Picket Fences! Part 35


At Arlene's place a few days later . . .


She called Jimmy and invited him to a community lot.




When the taxicab arrived Arlene got in.
"To the zoo please", she told the driver.



When the taxicab arrived at the zoo, Jimmy and Arlene got out.


They sit down on the park bench just outside the entrance.
"Arlene, we've known each other most of our lives", said Jimmy.

"I remember when you and your parents moved to Buford Falls. You were just a toddler and I was already a child", said Arlene.

"But I was almost ready to grow into a child. I'm not that much younger than you", he said, "Anyway, age doesn't matter if you're meant to be with someone."


"Do you think we were meant to be together?", she asked.

"Yes, I've known it since I gave you your first kiss on your teen birthday", he said.

"It was your first kiss, too", she said.

"Yeah, it was", he said.

"Let's go over to the picnic area and have lunch before we walk around", he said.

"Alright, I am getting a little hungry", she said.


Arlene offered to grill hamburgers for their lunch.
"I'm sorry they're a little overdone", said Arlene.

"No, they're fine. I like mine well done", he said.


"There's one left. Do you want it?", she asked.


"No, I've had plenty", he said.

When they stood on the bridge . . .


He got on one knee, held up a diamond ring and proposed engagement.


Arlene placed the ring on her finger and admired it for a few seconds while he waited for her answer.


"YES!", she said.


"When do you want to have the wedding?", she asked.

"The sooner the better, will be fine with me", he said.


On the way back to the lobby, Arlene tickled Jimmy playfully.


And he smiled just for her.


"I love you Jimmy", she said.

"I've always loved you", he said, "I was just waiting for you to realize it."

Over at Jonathan's place the next afternoon . . .


He called Shannan and invited her over.


When Shannan arrived Jonathan greeted her with a romantic kiss.


"I've been thinking about the conversation we had the other day when we were in the hottub", he said.


"You mean, about whether you would stay a bachelor like Rhys or get married one day?", asked Shannan.

"Yeah, that one", he said, "I told you when I met the right girl, I'd get married. Remember?", he said.

"Yes, I remember". she said.

"YES! I'd love to be your wife", she said.


"Are you sure this is what you want? You've been a bachelor for a long time", she said.


"I've been a bachelor for much too long. I'm ready to settle down and have a family . . . with you", he said.


"I love you Shannan", he said.

"I love you, too", she said.


"I'd like for us to get married in a couple of weeks, if that's alright", he said.

"Yes, we can have a small wedding. I don't know that many people here in Buford Falls", she said.

"Yeah, me either", he said.

"I want you to buy yourself the most beautiful dress you can find. Don't worry about the cost, I'll pay for it", said Jonathan.

"Thank you sweetheart. I'll ask Claudia to go with me tomorrow to help me ", she said.

"Get a dress for her, too. I presume she'll be your maid-of-honor", he said.

"Yes, I expect she will", said Shannan, "And you'll ask Rhys to be your best-man?"

"Yes, of course", said Jonathan.

To be continued . . .