"What can I say?" Raquel said, planting a kiss on Howie's forehead, "us Latinos must have good appetites," she said eyeing Howie's own even bigger portion.

Howie laughed and squeezed Raquel's hand and smiled at Yolanda, who was grinning at the two young lovebirds sitting across from her at her dining room table. She exchanged a knowing look from her husband Reynaldo, happy that Raquel could also be as happy as her parents were, even if she were away from home. Yolanda knew she wasn't the best mother in the world, and there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't reprimand herself for not spending more time getting to know her daughter. Sometimes she would see young teenagers with their mothers at the mall or the supermarket, and she would feel a bit jealous that she and her own daughter didn't have the kind of closeness as they could have.

Raquel couldn't believe that she was having fun with her family. It was an entirely new concept to her. It was amazing how much relief could be sought through mere forgiveness. She knew she and her mother would never have the kind of relationship that most parents have with their children. And she knew she would never be some vogue model. But for once in her life, she felt completely happy with herself. John Locke had once said that the human goal in life is none other to love and to be loved. Raquel knew deep down that her parents had always loved her, but they had no way of showing it. She looked at Howie adoringly. Thank you God, she said to herself. Thank you for bringing this wonderful man into my life…this man who I love and respect…this man who has taught me to love myself. And showed me that I always have been loved. By You, my family…and by my friends. She squeezed Howie's hand one more time and took a sip of her club soda.

Howie cleared his throat and stood up. "I have a sort of…I dunno...announcement I guess you could call it." He winked at Raquel. The Mr. And Mrs are already aware of what I am going to ask momentarily." He clasped Raquel's hand in his and cleared his throat again nervously. "Raquel…I know we haven't even known each other a year yet…but I know we connect. I know it…and sweetie I know that you know it. I'm speaking from here," he patted his chest, "when I say I can see myself growing old with you."

Raquel reddened, partly from flattery and love, and partly from slight embarrassment since her entire family was also hearing all of this. She bit her lower lip and her eyes brimmed with tears of happiness. "Are you asking me to marry you Howard?" she blurted.

"Well…" he looked directly at her. "I'm not one to rush things…I just want to tell you that at this point in my life….I really feel like I want to spent the rest of it with you."

Raquel looked wide eyed at her parents, waiting for them to say something negative. She looked at Yolanda. She looked at Reynaldo. She looked at her grandmother.

"Dulcita! Nieta say something!" her grandmother said.

Raquel didn't know what to say, this was so sudden. Howie could tell she felt a little uncomfortable so he took her hand and lead her out of the dining room into the kitchen.

He looked at her solemnly and pulled out a box.

She started to feel panicked…was it an engagement ring? Already?

He opened it up and she was relieved to see that there was no diamond on the ring. It was a simple gold band. "It's promise ring," Howie said.

She swallowed. "What are we promising?"

"That we'll never forget each other and that even of we never get married…"

Raquel looked away when he said the word 'married'

"….that we'll stay best friends….Raqeul I think I am falling in love with you…but if nothing happens between us…I want you to know that I consider you to be my best friend…and I always will."

She couldn't believe how sensitive he was being. Not only did he love her and want to marry he…he wanted to be her best friend either way. She wrapped him in a tight embrace. "I love you Howie," she whispered into his ears.

"I love you too Raquel," he said lovingly placing the ring onto her finger.