"Is that a challenge?" he asked, eyes bright with playfulness. Maybe to someone else it would be odd, but the fact was that before he'd met Beth, his life was pretty dismal. Life revolved mostly around work and visits to see his mother. He'd had little time for much else, or had made little time, but now that he'd met Beth, all that had changed. Though his job was important, his priorities had changed, and she was the brightest part of his life. "Yeah, and it's not my latest tattoo," he teased, reaching around her to open her door. The fact was he didn't even have any tattoos.

"See, it's comments like that which make me want to strip you down and inspect you minutely in case I've missed anything," she laughed, drawing her fingers fondly over his as she bent to fold herself into the car. Honestly. How am I supposed to behave myself when he's inserting images of his naked body into my head"

"You can inspect me later. I promise I'm Grade A," he remarked with a smirk as she climbed into the car, before circling around for the driver's door and doing the same. "So, when do you want to go on this camping trip?" he asked, as he buckled his seat-belt, waiting for her to do the same.

Her belt made an audible click as she considered the question, the fact that he'd brought the conversation back around to what had been essentially a throwaway comment that morning brightening her smile once again. "I don't really know," she admitted with a quiet chuckle. "I haven't been camping in a few years, so I don't really know where the best places are anymore. As to when ....well, I guess that all depends on when you and I can get leave at the same time, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that," he said as he turned the key in the ignition, shifted gears, and pulled out of the parking lot onto the road. Their destination wasn't too far, but gave them a few minutes to chat before they arrived. "I mean, I've got time off coming, but do I want to save it for our honeymoon or use it now?"

"Well, if you're anything like me, more than ten days away from work and you start getting antsy," Beth shrugged, her smile only a little guilty for that sense of duty she felt toward her chosen career. "So it doesn't make sense to save up all my leave for a honeymoon. If I have any left after this unexpectedly long break in the middle of the summer."

"I used to," he replied, keeping his eyes on the road. He used to be all about his career, but that was before he'd met her. Things were different now. Sure, he might get antsy if he was sitting around his apartment alone with nothing to do, but he had yet to get bored with Bethany around, even when he'd been recovering from a bullet wound. The truth was, he hadn't taken any vacation in a long time and had managed to accumulate quite a bit of time off, but he wasn't sure about her. "We need to pick a date," he said. He wasn't sure what his rush was, but the sooner they were married, the happier he'd be.

"You need to talk to Des," she countered that insistent comment of his. As much as she loved Jason, she had a feeling that until there was a date firmly set, he was going to be irritatingly insistent on getting that done as soon as he possibly could. "I think I'm gonna hold out for this double wedding, you know. Takes the focus off it being just us, and with Lyneth around, you can guarantee she'll keep everyone interested in her. Hell, we might even be able to skip out early if we share the day."

"It's not up to Des. It's up to you and Piper." If they went through with the plan to have a double wedding, that was. At this point, Jason just wanted to get married, but he knew Miranda would never forgive him if he ran off with her daughter and robbed her of a wedding. He huffed. "Do you really think Miranda is going to let you skip out early on the biggest day of your life?" And put like that, he could kind of understand her thinking. It was going to be the most important day of their lives and one that only happened once. "Are you sure you want to share it?"

"Yeah, I think I am." She sighed softly, leaning back against the seat as she looked over at him, realizing she was probably going to have to explain this one. "I'm not comfortable at formal events. I mean, I was awkward enough at my parents' wedding, and that was about as low-key as you can get. And I wasn't the center of attention. But that doesn't mean to say that I couldn't handle it, if you want the day to be just ours. I'm making a pig's ear of explaining this."

"Beth," he started, glancing over at her a moment before looking back at the road. "Whatever you want is fine with me. I just want us to be together." He had no doubts that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her - those feelings only reinforced by the dream they shared only a few hours earlier. He just didn't want her to feel pressured into doing anything she wasn't ready for or didn't want to do, and he thought he might be pressuring her.

"That's all I want, too," she admitted softly. "But I don't want to disappoint anyone, either. It's gonna be stressful enough arranging a wedding, I figure doing it with someone else would make it easier. You and Des know each other well enough to know what goes and what doesn't, and I like Piper. I trust her judgement. I think it would be easier, sharing the day."

He frowned thoughtfully as he pulled off the road, needing to clear a few things up between them before they went any further. He put the car in park and turned his body toward hers to reach for her hand. "Baby, this isn't about anyone but us. It doesn't matter what your mom or dad want, or what Des and Piper want. It's about what we want, what we feel comfortable with. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That's all that matters to me."

She twisted to face him as he took her hand, chewing on her lower lip as he spoke. "I know. But I can't just push aside what Mom's been hoping for. I owe her everything; even more now I know what she gave up to keep me out of trouble. I know it's about us," she assured him, squeezing his hand between her own. "But it's about our families, too. We could get married tomorrow, in jeans and sneakers, and I'd be happy with that. But I don't think I could forgive myself for hurting my mom by doing it that way."

"I'm not asking you to. I just want to make sure you're happy with what?s happening, with what?s being planned. This wedding....It should be special. It should be the happiest day of your life, and I want to make sure it is, but..." He frowned again, looking a little worried and glancing down at their clasped hands as if he wasn't sure to say what he was thinking.

It was hard for him to stay moody for long when he was in her presence. She was as buoyant and sunny as a summer day, and her mood was as contagious as measles, though in a good way. He laughed again at the ridiculousness of her guess. "Now, you're just grasping at straws." It would become evident where they were going soon enough, anyway.

"Oh, wait, I know what it is," Beth laughed, grinning as she looked over at him. The closer they got, the more obvious it was where he was taking her, but the conversation was too much fun to give up. "You live a double life as a secret female impersonator, and you want me to help you buy your next evening gown. Coordination is key, and all that."

He barked a laugh at the even more ridiculous guess, and knowing she was just teasing him, he couldn't help but play along. "Oh, yeah, that's totally it. I've been meaning to tell you, but I was afraid what you might say." He couldn't hide the smirk on his face at such a ridiculous idea. There was nothing feminine about him in any way and he wouldn't be caught dead in a dress.

"Well, I've never undressed a woman in a romantic context before," she mused, giggling as he played along. "Would that make me bi, or just curious" I mean, it definitely counts as a kink. Don't you think?"

"I think if you're bi-curious and want to undress a woman, you're barking up the wrong tree!" he replied, putting an end to the teasing or at least to any question of his masculinity. "I don't think I'd mind a little kink though. I seem to recall someone mentioning handcuffs." And as if right on cue, he pulled the car into parking lot in front of an expensive jewelry store known for its diamond engagement rings. At least it wasn't a pawn shop.

She glanced up at the store as he pulled into a parking space, her grin widening with triumph at having guessed right without actually guessing out loud. "Well, I'm pretty open to most things," she chuckled. "I'll try anything once, so long as it's with you."

"Anything but wearing women's underwear or adding a third party." He was strictly a one-woman man. No menage a trois for him. Beth was all he needed or wanted. Ever. That fact had been proven lifetime after lifetime, though they didn't know all the details yet. "How do you feel about trying on rings?" he asked as he put the car into park and turning questioning eyes to her.

"I'm only allowed to wear your underwear now?" she laughed teasingly, long fingers moving to undo her belt. She was right with him on the second condition, however. Jason was all she ever wanted or needed, she was absolutely sure about that. As he put his question to her, her smile softened, the sweeter side of her nature lighting up at the prospect of this rather girly proposition. "I, uh ....Hell yes!"

He laughed as she misunderstood his question. "I was talking about me, silly." He unfastened his own seat-belt and climbed out of the car, pocketing his keys and moving around to collect her before heading hand in hand toward the door. He wished he could say money was no object, but he couldn't. Still, he wanted to buy her something nice and was determined to find a way, even if he had to max out his credit card to do it.

He was fortunate in his fiancee when it came to this, however. Beth really wasn't the kind of woman who needed a thousand dollar rock on her finger to feel loved and wanted; she didn't really need a ring at all. Her practical side knew she wouldn't be able to wear it on her hand at work, anyway, but she knew she'd like something pretty. Understated, preferably. Tucked close with her hand in his, she followed him into the store, feeling a little intimidated by the many display cases and watching sales assistants.

He hoped the sales staff wouldn't try to pressure them into something he couldn't afford, though in the end, it was all up to Beth. Whatever she wanted, he'd find a way. Still, he frowned a little at the prices displayed on some of the items behind the glass, wondering if he should have done a little research before bringing her here. To say he was suffering from sticker shock was a bit of an understatement.

He needn't have worried. For all that she wasn't a girly girl, Beth knew a little about how these places worked. She didn't give a second glance to the display of "engagement" rings, gently drawing Jason away from the frightening prices toward the supposedly everyday rings that were further back in the store. These were just as pretty, but for a fraction of the price, and far more colorful than a single diamond could ever be. She kissed his shoulder through his t-shirt with a grin, and leaned forward over one case, sharp eyes studying the rows of far less ostentatious jewels.

He got tugged along past the rows of expensive diamond engagement rings toward the cases of more practical and affordable jewelry, which seemed just as pretty to him, but he wasn't the one wearing it. He eyed the difference in price and worried these were far too cheap. She deserved better. Hell, she deserved the best money could buy - the only problem was that he didn't have much of it. "Beth," he whispered, tilting his head toward her and lowering his voice, "these are too cheap."

"Don't be ridiculous," she murmured back to him, careful to hide her mouth behind his hand as though she were kissing his knuckles, aware that the sales assistant was eying them hopefully from too close for comfort. "There's no rule that says a ring has to break the bank, and I like these better. So there." She stuck her tongue out at him, her grin daring him to argue with her logic.

He glared at her, debating whether she really did like these rings better or was just saying so to save him a few bucks. But he didn't have much time to think about it, as the sales clerk was inching ever closer, ready to pounce on a sale and hopefully talk them into something more expensive. She had a sales quota, after all!

Catching the approach of the clerk, Beth rolled her eyes, knowing Jason was itching to debate this with her. She smiled at the woman in a friendly manner, holding up a hand. "Just a second, sorry," she nodded to the woman, and dragged Jason a few steps away, meeting his glare head on. "You seriously think I'm lying to save your bank balance here?"

She laughed at his lack of answer, watching him as he looked more closely at the sparkling infinity knot now nestled at her knuckle. But she did know him pretty well - well enough to be confident that if he didn't like it, he would have said so outright. "I think it's as close to perfect as we can get," she said softly, and only just managed not to snort with laughter at the disappointed look on the clerk's face. Evidently it wasn't expensive enough to make it a good commission for her.

He was mostly in agreement, but he wanted her to be sure. It was, after all, only the second ring she'd tried on, and she'd have to wear it for the rest of her life. "Are you sure?" he asked, needing to be sure before they were informed as to the price tag.

"I'm sure." It didn't matter that it was only the second ring she had tried - it could have been the first, or the fiftieth, and it would still feel like the perfect ring. Her lips curved, her smile turning just a little bit hopeful as she held his gaze, silently pleading for this ring. Quite a U-turn for a woman who only grudgingly wore earrings to keep the holes in her lobes open.

"Then I guess this ring it is," he declared, waiting for the other shoe to drop - the moment of truth that would declare the damage to his wallet, though his love for her was priceless. He lifted her ring-adorned hand to his lips for a soft kiss, his eyes declaring his love without speaking.

Beth's smile deepened as he caved, letting out a soft little squeal of delight as she bounced up on her toes to kiss his cheek.

Despite the disappointment of not making a big sale, the clerk smiled at the obvious connection between the pair in front of her, and quickly checked the prices. "I assume you'll be wearing it from here," she asked, chuckling as Beth nodded enthusiastically, turning her attention to Jason, who was obviously going to be paying for it. "Well, then, sir, that will be $294. Would you like the box to take away with you?"

Jason's jaw dropped, not because the price was too high - just the opposite, in fact. "That's it?" he asked, furrowing his brows in confusion. "Is it real?" he asked, reaching for Beth's hand again to take another look at the ring. Those couldn't be real diamonds and gold for that price, could they"

The clerk chuckled at his disbelief. "It's real, sir," she assured him. "14 carats of blue and white diamonds, set in white gold." She glanced over at her manager, and leaned forward to add quietly, "That's with my discretionary discount, too. I know a couple who'll last when I see them."

Beth's jaw dropped at that, amazed by the soft comment.

Jason's cheeks dimpled into a smile at the clerk's comment. Little did she know just how long they'd lasted and would continue to endure. "If the lady is sure, then so am I," he replied, with a smile for Bethany as he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. He didn't have that much cash on him at the moment, but it wouldn't take too long to pay off such a small debt.

"Well, until you can produce this lady, I'll just have to do," Beth laughed, shaking off her surprise at the clerk's unexpected kindness. "I'm sure." She chuckled as the clerk rang up the sale, rubbing her thumb against the smooth band of the ring that now resided about her finger. It felt strangely official now there was a bit of shine on her hand, even if it was only just in the process of being paid for.

"The box, too," Jason added as he handed the sales clerk his credit card, not because he thought Beth wouldn't want to wear it, but he knew there would be times when it was impractical for her to do so because of her job and lifestyle, and he wanted to make sure she had a safe place to store it when it was not worn on her finger. Though he hadn't gotten down on one knee, it felt official now that she had a ring - a symbol of their ever-lasting love and intent to join their lives together in the very near future.

"Of course, sir. And may I say congratulations on your engagement." As they waited for the card to be approved, she put the box - classically black velvet - into a small bag, handing it to Beth where she stood at Jason's shoulder.

Beth was still bouncing on her heels, ridiculously excited to have a ring on her finger, attempting to hold down the impish urge to run straight back to the nursing home and make Jason show his mother his fiancee's ring.

"You may," he replied with a wide, happy grin on his face. "And thank you!" he added, as he waited for his purchase to be approved and his card handed back. Bethany seemed excited enough to burst at the seams, and though Jason seemed far calmer on the surface, he was just as excited as she was. They were really and truly engaged! Their first step on the way to getting married was officially official, and he couldn't be happier. "You know what this calls for, don't you?" he asked, corners of his eyes crinkling with a grin.

He should have known better than to present her with such an open-ended question in front of a stranger. Beth's smile widened as she looked up at her fiance, teasingly thoughtful as she considered him. Then she let out a sweetly exaggerated sigh. "Well, all right, but you know it gives me hiccups," she told him impishly, and chuckled when the clerk choked on an attempt not to laugh.

"Not that!" he laughed. "It calls for a celebration and I know just the thing!" And you could bet - because it was Jason - that the celebration most likely wouldn't include a fancy dinner or dancing, but then, Beth wasn't a fancy dinner kind of person and neither was he. He took the card back from the clerk once the purchase was approved and slid it back into place in his wallet.

Giggling, Beth leaned into him, hugging her arms around his waist. "Oh, really?" she grinned. "Are my shoes appropriate this time, or are you going to worry about my feet all evening again?" The clerk, trying hard not to chuckle at the by-play between the lovers, wished them goodbye and good luck as they stepped away from the counter, heading out of the intimidating sparkle and into the sunshine once again.

"Oh, yeah, your shoes are very appropriate!" he assured her, as he led her out, hand in hand, feeling a lot better now than he had on his way in. And his pocketbook felt better, too. "I was thinking hotdogs, beer, and a walk on the beach. What do you think?"

"I think that sounds awesome," she agreed, very easy to please. Fancy and expensive weren't words that applied to them - high maintenance just wasn't a part of her make up. Hotdogs and beer, and a walk with her Jason ....that sounded perfect to her. "Are you gonna let me pay?" she asked teasingly, squeezing his hand between hers as they headed away from the scary, expensive jewelry.

"You might be able to talk me into that, if you promise to let me take it out in trade later," he smirked as he pushed the door open and led her away from the jewelry store and back toward the car. He already knew she'd be fine with that, but he couldn't help teasing her anyway. It was a short drive to the beach, depending on which one he chose, though traffic could prove a problem at times.

"You need a promise for that?" she laughed, following him out onto the street with an audible sigh of relief. Once away from the shop, she paused, drawing him to a halt to loop her arms around hs neck once more and deliver the kind of kiss that really wasn't all that suitable for public viewing. "Thank you," she breathed against his lips, teasing her fingertips through his hair. "It's beautiful."

He smiled softly as she drew him to a halt and looped her arms around his neck, his hands coming to rest against her hips, more than happy to return that kiss, just as passionately as it was given. He rested his forehead against hers, smiling happily, far happier than he'd been only a few hours before. "You're beautiful, and I love you."

"I love you back." For eternity. Strange, how easy it was to use that word, and yet know, deep in her soul, that it was the absolute truth. She had and would always love him, no matter what happened to them in this life or any other. Nuzzling close, she shared his smile, brushing kiss after soft kiss to his lips as they lingered together, heedless of the bustle of people all around them.

It was almost as if - for at least that moment - time stood still. Nothing else existed but them or was important but them. In a way, it was true, but not completely. Still, this was their moment, their chance, and Jason was going to make sure that this time around no one stole it from them. They had found each other again, and one way or another, they were going to have their happily ever after. He felt sure of it. ____________ http://www.gemologica.com/images/Q4783-infinity-rings-infinity-jewelry-infinity-diamond-rings.jpg