* ~ * ~ * ~*
When Anne rolled over at ten o'clock, she reached for Howie and instead pulled a white bear dressed in a tux to her breast. She opened her eyes to discover a rose and a note on her boyfriend's pillow.
Anne wrapped the green silk robe around her body securing it with the belt. She held the bear in the crook of her arm and lifted the rose to her nostrils as she descended the stairs. She found Howie setting the table in the breakfast room, a small screened in porch and one of her favorite perks of the condo.
"Morning, sweetheart." He planted a kiss on her nose then playfully tweaked the bear's ear.
"Morning, baby." She smiled and kissed him.
"Have a seat. Breakfast is served."
"Howie, even a princess isn't this spoiled."
"Okay, QUEEN Anne," he teased with a bow.
Anne watched him return to the kitchen enjoying the sight of him in his pale purple robe with his long dark curls moving freely around his shoulders. He brought back a tray laden with strawberries, pancakes, ham and scrambled eggs.
"Oh damn, forgot the champagne."
Annie giggled. "Like you could have carried it, Mr. Macho Man. I'll go get it."
Howie smiled. "All according to plan," he whispered.
Anne opened the refrigerator and her eyes widened. There beside the champagne bottle was a small blue velvet box. She removed both items and walked back to the table. "H-Howie?"
"Yes?"
"I-I found this next to the champagne."
"Hmm...I must have left it there." He shrugged. "It is for you. Might as well open it."
Anne gazed at him for a moment then down at the box. With shaking hands she popped the top open. "Oh my..."she breathed.
Howie gently withdrew the ring from the box. Kneeling before Anne, he inhaled a breath of courage. "Annie, these months apart from you were pure hell for me. I missed you so much. Your smile. Your curls. Your voice also. It was so hard to be away from you.
"Seeing you again last night made me feel whole again. I love you more with each moment that passes, and I don't want another one to pass without you by my side." Howie took her hand. "Anne, it would make me the happiest man alive, if you would become my wife."
"Oh, Howie. I dreamed of this moment when you were away. I love you, too, so much." She knelt before him. "Yes, Howard Dorough, I will marry you."
Howie placed the simple diamond solitaire ring on her finger then embraced her tightly. "Even in my dreams, nothing could come close to this. I love you, Annie."
