Epilogue

Two and a half years later…

Jess exited his bedroom after much nervous primping, having checked hair and clothes in front of the mirror hundreds of times.

Amber glanced up from where she was lounging on the couch in a knee length black skirt and a pink top reading a book to survey her father, who was wearing black slacks, sports jacket, and a white dress shirt.

"Aren't you gonna wear a tie?" she asked nonchalantly.

"Do I own a tie?" asked Jess.

"Point taken."

"Do I look okay?" questioned Jess anxiously.

Amber looked up at him and smirked, "Do you want an honest answer or a reassuring one."

He narrowed his eyes and growled under his breath, "Forget I asked," before sitting down on the couch next to Amber to pull on his shoes.

"I'm kidding, you look fine."

"Oh, don't try to make up with me now," Jess replied sarcastically, "Time?"

Amber glanced at the clock, "Six-thirtyish."

"We better getting going soon, our reservation is at seven."

"What about Mom?"

"She's meeting us at the restaurant."

"Romantic," said Amber sarcastically.

"Are you ready?"

"For a half an hour now, you?"

"Think so."

"Wallet?"

"Check."

"Keys?"

"Check."

"Ring?"

"Che-," Jess paused as he patted his jacket pocket and then reached in, there was nothing there, "Oh my god, wear's the ring. It's gone. I've already screwed –"

"Other pocket, slick," said Amber as she came back out of her room. Her father followed her advice and a great sense of relief came over him as his fingers brushed against a velvet box.

Jess left out a comforted sigh, "Check."

Amber crossed her arms "What would you do with out me?"

"I have no idea, kid."

When they arrived the restaurant thirty-five minutes later Rory was already their waiting for them. She stood up, when they entered. She looked beautiful in a brown knee length brown dress with a white crop sweater that covered her bare shoulders which her dark curls fell around.

"You're late," she said with a humorous smile.

"You know how New York traffic is," said Jess, giving his girlfriend a peck on the cheek.

"And how long Dad takes to do his hair," added Amber while giving her mother an affectionate hug.

"It makes sense now," Rory replied smartly.

"Okay, let's get seated and stop making fun of me," injected Jess, leading both of his girls up to the maitre de's podium with an arm each of their shoulders.

"Fat chance," whispered Amber with a wicked grin.

Jess ignored her, "Yes, reservation for three under Mariano."

Jess had been anxious throughout the whole meal. Rory might have noticed it, but she graciously did not mention it at all. But now dinner was over and desert was almost done and Jess knew he had to do it soon, but, if there were more appropriate time in his life to use an over-used expression this was it, it was easier said than done.

"Rory?" asked Jess, gaining her attention.

"Yes," she answered with a genuine smile that made his heart beat faster.

"You know that I love you." It wasn't a question.

"I love you too," replied Rory.

Jess grimaced slightly when Amber kicked his shin secretly, yet hardly under the table. She had told him he had better get on one knee to do this.

Jess pushed his chair away from the table to get out, giving Amber an irritated glance. He got down on one knee next to Rory's chair.

"Oh, my god," she whispered, putting her hands to her face in realization.

"Rory, you're amazing and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Jess paused. Fumbling, he pulled a small velvet box put of his pocket and opened it to reveal a simple, yet beautiful diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes, as she allowed him to take her shaky hand and slide the dainty ring onto her finger.

Jess stood and pulled Rory from her chair and into a tight embrace.

Amber leaned back in her chair and smiled. All she ever wanted as long as she could remember was a mother. Either her biological mother reappearing in her life or a woman who his dad loved who was willing to take the open position. Now she had both.

At that moment all she could think was…

Sometimes miracles do come true.