A Most Special Occasion

Vera King is parked on the couch when Alina Lopez strolls in with two glasses, both of them flashing sweet little grins. Vera thanks her for the drinks. Alina just laughs and reminds her she’s only nineteen. Vera wonders if Alina is really okay staying in on their anniversary. Alina steps in close, voice low and flirty, and says she wants every second alone with Vera. They raise their glasses and toast to each other, eyes locked, then kiss slow and deep before sinking back into the cushions. Alina asks if Vera can believe it’s already been a year. Vera shakes her head; the time flew. Still, it’s the best damn year of her life. Vera agrees, fingers tracing Alina’s hand, and admits she never expected to find the real thing at her age, especially not this way. They share a quiet laugh, then Alina’s smile fades. She asks if Vera ever feels guilty about how they started. Vera looks straight at her. No. Their hearts wanted what they wanted, and hers wanted Alina. Alina leans in, asks when Vera knew it was more than just sneaking around. Vera says it hit her that weekend they had the house to themselves. She woke up, saw Alina lying there, and it was instant. That was it. Alina smiles, says she’ll never forget that weekend either. She’s got a surprise. Tells Vera to close her eyes. When Vera opens them again, Alina is down on one knee, small jewelry box open, diamond sparkling inside. She asks if Vera will marry her. Vera stammers, heart racing, then reaches behind the couch cushion and pulls out her own little box. She drops to one knee, pops it open, ring gleaming. They’re both kneeling, rings in hand, staring at each other. Alina’s hand flies to her mouth. Vera laughs softly and says Alina just stole her line. Alina lunges forward, kissing her hard, then pulls back long enough to shout yes, absolutely yes. Vera answers the same. They slide the rings onto each other’s fingers, hands trembling. Vera tells her the world can stare all it wants, a mom marrying her stepdaughter, she doesn’t care. Alina says that’s all she wants too, and they crash back into each other, mouths hungry, hands sliding everywhere. One hell of a night just got even bigger.