It's a Love Story

Lilli smiled and knealed down so the little girl could hug her better. "Every girl needs a good set of diamonds. And look." she said, pulling back slightly and showing the necklace at her own neck. "I have one too."

"We match, we match," she said happily and hugged her again. She was ecstatic. Mike smiled happily at them. "Jee, Cassie, are you happy at all?" "Yes, yes, yes!!!"

Lilli laughed, standing up and taking Mikes hand. "I'm glad you like it." she said to Cassie.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," the girl said again, jumping up and down. "Can I wear it, Momma?"

"You don't want to lose it if you're gonna be playin' with your cousins, do you?"

"No... Oh! I can put it in my jewelry box where I can see it," she said and ran off to her room.

Mike chuckled and kissed Lilli's cheek. "Told you she'd like it."

She smiled and looked at Michelle. "I've got something for you too, do you want it today or tomorrow?" she asked her, pulling another box, slightly bigger than the other one, out of her bag.

Michelle smiled. "Tomorrow's fine, honey. You didn't have to get us anything, sweetheart."

"But I want to." she said, holding out the box even though she said 'no'.

Michelle smiled and opened it, then gave her a big hug. "Thank you so much. It's beautiful. I love it."

She smiled. "I figured since you probably aren't going to play with any cousins tonight, you could wear it."

Michelle laughed. "It's very thoughtful. Thank you." She unpacked it from the little box and clipped it around her neck.

Feeling really embarrassed at all the 'thank you's, Lilli turned and hid her face in Mikes shoulder.

Mike smiled and kissed her forehead, squeezing her hand gently.

"When are we leaving?" she asked.

"Within the next few minutes," he smiled gently.

She nodded. "Alright" she smiled and took him into the kitchen where nobody was. "I've got something for you."

"You didn't have to get me anything. You coming here was my Christmas present," he told her.

"Well, then you're going to get more." she smiled. "this is important to me." she grabbed his right hand and put a ring on his ring finger. "My grandma gave these to me before she died. These were my grandparents wedding rings. I want then to act as our promise rings for how." she smiled, putting her hand next to his, showing her ring. "I promise to love you forever." she smiled.

He looked at the rings, then at her. He was speechless. He kissed her lovingly. "Forever," he promised softly.

She smiled and kissed him back.

He smiled, holding her close. "I love you so much."

She smiled, cuddling into his embrace. "I love you too."

He smiled and kissed her lovingly. "Let's go see my folks," he smiled.

She smiled and nodded. "Alright."

He smiled and met his parents and sister in the car as they all drove towards the convension center to meet up with their friends and family. Mike held onto Lilli's hand as he led her inside - already, they'd drawn everyone's attention.

Lilli stayed close to Mike, holding onto his hand with both of hers.