I pinch myself and when I feel a little pain in my cheek, I know I’m not dreaming. Of course it’s easy to understand why I would be thinking I’m dreaming. I mean how many women can say their life goes from being flushed down the toilet to fairy tale status in a matter of hours? Not many I bet.

“Stay here,” Blake whispers in my ear and I don’t think I could move even if I wanted to.

My lips ache for his to return and each and every one of my nerve cells is tingling with anticipation of being touched by the man of my dreams, Blake.

I glance at my ring finger and play with the diamond ring on it. It is real; I didn’t imagine the whole thing.

I look around but I can’t see a chair. My legs feel a little wobbly. I think alcohol on an empty stomach has left me a little light headed.

Tempted as I am to call Robin, I don’t. I don’t want Blake to return and find me talking on the phone. The moment is too special and too personal to ruin it by calling my best friend.

Part of me cannot believe Blake just destroyed his most amazing painting. I look back at the canvas, which looks awful. Instead of my nude, there’s now just some smeared bits of color.

I had not really wanted him to destroy it, although I have to admit as far as a declaration of love and commitment goes, it was pretty awesome. If Dale ever dares to show his face anywhere near me again I won’t be held responsible for how I react.

It was hard to believe that not so long ago I had hoped for Dale to propose. Isn’t life strange?

I smile and see Blake coming back pushing a silver trolley.

“I thought we should celebrate here.”

The trolley sports a silver ice bucket with a bottle of French champagne sticking out. There are two clean champagne flutes, filled to the top. I spot a selection of oysters and a seafood platter to die for.

“Wow,” is all I manage to say.

After I let the first oyster slide down my throat, I look at Blake.

“Thank you,” I say and he stops mid oyster.

I love the way he tilts his head to the left when he is unsure of what is happening.

“I want you to know what you did tonight is just amazing. I’m sorry I doubted you, I’m sorry I did not trust you.” The words tumble out of me.

I need him to understand he is the most important thing in my life. I need him to know I trust him completely and I will always be by his side.

Somehow the words don’t seem enough.

“I think I’ve been wanting to spend the rest of my life with you the moment I saw those sketches you drew of me.” I close my eyes. There’s so much more I want to say.

When I open them, Blake is holding a small jewelry box in his hand.

“There’s something else I need to give you.”

My right hand trembles a little as I reach for the little white box. Gingerly, I open it and hold my breath when my eyes took in the precious gift hidden inside.

Slowly, I pick up the key ring with the key to Blake’s apartment.

“You know, it’s not only the key to my – our – apartment, it’s the key to my heart.”

I blink a couple of times. I don’t want to cry and ruin my makeup.

I firmly close my fist over the precious gift. He truly is the most amazing man I’ve ever met.

I take a step toward him. He moves toward me.

When we are inches apart I put my hands on his chest. I feel his strong heartbeat.

I look up at him and smile.

“You make me so happy.” I place my forehead against his chest. My eyes are closed and I revel in the moment. This is so perfect. I feel his lips kiss the top of my head.

I look up at him again.

“I think you are the most amazing man,” I tilt my head back a little, waiting for his lips to meet mine.

When they do, an explosion of gigantic proportions erupts in my body. My brain turns to jelly and my hands move from his chest down his back, where they rest in the little groove just above his buttocks.

At first his kiss is soft, his lips caress mine, his tongue gently probes around my mouth. But then all of a sudden, he changes. His mouth presses down hard on mine and his tongue is pushing all boundaries, searching, devouring. and wanting more.

My body responds in kind. I push into him. I want more too. I want all of him. My hands move lower and start massaging his ass.

I can hear him groan. Our tongues are locked in a duel of passion.

When he pulls back I feel as if a part of me has been ripped off. I want him back. I want to taste those lips again. I need him back. Oh how I missed kissing him.

Without warning, his lips are back on mine. His hands cup my face. This time he places soft kisses on my mouth, my eyes, my nose, my cheeks and my lips again. Softly, his mouth moves all over my face, as if exploring it for the first time.

If he doesn’t rip my clothes off soon, I think I will go mad with desire. My skin is burning. He really knows how to push my buttons.

He stops and looks at me.

I look back.

“You know,” I start and smile at him, “I bet you will make something even greater than that painting after we are married.”

Another kiss on the tip of my nose.

“Why don’t we give it a go right now?” Blake’s hands leave my face, and I feel a shiver go up my spine as he grins.

Yes, let’s give it a go right now.