Everything was set. Her family. His family. He'd even helped her parents finish the decking and the gazebo last week. He had all the food ready, everyone was laughing. He'd passed by each couple and each friend, making sure of speak to everyone. Today needed to be perfect. David frowned and looked at himself in the mirror. He still had bags under his eyes. Maybe he was working too hard. But there was no way for him to stop, not with everything he needed to do.

He gave a short sigh and washed his face. David headed back out into the crowds and hurried round to find his girlfriend. He spotted her briefly and chose to move towards her father. Of course, he'd already planned everything with them. Motioning towards him, David climbed into the gazebo and called for everyone's attention.

"Hi. Er, hello." He coughed a little and felt his throat clench. He wasn't a public speaker, never had been. Out of comfort, he placed his hands together and began to ring them slowly. "I guess it seems random to call a party like this for no real reason. Aside from my parents anniversary, of course." A few people laughed. Daniel gave a nervous laugh and his hands began to move faster. "I should cut to the chase and ask my girlfriend to join me." He smiled towards her and gestured her to come closer. "It's been four and a half years since we first met. I guess if it hadn't been raining that day, neither of us would be here today."

He pulled his hands apart for a second and slipped a hand into his pocket. "You've been my one concern and my one thought for the past four and a half years. A lot of people have said we moved far too fast and I won't deny I agreed from time to time. Despite that, were still here." He took hold of Jennifer's hand and squeezed it gently. With a nervous sigh, he dropped to one knee and opened the box he'd been holding for some time. Inside sat the ring Jennifer had once shown a friend; David had spent months tracking her favourite ring down and found a copy in Italy. "Jenny, you're the love of my life and I ask you one question. I just hope the answers yes."

Perhaps it had not been part of his plan. Yet the instant he knelt down, a somewhat familiar face passed into the crowd. Tall, tanned, and smart. A vibrant military uniform passed into view, standing out in the see of black and white.