Alex stood in front of the full-length mirror in his bedroom, adjusting his tie for the third time while his heart hammered with nervous anticipation; tonight was the night he'd planned meticulously for weeks, the night he'd ask Judy to marry him for real, without contracts or financial arrangements, just genuine love and commitment.

His phone buzzed with a text from his assistant confirming the restaurant reservation, the private dining room, and the special arrangements he'd requested; ...