Vera King sits on the couch. Alina Lopez walks in, carrying two glasses. They smile sweetly at each other. Vera thanks her for the beverages.... champagne!?, Vera asks warily, her eyes scrutinizing the glasses. Of course not, it's just sparkling water! She's only 19 after all, Alina says with a smile. Is Alina SURE that she didn't want to go out tonight?, Vera asks her. It IS a special occasion, after all, Vera adds. Yes, she's sure, she wanted to stay in and celebrate, that way she'd have Vera all to herself, Alina says flirtatiously. So, should they toast?, Alina asks. Absolutely, Vera responds. They raise their glasses. 'To you, my love, my heart, my best friend, happy anniversary', Alina says, looking into Vera's eyes lovingly. 'And to you, my special girl, I love you SO much. Happy anniversary', Vera says. They kiss lovingly and sit back on the couch, looking at each other with deep affection.Can Vera believe it's already been a year?, Alina asks. No, she really can't, it seems to have gone by SO fast, Vera says in wonder. But it's been the best year of her life, Alina says. Hers too, she never DREAMED that she would find her true love at this point in her life or under such strange circumstances, but she has, Vera says happily, stroking Alina's hand. Better late than never right?, Alina says. They laugh, followed by a moment of silence. Does Vera ever...feel bad about how everything happened?, Alina asks, breaking the silence. Vera looks at her sympathetically. No honey, and neither should Alina, Vera says. 'We never meant to hurt him. The heart...wants what the heart wants, and my heart wanted...you', Vera says softly.So...when did she know that what was happening between them was MORE than just a fling?, Alina asks. Well, it had to be when they finally got to spend that weekend alone together, when he went away for that business trip, Vera says. It was actually in the morning that weekend, Vera continues. When she opened her eyes and she looked over at Alina, and she was so beautiful, and she just...she just KNEW, Vera says lovingly. She'll never forget that weekend, Alina says.She has something for Vera, a...surprise, Alina says gently. She just has to run to the other room to grab it, Alina says. But...Vera has to close her eyes and only open them when Alina tells her to, Alina instructs Vera. Yes ma'am, laughs Vera, closing her eyes. When Alina comes back a moment later and Vera opens her eyes, she sees Alina, who is on one knee with a small jewelry box open, a diamond ring resting inside. Will...Vera be...her wife?, Alina asks slowly, her voice heavy with emotion.'I..um...well I...WOW, ' Vera stammers, at a loss for words. Just...just stay RIGHT there, Vera says quickly, reaching behind the cushion next to her. Vera withdraws a small jewelry box from behind the cushion and slowly gets down on one knee and opens her own jewelry box, holding it out for Alina. They both face each other, each on bended knee, each holding their engagement rings. Alina puts her hand over her mouth, overcome with emotion. 'You took the words right out of my mouth,'' Vera says gently. Alina embraces Vera fiercely and kisses her passionately. She pulls away from Vera for a moment. And for the record: the answer is yes, ABSOLUTELY YES, Alina says happily. Her answer is yes too, it's ALWAYS been yes, Vera says. They slip away from each other and delicately slide their engagement rings on each other's fingers. 'People may look at us strangely--a mom and her stepdaughter getting married--but I don't care, all I want is to be with you,' Vera says sweetly. That's all SHE wants too, Alina says. They pull each other close, kissing deeply as their eager hands caress each other's bodies.This occasion is turning out to be even more special than either one of these ladies could ever have anticipated.Story inspired by an original submission by Girlsway member, Metalhead42!