Chapter One: Forever or Never

Casey stood by a big tree in the park waiting for Sammy. Waiting. Waiting. What was taking her so long? He was getting more nervous with each passing moment. You could almost say he was afraid. Afraid of what she was going to say when he… Just then, Sammy walked up and pulled his thought back to reality.

"Hey!" She said and hugged him, leaning her head on his strong chest and letting his arms wrap around her.

"Hey!" Casey said.

"Sorry I'm late." She said and pulled away so she could look up at him. "School, I rest my case! So what did you want to talk about?" Casey swallowed.

"I-I love you Sammy." He said quietly and looked deeply into her eyes. He was shaking. Sammy frowned.

"I love you, too." Sammy said, confused by the worried look on her boyfriend's face. Casey smiled slightly and kissed her gently. Relief was clear on his face, but he still looked troubled.

"Casey!" Sammy said, shaking his arm. "Are you ok?" He nodded dumbly. Sammy searched his face, her own becoming clouded with uncertainty.

"Wh-what's wrong?" She asked hesitantly. Casey answered by taking a deep breath and dropping down on one knee. Sammy froze.

"Well, you're going to be graduating from high school soon and-and most people go to different colleges. And people always say they'll keep in touch but before long they start to drift apart and then they stop talking all together." Casey said and stopped. He was having a hard time saying what he really meant. Sammy didn't say anything.

"I'm babbling like an idiot!" He thought.

"I don't want that to happen to us. I-" Casey gulped. "I love you too much." He continued and pulled a small black box out of his pocket. He opened it and held it up so she could see the ring. It was a simple silver band with a white diamond on it. It was beautiful.

"I've, as you already know, taken this year to work and save up money before I go to college. Mostly, though, I was…I was waiting for you. I've saved all the money I earned, every last penny. I have enough to buy a house. It wouldn't be very big but-" He stopped. Why was he so nervous?! Oh, right, because he was cutting himself wide open and she could say yes or rip his heart out!

"But," Casey picked up where he left off. "We could be…together." He couldn't meet her eyes. This was it… He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Will you marry me?" He finally asked and looked up at her. There were tears streaming down her face. Casey reached out and touched her hand gently. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. The thought, "Samantha Jo Acosta…" whirled around in her mind. She nodded.

"Y-Yes!" she said softly and threw her arms around his neck. "Yes!" she whispered and kissed him. They stood up and kissed again. With shaking hands, he put the ring on her finger and wiped the tears form her cheeks. He smiled down at her tenderly.

"It's beautiful!" Sammy breathed as she looked at the ring.

"Yes. Breath taking." Casey said and gazed at Sammy. She looked up and smiled at him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her again.

"How long have I waited for this? Longed for this?" He wondered. "Too long." He thought. "Too long. But it was worth it."

"I love you, Sammy…" he whispered, then added silently, "My Sammy…"

So… what do ya think? Like it?! Should I continue?! Please tell me!! Love the reviews!! You review. I write. It's that simple!!(Lol I sound like a commercial!)= ]

-Leah/blacklace-and-roses