The next morning, Jake left Adams in high spirits, maintaining that he had very important business in Boston. Holly asked him about it, but he merely said that it had to do with a new, cheaper supplier for his bar. She went to work and, right after the end of her shift, Cathy picked her up. She was eager to know about the night before and started asking questions as soon as her friend entered her car. Amused by her impatience, Holly kept her mouth shut and giggled throughout the short drive as the sun set on that chilly, early March night. As a matter of fact, she continued to laugh heartily until they were in Cathy’s living room.

“Oh, for crying out loud, Holly!” she spoke in frustrated tones. “Why is it so funny to you?”

“Because you get all squeaky,” Holly chuckled, clutching her stomach. “That’s always hilarious.”

“It’s ok,” Cathy said, making her voice sound sweeter. “You can laugh at me all you want. You’re smiling again. That’s what matters.”

“Yeah,” Holly replied with a satisfied nod. “Well, there’s nothing much to say, really. You saw us kissing. We had sex, we cuddled… What else would you like to know?”

“All the spicy details,” Cathy insisted with a raised eyebrow. “Start talking.”

“No, you don’t.” Holly waved her hand in front of her face. “You never want to know about those.”

“That’s true.” Cathy nodded. “Did you guys decide on a name yet?”

“We were too busy doing other things,” Holly said, with a delightful smile on her face. “If it’s a girl, I would like the name ‘Cathy’. I’ll ask him. I don’t think he’ll have a problem with that.”

“Oh, my God,” Cathy assumed an even sweeter tone. “You’d name your child after me?”

“Of course I would,” Holly affirmed. “You’ve been my best friend since kindergarten. You’ve been there for me, every step of the way.”

At that moment, Holly’s cell phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was Jake.

“Hey, honey. What’s up?”

“Hi, beautiful. I just got back from Boston. I’m at the bar. I could use a hand.”

“I’ll be right up.”

“You’re leaving so soon?” Cathy squinted at her.

“Sorry.” Holly tilted her head to the side. “He needs my help. I’ll call you, okay? Bye.”

“Okay, I’m intrigued.” She thought to herself. “Last night, he said I shouldn’t work at the bar. What changed? Exactly what kind of help does he need? It’s probably something about computers. He’s terrible at that. I wish he would do something about that ignorance of his. Maybe I can help him with that. Nah, who am I kidding? I can’t teach him. We’ll end up teasing each other and kissing.”

Holly’s car rolled to a halt in the spacious, but empty parking lot. To her surprise, the bar was completely dark. The blue neon sign above the glass facade was off as well. The only available light was the moonlight, in the clear, starry sky.

“Up here.” Jake waved, as she started towards the entrance. “It’s open.”

He looked up in the sky, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. Then, he gazed out over the horizon, as a light breeze blew through his hair. The town lights flickered before him, as the sound of her high heels on the stairs became louder and louder. Jake turned around, as she stepped outside and onto the terrace.

“I’m confused,” Holly said, as he sauntered towards her. “What are you doing up here? I thought you needed help.”

“I said I could use a hand: your hand.” He smiled, putting his right hand in his pocket. Pulling out a small, brown box, he settled his gaze on her face as he went down on one knee. “Holly Hutchinson…” he said, putting some force into his voice. “Will you marry me?”

A gasp of deep shock fled her lips, as she covered her mouth with her hand. Holly looked down at the red, diamond ring, as Jake’s blood pumped through his veins. She glanced up at him and then gazed down into the box once more. Sliding her hand down her face, she returned her gaze and her attention to him, a split second before a huge, happy smile spread across her glorious face.

“Yes,” she whispered, nodding. Her short reply sent shockwaves of bliss coursing through his body. Jake’s eyes sparkled with happiness as he took her hand in his. He put the ring on her finger and rolled his gaze up to meet hers, as he rose from the floor. Holly couldn’t control her rapid breathing. Large tears formed in her eyes as her lips trembled.

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” he said, in a soft, calm voice, looking deep into her eyes. “I love you, my angel.”

“I love you so much,” Holly whispered, as he entwined his arms around her back. Jake pulled her closer before lifting her off her feet as she put her arms around his neck. Once again he claimed her lips, spinning her around, as they lost themselves in the blissful moment. Two tears rolled down her face as her gentle, passionate kiss sent him to heaven. Jake couldn’t put his happiness into words. He felt her happy tears on his skin, holding her tightly in his arms, as his heart leapt with joy. . Eager to start a new life with her, Jake Isaacs would marry the woman who had been there like an angel on his shoulder: