The Big Engagement Party

"When'd you get here, Louis? I didn't notice," Alicia said, smiling softly.

Louis was fiddling with his watch, a sign Alicia knew meant he was a bit anxious. To clear things up, she said, "Robert gifted me a buddha relic. I thought about giving it to Chuck's sick grandma. Might not help, but it's a nice gesture. Just gave him a call to let him know, nothing more."

Louis's good-looking face stayed calm as he got up from the couch and walked over to Alicia. He peered down at her, his dark eyes like a deep pool, not giving away anything. He gently moved some hair off her shoulders and said, "Next time, just tell me three words."

Alicia looked at him, puzzled, and asked, "What three words?"

Louis narrowed his eyes a bit and said, "The three words I want to hear most."

Alicia chuckled, then asked, "I love you?"

"Yep." Louis grinned, his eyes twinkling. He seemed truly happy, like spring had just arrived.