With her daughter done now, Mary knew she only had one more person leftto make sure they were awake and ready to go. Though she knew he would bethe ha...dest in quite a few ways. The woman-turned-girl moved down thehallway to her son's room as she gently opened it. There still in a now-undersized Dinosaur bed was the hulking body of a 24-year-old man. Aroundthe room however were strewn toys, Blu-Rays, and clothes. The toys andBlu-Rays reflecting that of his interests being various. "You'll be fine, dear. And it's just me, Melody, and our guest here."Trying to delay the inevitable, I asked, "Just who is this guest,anyway?" You'll see," Melody's mom said. "Now put on the suit, go out to theback, and have fun!"I looked dubiously at the swimsuit, and muttered, "Fun, she says. Inthis thing?"But I gathered my courage, and went and got changed.I was a little afraid to look at myself once I had the swimsuit on. Butfinally, I stepped out of the bathroom, to find Melody waiting. And if you'll marry me."She came up close to me. "Do you know what you just said?"I nodded all smiles."Don't joke with me, Tony."I pulled my final gift out of my jeans pocket, opened the black felt box and showed her the diamond ring. "Does this look like I'm joking?" Oh! Tony. I can't imagine-" Those aren't the words, Baby. 'Yes, I'll marry you' are the right ones."She nodded her head and I watched tears spill down her cheeks."Yes, yes, yes. Oh, yes, my love. Forever yes!"We hugged and kissed. Her eyes were absolutely white-hot. Through gritted teeth, she said, ‘I’ve never reneged on a bet, Jeff, and I’m not going to start now. But I want you to know: tomorrow will be the worst and longest day of my life, and I’m never going to get over it. Never.’ I moved forward to take her in my arms, but she stepped back. ‘No,’ she said. So I just stood there. ‘Millie,’ I said, low and quiet. ‘Do you trust me?’ ‘I always did,’ she said. Her voice had a little quaver to it. She was near tears.