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*April 14, 2003*

"Happy birthday."

Amy was taken slightly aback, for some reason, as Adam emerged from the hallway and held a small, gift-wrapped box out to her.

She felt a smile tugging at her lips, her heart melting. She wondered when he'd taken the time to shop for a gift for her, as she knew he hadn't been going out a whole lot at all since the neck surgery.

"Aww, Adam..." She gratefully accepted the small package, wrapping her arms around his tall frame. "... Thank you."

"Don't be silly, Ames - you never have to thank me." He eyed her in silent amusement for a beat. Then, "Did you honestly think I wouldn't give you something on your birthday?"

"No, no... It's not that," the redhead nearly stammered. She pushed some strands of her long hair back from her face and behind her ear. "I'm just wondering when you snuck out to buy something." She grinned.

The blond man chuckled slightly.

"Well, actually," he said, "it was something I ordered from the Home Shopping Network over a month ago."

Amy arched a brow in surprise and amusement.

"Oh, is that so?" She glanced down at the tiny box she held.

"Yes, that is so," he replied, his green eyes twinkling as they remained fixed on her pretty face. "Come on - open it."

The redhead bit her lip as she raised her hazel gaze to meet his eyes again. Then, she edged over to the couch and sat down as she began to carefully tear open the paper. It was a small black velvet box she was looking at. Her breath caught in her throat.

Adam sat beside her, his gaze anticipatory. He waited patiently as she opened the box, her breath escaping her in a soft gasp.

The redhead gazed down at the beautiful jewelry encased within. She was staring down at an exquisite emerald ring.

"Oh, my God," Amy breathed. "Adam, this..." She felt tears building up in her eyes, the emotions swelling up inside of her. She shifted her hazel eyes to him. "... this is beautiful."

The tall blond man grinned. He reached out to remove the ring from its encasement.

"I know it's not your birthstone, but... I thought it would go perfectly with your gorgeous red hair," he said.

Amy seemed speechless at this point as she gazed from the ring to him and back and forth again. God, he made her feel so special - and loved. If only he no longer had the hard neck brace on... She would grab him, and kiss him, and... and a whole hell of a lot more than that.

"I love it," she managed, still choked up with emotion. "And I love *you*." She reached over to hug him gingerly, as usual taking care not to come into contact with his head or neck.

"I wish you didn't have to go for the Heat taping," he said as he held tightly onto her.

"I know," she agreed as she pulled back a moment later. "I should be able to spend my birthday with my honey - *all* day of my birthday." Their gazes held and locked, and the blond man placed a hand to her cheek, his fingers softly caressing her.

"Here," he said, reaching down with the ring. The emerald was really a lovely cut.

She knew what he was going to do. She held out her right hand to him, her slender fingers spreading out, and Adam slid the beautiful ring up her third finger. It seemed to fit perfectly.

Amy held her hand out, admiring the stone for a beat, turning her hand back and forth.

The tall blond man noted the happy expression on her lovely face. Someday, he knew, he would give her another type of ring, and it would be the happiest moment of both their lives. But for now, this was just about perfect.

"I love you, Ames," he said softly. "Happy birthday."