Gone

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Adam felt immeasurably glad that Amy had agreed to come out with him early that day. It was a Friday, and they would be expecting Mandy later in the early evening as always. In the meantime, they had all this time to themselves.

"Trish and I spoke a bit the other night."

The tall blond man's brows quirked at her statement. As far as he knew, Amy and the little blonde hadn't spoken much since all of the events in the past couple of weeks. He himself certainly hadn't spoken with her, but then, he hadn't even really talked with Jay, either. Hell, he realized that, since he and Amy had gotten so close - especially in the midst of the whole thing with Matt - he hadn't really spoken to *anyone*.

"Yeah," Amy continued. "Trish told me that she's still my friend, and she's here for me."

The Canadian stopped walking, stopping her as their eyes met.

"She said Matt's been saying a lot of stuff about us, Adam."

"Yeah, no kidding." The blond man's expression soured, but he wasn't going to allow thoughts of Matt Hardy get him down. The other man knew the truth, and if he couldn't deal with or accept it, that was *his* problem. At least Matt wasn't hassling them anymore. If he'd been gossiping about them, Adam didn't know a thing about it. But come to think of it, he didn't *care*.

"What else is new?" the tall blond man said rhetorically. "You know what?" he continued. He wrapped his arms around the redhead's waist, drawing her nearer. She clasped her arms around his neck and gazed up into his green orbs. "Who cares what anyone else thinks... People should be used to it by now - us together."

Amy gazed deeply into his sparkling twin pools of emerald, her heart soaring. He was right, and he was wonderful and beautiful and just so perfect. She loved him more than she'd ever imagined being able to love any man in her life.

"You're right," she breathed, her face moving nearer to his. "Of course you're right." She closed the small distance between them and placed her lips on his as she stood on her tiptoes. She melted as she felt his arms tighten around her as he responded, his tongue gently slipping past her lips.

Adam sighed as he kissed her more deeply, not caring about a single other thing than that sweet moment. God, she felt so good in his arms, tasted so very sweet.

After a long moment, he pulled back, reluctantly, a soft smile on his face as their gazes met again. He released his embrace but reached down for her hand, grasping it gently but firmly and laced his fingers through hers.

"Come on," he said softly, his green orbs twinkling. He had a destination in mind before they headed back to the hotel. He knew the area, and this town, pretty well.

They walked for another few blocks until Adam noticed the place. Smiling conspiratorially to himself, he tugged on her hand, leading her inside.

The tall blond man feigned innocence as the redhead eyed him questioningly. He saw her eyes widen somewhat as she gazed at the beautiful showcases and displays, a soft ooh and ahh randomly escaping her.

Adam felt his heart pounding so rapidly in his chest, the anticipation overtaking him. He was still holding her much smaller hand, loving the feel of it, when he took action.

Amy gasped as he suddenly lowered to one knee before her, his large hand still gripping her own. She gaped down at him wordlessly, unable to believe what was evidently about to happen.

"Amy... I love you," he spoke softly. Around them, he noticed in his peripheral vision that other customers were watching them. But not once did he allow his gaze to waver from her beautiful hazel eyes. "You know how I feel, and I've told you before that I want to marry you. And Mandy is the most precious gift I could have ever asked for..." He felt himself getting a bit choked up, and Amy by now had a tear running down her right cheek. "... Ames, I want you, and I want her... Let's really become a family - *officially*. Amy, will you marry me?"

The redhead blinked with emotion, her heart thundering. She could not believe this adorable, sweet man. No wonder he'd brought her into a *jewelry* store, of all places! Another tear ran down her cheek as she nodded.

"Yes, Adam... yes, of *course* I'll marry you!"

The blond man bounded to his feet to sweep her into his arms. She embraced him back tightly as their lips met in a passionate kiss. She chuckled, though it was muffled by the kiss, as Adam lifted her off her feet. She blushed as she realized people were clapping - they had a small audience!

After the Canadian released her, a grin on his handsome face, he nudged her gently.

"C'mon... Let's go over there-" He pointed to a display he'd noticed that held diamond rings. "You're gonna pick out your engagement ring..."  
 
 

Part 41

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