DECEMBER, 1969…
Madison drummed her fingers on the arm of the couch watching Mike pace back and forth on the other side of the coffee table. She looked over at Mac who was sitting on the floor, a teething ring in one little hand and a rattle in the other, both forgotten as he was also watching his Uncle Mike pacing back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
"Mike?" Madison said.
No response…he only kept pacing, his hands jammed in his pockets watching the floor.
"Mike?" She called again, this time a little louder.
Still no response.
"MICHAEL!" She raised her voice.
Mike stopped startled and looked over at her. "Huh? What?"
"You tell me. You're the one who wanted to talk to me, remember?" She laughed. "Instead, you've been wearing out my carpet for a good 10 minutes now."
"I’m sorry." He sighed, walking over and sitting down next to her.
"Okay, Nez, out with it!" She ordered.
"I want to ask Samantha to marry me." He responded quickly then gave a huge sigh of relief that he had finally said it out loud.
"That's great!" Madison threw her arms around his neck hugging him tightly then pulled back and looked at him questionably. "What's the matter, then?"
"What if she says no?" He looked down at the floor.
"Why in the world do you think she would do something like that?" Her eyes grew wide.
"Look at my life, Maddie." He half-laughed. "It’s a constant roller coaster between touring and making records now. I mean, I know I wanted fame more than anything but I didn't realize it would take such a toll on my life. Sammy and I hardly see each other as it is." He sighed. "Look what you and Mick have gone through because of our careers."
"But we got through it." Madison smiled. "Let me ask you something…Do you love Samantha?"
"Yes." He looked at her seriously. "With all my heart."
"And does she love you?"
"Yes." He smiled, knowing where Madison was going with this line of questioning.
"Then ask her." She put her hand on his shoulder. "As Pete would say, true love always wins out in the end."
"Thanks Maddie." He hugged her gently and then got on the floor and crawled over to Mac. "Hey, little guy, guess what? I'm going to ask your Aunt Samantha to marry me."
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Dinner was a complete blur for Mike. All he could think of was when and how to pop the question. "Mike, is everything okay?" Samantha asked, reaching across the table and covering his hand with hers.
"Everything is fine." He smiled nervously. "What could possibly be wrong?" He laced his fingers with hers. "I'm with the most beautiful lady in the world. I love you Sammy."
Samantha blushed, squeezing his hand. "I love you too, baby."
"That's good to know." He took a deep breath and stood up. "Would you like to dance?" He held out his hand.
"Yes." She smiled, taking his hand and following him to the middle of the dance floor.
Mike took her in his arms, holding her close and swaying to the soft music. He looked down and lost himself in her eyes and knew it was finally the right time. He stopped dancing and took her by the shoulders and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Samantha just looked at him, her eyebrows raised, wondering what in the world he was doing. He got down on one knee and took a small box out of his inside jacket pocket. He took her hand in his, looking up at her, "Samantha Leigh Green, will you marry me?"
Samantha's eyes filled with tears and she nodded. "Oh yes, I will marry you."
Mike stood back up and opened the box. Inside was a one-carat diamond ring. He placed it on the ring finger and then kissed her hand. "I love you."
"I love you." She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a passion filled kiss. They were completely unaware that the entire restaurant was applauding the newly engaged couple.
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