“I am not telling you.”

“Come on John, please. I'll be your best friend.”

“You already are Van.” He said leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.

“Man, McBain.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

The driver started the limo and they drove for about 20 min before they hit awful New York City traffic.

“Are we going to make it on time?” Evangeline asked as she noticed the car had been stopped for awhile.

“Yeah, I knew this was going to happen so I made sure to plan ahead.” He turned to her with a smile. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly then interlaced his fingers with hers.

They arrived at the restaurant with plenty of time to spare. It was 7:30. Those girls at the salon had done an amazing job in record time and he appreciated them for that. The driver came around to the passenger side and opened the door for John and Evangeline. John got out first and then extended his hand to Evangeline she took it and slowly got out of the car. She looked up at where they were and was again stunned by all that John had done for her.

“Johnny Mac. What have you done now?” she said looking at him with a huge smile on her face. She was standing in front of the entrance in to the Rainbow Room. She had always wanted to go there and had even told John so, one day at dinner back in Llanview. She didn't think he was paying attention at the time but obviously he was.

“See, I listen to everything that comes out of your mouth.” He said in a whisper in her ear. He placed his hand on the small of her back and ushered into the restaurant.

“Yes, I have a reservation for two. The name is McBain.”

“Ah, Lieutenant McBain, we have been expecting you. Right this way please.”

“John, you didn't have to do this.” She said quietly to him.

“Nothing but the best for you.” He said smiling back at her.

The host pulled out her seat and John took his across from Evangeline. Their waiter came over and introduced himself.

“My name is Stefano, and I will be serving you this evening. Can I get you some wine before your dinner?”

“Actually, can you bring out a bottle of your best champagne?” John said.

“Of course sir. Our specials tonight include a Lion lamb chop with braised root vegetables and colcannon creamy kale and potatoes. We also have Eggplant caponata and herb polenta. For dessert we have warm cherry, orange and cranberry compote with a lemon sorbet.”

“Actually, the chef already has our orders. I called ahead, could you let him know that Johnny Mac is here?”

“Oh you are Mac! We have heard some stories about you man. Welcome, I will be right back with the champagne.” Stefano said and rushed back to the kitchen.

“Have I told you how amazing you look tonight?” John said reaching for Evangeline’s hands.

“Yes you have, don't try to change the subject.”

“What are you talking about, I am not changing the subject.”

“John, how do you know the chef here?”

“Well we were friends back in AC, and I got him out of some trouble when we were kids. We kept in touch and he told we if I was ever in town to give him a call and he would whip something up for me and whomever I brought with me.”

“So, let me get this straight. You are friends with a chef at a five star New York restaurant?”

“Yeah, I guess you could say we are friend.”

“You have been holding back stuff from me John.”

“No I haven't. It just never came up in conversation. He actually just got the job a couple of months ago.”

“Oh, okay, so do you know what he has planned for dinner?”

“Of course I do.”

“And I suppose you are not going to tell me are you?”

“You suppose right counselor. You get to be the one in the dark tonight. Just go with the flow okay?”

“Okay.” She said looking deep into his eyes.

Stefano brought the champagne out and poured them each a glass. “Chef Stewart said that your meal will be out in couple of minutes.” Stefano said as he poured their drinks.

“Thanks Stefano.” John said.

“Yes, thank you.” Evangeline replied with a polite smile.

“So are you having a good time so a far?” he asked her taking a drink from his glass.

“Of course I am. Not just a good time, I am having an amazing time. John you really didn't have to go through all of this.”

“Yes, I did and you deserve more, especially after being so patient with me and allowing me to take my time with our relationship. It is the least I can do.”

“John, really this is too much. I would have been just as happy staying in Llanview having dinner at the Palace and then going back to your place and spending the night with you.”

“I know that. But I decided that you deserve more and better. This is my effort to show you how much you mean to me. I would be completely lost without you, you know that right?”

“I feel the same way John. I can't see my life with any other man in it. I don't want to see my life with any other man.” Evangeline responded.

John reached over and cupped her cheek in his hand and then stroked her hair.

“I love it when you do that.”

“Do what?” he asked

“When you play with my hair.”

“You do?” he questioned with a sly smile.

“I do.” She said with a smile then placing her hand over his. They stared deeply into each others eyes. Not a word was said but so much more was conveyed with a simple look and a simple touch of his hand on her hair.

“Johnny Mac!” said a loud voice.

It snapped both of them back to reality.