, and I have to leave you.  I don’t want to leave, but I know I have to, in order to make all of my dreams come true.  One of my dreams came true over the past three weeks, and it’s not a hit song, it was meeting you.”  Lauren looked at him as he took another deep breath. “Lauren, never in my life I though I could find someone so caring, so honest with her emotions, and so loving and supportive than you.  You have my heart, and for the first time, I’m giving it wholeheartedly.  This is more than a toast—this is a vow.  I vow to always be there for you, even if it is a thousand miles away.  I will comfort you, be true to you, and never leave you.  So I’m toasting not to us, but to a bond that no one can break.”  They clinked glasses. “That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard,” Lauren said, crying full tilt.  Devin was sharing the same sentiment.  “And you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.  And I want you to have this.”  He pulled out a box and handed it to Lauren.  Lauren accepted it. “Devin, I don’t want…” “Just open it,” he said. Lauren opened the box to a gold heart cut in half.  Lauren drew in a breath.  “It’s so beautiful.” “You keep one half and I will keep the other.  Now put it together and read the back,” said Devin. Lauren flipped over both sides and read it aloud.  “Lauren, To Second Chances, Harold.”  Lauren looked up at him.  “Harold?!”  “That’s what I wanted to tell you,” said Devin.  “Devin’s not my real name, it’s Harold.  I guess they didn’t want us to be known as Rich, Brad and Harold.” “I’m honored that you told me,” said Lauren.  “I don’t want anymore secrets between us.” “Well then,” said Devin as he stood up. “There’s one more surprise I have for you.  Stand up.” Devin helped Lauren get up and then Devin turned on the stereo.  “This is one of the songs off of the album.  I thought this would be appropriate to show you how I truly feel about you.” The song began to play and Devin’s a.k.a. Harold’s voice rang through the city sky as he grabbed her and began to dance. Now I've always said that love Was nothing more but a waste of my time I've always thought I'd be above these feelings Always seem to miss in my mind I said you'd never catch me in the corner of my room gazing at a picture of you And now that all don't mean nothin' cause everytime I think about thinkin' girl I'm thinkin' of you Lauren closed her eyes and Devin held her tighter as the chorus began And forever, for the rest of my life Through it all girl I'll be right by your side I'll give my heart baby I'll give you my mind I'll be the one that brings the joy to your life And if you're willing girl just give me the chance And I promise I will be a good man And forever, for the rest of my life I'll be right by your side Lauren felt the words as if it was Devin’s personal statement towards her. And now the love you give to me is sweeter than the sprinkles on the top on mama's apple pie I know you know I'm in love When you're staring at the sparkle that appears in the corner of my eye You don't have to worry 'bout it no, the things that I said before because I'm so in love And there ain't nothin' gonna stop it now I'd bet it on the moon and the stars in the sky above And forever, for the rest of my life Through it all girl I'll be right by your side I'll give my heart baby I'll give you my mind I'll be the one that brings the joy to your life And if you're willing girl just give me the chance And I promise I will be a good man And forever, for the rest of my life I'll be right by your side I never thought that it could happen to me that I could fall in love I can't believe it baby but I can see that you're you are the only one I'm thinkin' of It doesn't matter baby I don't really care no more as long as we're together Baby I'll be right there, I won't go nowhere I want your love forever Lauren looked surprised but happy as she heard those words.  When it hit her, she knew she felt the same way.  When the song ended, Devin pulled away and looked at her intently.  “Does that tell you enough?” “More than enough,” Lauren replied.  She pulled him in close.  “Harold Lima.” “That sounds so good when you say it,” said Devin. “Well, I’m better with action than with words,” said Lauren.  She pulled him in for an intense kiss.  “Does that tell you enough?” “More than all the words in the world,” he said.  He replied with a kiss again.  “Listen, we better get back to the party.  People will talk.” “Let them,” Lauren breathed.  “Yeah I know, we should get going.  But thank you for the most incredible night of my life.” “No, thank you,” said Devin.  They kissed again, then returned to the party Part X Contents Part VIII