“Now with all of that mushy ***** out of the way, where is the celebratory champagne?” I joke.

They laugh while Tina makes her way to the kitchen, “I was waiting for that.”

She quickly returned with glasses for us all. “To Al and Dane, true evidence that love can really ***** a person up, but it’s worth it” Shane toasted, letting out a soft chuckle.

As I looked around at all of their smiling faces, I knew Shane wasn’t wrong. Dana and I had almost been to ***** and back, only to end up with one another again. Something or someone has meant for us to be together. Our souls are forever entwined.

I reach for Dana’s hand, bringing it close to my chest. She brings her head to meet my own. “What’s wrong baby?”

I smile, “NothingI’m fineperfect.”

We mingled with our friends for a few more hours. Sharing stories about our lives, getting up to date on all of Angelica’s growth and development. I could tell the day was starting to drag on Dana.

I squeezed her hand, confirming that I knew she was ready to leave. “Guys, I really want to thank you for hosting all of today’sexcitement. You have no idea how great this has been.”

As we made our way to the door, Bette approached pulling me into a hug, “Take care of her Al. She needs you and we all need you both.”

I held her close, whispering in her ear, “Don’t worry, I would fight God himself to keep her.”

I feel her laugh, pulling back to look me in the eye, “The sad part is I know you aren’t lying,” She looks over at Dana who is saying her goodbyes to Carmen, “and I don’t blame you.”

I give the rest of my friends hugs. They all share their congratulations and best wishes with me. I grab for Dana’s hand as we make our way out of Bette and Tina’s house to the car.

I open the door for Dana then take my place in the drivers seat. I can tell her mood has changed. I place my hand on her shoulder, “Baby, what’s wrong?”

She shakes her head, “Today was so beautiful, ya know. I am so happy to have shared it with you and our friends. I justI just don’t think I can go back to that place.”

The hospital. The doctor said it would be good for Dana to stay in the hospital until her assigned surgery. He was worried she may contract a viruses or other ailment that might delay her operation. I knew it made sense. Everyday Dana went on with the cancer feeding on her body was like playing Russian roulette. While her operation was scheduled for three days from now, each day spent in the hospital took three years off of Dana’s morale.

I started the car, putting it in reverse, “Well that settles it then, your place it is.”

Dana’s bright blue eyes we full of confusion, “What are you talking about Al?”

“Well,” I explained, “If my future wife can’t bear to stand one more night in the hospitalshe won’t. You’re going home with me.”

While I knew she was delighted, Dana was still leery, “Are you sure about this, babe? I mean, do you think I can just not go back because I don’t want to?”

Dana had a point, I placed my hand on her knee, “I don’ know if we can Dana, but for one nightjust for one night it can be me and you. No hospital, no bi-hourly checks, no uncomfortable “beds” made of two chairs pushed together.”

She laughed, making me smile, “Ok, none of that shitjust you and me. No cancer, no worries. Just youand me.”

She rests her head against the back of her seat, letting out a soft sighing, staring at me, “No wonder I’m going to marry youyou’re a genius.”

I smile, grabbing her hand, “And don’t you forget it.”