Evangeline's day had been going none stop since 7:00 a.m. In between Kevin and Kelly's custody battle, Todd and Blair's attempt to take over Asa's estate and the never-ending loose ends in the Santi case, Evangeline barely had time to breathe let alone eat a meal. Reluctantly, she was forced to cancel her lunch and dinner plans with John.

Although their relationship started with hot, passionate sex in Mary Barne's wine cellar, an unbreakable bond had developed that night. After playing emotional dare with their hearts for the past few months, they both finally admitted, they were deeply and passionately in love.

Other people including, friends, family members, coworkers even complete strangers could see they were in love. Somewhere in their subconscious mind, they both knew what was happening. But neither one had the guts to admit the truth, until that first date.

Evangeline still got emotional remembering that night. They went to see Casablanca at the Thalia Theater, then a quiet romantic dinner at one of the local restaurants. During dinner, they opened up more about their childhood and interests. After dinner, she invited him back to her condo for a nightcap. The sound of Sara Vaughn played in the back ground, as they slow danced shutting out the rest of the world. As she slowly pulled from his embrace, Evangeline noticed tears in John's eyes. "Baby, what's wrong?" she asked concerned attempting to wipe the tears from his eyes.

But her concern quickly changed to relief, when he smiled shyly. "I love you so much," he whispered.

Evangeline's heart skipped a beat as tears of joy streamed down her face. "Oh John, I love you too." The next day he moved in and the rest as they say is history.

The clock on her desk flashed 10:00 p.m. Evangeline finally decided to call it a night. On her drive home, she admired the beautiful holiday decorations that would adorn the streets until after New Year. A smile crossed her face, at the thought of she and John sharing their first New Year together. "It's going to be so wonderful," she smiled.

When she finally arrived home, scented candles and soft music filled the air. "Hello, Sweetness," John whispered, before sweeping her into a deep and passionate kiss, that left her breathless.

"I thought you were sleep," she said, catching her breath. The sight of John in black silk pajamas caused the fire of passion to burn in her loins.

"You know, I can't fall asleep without you in my arms. Besides, I knew you'd need a stress reliever, after a long day," he said, nibbling on her ear.

"What did you have in mind," she moaned, as his strong hands slowly caressed the curves of her behind. She reached for the drawstring of his pajamas, when John slowly pulled her hands away.

"Oh no you don't," he laughed in a seductive manner. "Tonight, I'm in control."

"Really!" she said, with a hint of defiance in her eyes.

"Yes, really," he whispered in a low husky voice that turned her to jelly.

"Okay, what do you want me to do," she replied trying to regain her composure.

"I want you to go take a shower and use that body gel and lotion that I like, Flowers in Springtime. Then come back to me," he said lightly slapping her behind.

"Yes, sir," she said, giving him a salute.

John prepared everything needed for their special night. "I hope she likes the surprise I have planned," he whispered.

Twenty minutes later, Evangeline appeared from the bedroom dressed in a sheer silk black camisole. "I'm ready," she called out.

Her incredible beauty always left him breathless. "Come to me Sweetness," he demanded holding out his hand and leading her to the sofa.

As Evangeline sat on the sofa filled with anticipation of their night of love, her heart stopped as John slowly got down on one knee and pulled out a small black velvet box from behind his back.

His crystal blue eyes filled with tears, as he cleared his throat to speak. "Evangeline, before you came into my life, I never imagined I would find or want love again. You are everything I could ever want in a woman and more than I deserve. You are my best friend; my love, my queen and I will love you forever. Will you please marry me?"

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed staring at the two-carat square cut diamond, as tears streamed down her face. "Oh John…I never expected."

"Is that a yes?" he asked nervously.

"Yes," she cried as he placed the ring on her finger.

"You had me sweating for a minute there," he smiled with tears in his eyes. "I was thinking...it would be nice to get married on New Year's Eve?"

"Of next year?" she asked unable to take her eyes off the ring.

"I was thinking more like next week," he said sheepishly.

"Next week!" she said surprised by his suggestion. "Why the rush?"

"You and I are two of a kind," he said. Look how long it took us to admit we were in love. If we wait, we'll both overanalyze the situation and never get married."

Evangeline couldn't argue with John's logic. Apart they were cautious and overanalyzed everything. But together they learned to live in the moment and enjoy life.

"I have no problem having a big ceremony for the benefit of our family and friends at a later date. But, I guess for once, I want to be a little selfish and make that day just about you and me."

The more Evangeline thought about it, the more she liked the idea of an intimate ceremony just between the two of them. Although they shared certain aspects of their relationship with family and friends, they were both very private with their love.

"Sounds like a plan," she smiled, slowly undressing him as their night of passion was ignited.
*)*

The next week flew by as they're wedding day finally arrived. John was able to arrange for Reverend Andrew Carpenter to perform the ceremony. He arrived at 9:45 p.m. and admired the romantic atmosphere of their home. The dimly lit lights in the livingroom, with the glow of the roaring fireplace and jazz music set the mood.

At 10:00 p.m., Evangeline appeared from the bedroom dressed in a stunning off the shoulder white gown, as her hair fell to her shoulders. Her grandmother's pearl necklace and earrings made her breathtaking.

As Natalie Cole's Inseparable played in the background, she couldn't help but notice how handsome John looked in his custom-made tuxedo.

"You look beautiful," John smiled.

"So do you."

John and Evangeline joined hands as Andrew begin the ceremony. "Dearly beloved we are here tonight to join John Patrick McBain and Evangeline Marie Williamson in holy matrimony. John, you may speak your vows."

"Evangeline, before I met you, I was adrift, like a man lost at sea. Then you came into my life, my Evening Star and with your love and patience, I found my way home to you. From this day forward, I John Patrick McBain, happily surrender my heart, my soul and my love to you Evangeline Marie Williamson, until death do us part.

"John, before I met you I guarded my heart, because I didn't trust love. But then you came into my life and you saw the real me. You always make me feel safe and loved. I Evangeline Marie Williamson, happily surrender my heart, my soul and my love to you John Patrick McBain until death do us part."

They each placed the gold wedding bands on their fingers. "By the powers vested in me and the state of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride," Andrew smiled.

John and Evangeline stared lovingly into each other's eyes, before sharing a sweet and passionate kiss.

"Hello, Mrs. McBain," he said beaming.

"Hello, Mr. McBain," she smiled. "Of course you know, Evangeline Williamson-McBain sounds much better."

"Now that your my wife, whatever you call yourself is fine with me," he smiled. "As long as you love me, I have everything I need."

"Me too," she said as they toast to the New Year and their wonderful new life together.

THE END