Chloe’s entire trip to Vancouver was utter bliss.  Truly, she had never had a more incredible Valentine’s Day.  Justin had gone above and beyond to make her feel like a queen.  Now it was back to reality.  Back to the grind.  A week had passed since Chloe returned to New York and as much as she tried to deny it, she was still floating. 

Justin was on the west coast, doing shows in California meaning there was a 3-hour time difference between him and Chloe.  It made communication difficult but they were trying to make it work.  Today was not a good day.  It was Saturday.  Chloe was at work and although her shift was nearly over there was no indication that things were letting up anytime soon.  Things were BUSY, and that was putting it nicely.  Truthfully, it had been CRAZY all day.  One trauma after another.  She’d done three surgeries already and was silently praying a fourth didn’t come in before her shift was over.

At the present moment she was standing at the Nurses’ station, outside of Post-Op, working on charts as she munched on a granola bar. 

She’d just finished the granola bar and was throwing the wrapper in the trash when a disembodied voice came over the hospital P.A. system. 

Paging Dr. De Luca to the Emergency Room.  Dr. De Luca to the E.R.

Chloe groaned and handed her charts over to the nurse.

“Duty calls.” Chloe grumbled.

Quickly, Chloe made her way down to the Emergency Room.  As expected, it was chaos.  She didn’t understand why.  It was just a typical Saturday.  It wasn’t a holiday.  There were no major events happening in the city that day.  So, why the hospital was so busy was a complete mystery.

Upon entering the Emergency Room Chloe found the nearest Attending doctor.  She was hoping it was just a simple consult but Chloe’s gut was telling her it wouldn’t be that easy.

“I was paged.” Chloe told the Attending, a doctor named, Dr. Wilson.

Dr. Wilson nodded, directing her gaze to the private trauma rooms.  “Yeah, trauma bay 2.  The patient was actually pretty insistent that it be you.”

Chloe made a face.  Now that her name and face were out there, she was praying it wasn’t a Justin fan trying to get close.

“Female?” Chloe questioned.

Dr. Wilson shook her head.  “Nope.  40-year-old adult male.  Severe abdominal pain and vomiting.”

“Got it.” Chloe replied heading for the trauma room.

She grabbed a pair of gloves from the dispenser outside the door and put them on before entering the room.

Adam was 42, not 40 so it wasn’t him, and because he was immediate family, she couldn’t treat him anyway.  Adam knew that.  She didn’t think it was Derek either.  Adam would have let her know.  Aside from the two of them, and Justin, she really didn’t know who might have requested her specifically. 

Upon entering the trauma room that question was quickly answered.

Chloe’s eyes went wide.  On the gurney in front of her was a very familiar face.  The pain in his green eyes was evident and his bleach blonde hair was drenched with sweat. 

Across the room, two very panicked looking men.  One with dark, curly hair that was peppered with grey and just brushed the top of his shoulders.  The other had darker, shorter hair and looked to be near tears.  Chloe recognized both men immediately.

Chloe looked to the man with the peppered gray hair first. 

“Really Mr. Chasez?! This is starting to become a habit with you.”

Before he had a chance to respond Chloe diverted her attention back to the man on the gurney.  Truthfully, she felt as if she was experiencing a bit of déjà vu.  Shaking the thought from her head she looked down at her patient and offered a reassuring smile.

She was just about to open her mouth to speak when he turned his head away and proceeded to vomit into a bin.

Chloe then directed her gaze towards the other man in the room.  The one that looked as if he was ready to cry.

“Nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting.  Any fever?”

The man nodded.

“When did symptoms first start?”

“This morning.  We flew in last night.  Here for a birthday party.  He started complaining that his stomach hurt shortly after we got up.”

“Has he eaten anything today?”

The man shook his head.  Chloe forced a smile then proceeded to approach her patient.

“Ok Mr. Bass, let’s figure out what’s going on here, shall we?”

Lance looked up at Chloe and managed a weak smile as he nodded.  “It’s Lance…and please…”

Chloe nodded then directed her attention to the nurse in the room, who until now, had remained quiet.

“I’m about 99.9% positive I know what this is, but would you please go find me a portable ultrasound machine so I can be sure?”

“Sure thing Dr. De Luca.”

“What do you think it is?” the dark-haired man asked.

Chloe could see the fear in his eyes.  It warmed her heart.  She’d only met the man once, but it was obvious then, and even more now, that Michael Turchin would do anything for his husband.

“Well, Mr. Turchin.  I think your husband is suffering from a case of Acute Appendicitis.”

“What does that mean?” Lance groaned.

Chloe couldn’t help but smirk slightly and shake her head.  Apparently, the universe really wanted her as a member of the *NSYNC inner circle of trust.

“Well Lance, unfortunately, it means that whether I like it or not, I’ve apparently become the un-official surgeon for the members of *NSYNC.”

“He needs surgery?” Michael blurted out.

Chloe shifted her gaze.  She understood that watching someone you love go through this kind of pain was heart-wrenching.  Feeling helpless to do anything about it was even worse.

“Yes, Mr. Turchin I am fairly certain that your husband needs surgery.  I’m going to use the portable ultrasound machine to confirm, but based on his symptoms, his appendix needs to come out before it ruptures and we have an even bigger problem.”

Moments later the portable ultrasound machine arrived and it didn’t take very long at all for Chloe to confirm her suspicions.

“Ok Lance, this is going to feel a little cold.  It’s just the gel I need to run the machine properly.”

Lance nodded then groaned a bit when the transducer hit his skin.  Even the slightest pressure was causing him some pretty significant discomfort.  That was obvious.

Chloe kept quiet as she moved the device around on Lance’s stomach, being very careful not to put too much pressure on him.  Lance groaned loudly when she hit the spot where his appendix was located.

Chloe sighed quietly and looked at her patient.  “Yup.  That’s a rather inflamed appendix.  It needs to come out!”

“Now?!” Michael asked, his voice wavering in panic.

Chloe nodded.  “I’m afraid so. “

Once again, Chloe turned her attention to the nurse in the room.

“Would you please go book me an Operating Room? Also, page my team…”

“Your team?! It’s a routine procedure, a Resident or an Attending could easily do it…”

Chloe cracked a smile and shook her head.  “Nope.  I got this one!”

“You have a team?” JC half smirked.

“Don’t you?” Chloe shot back.

JC chuckled.  “Well…”

Chloe couldn’t help but laugh as well.  “Yes, and No.  I have certain people I prefer to work with in surgery but I don’t have anyone “officially” assigned to me.”

“But aren’t you technically off duty…” the nurse blurted out.

Chloe gave the nurse a stern look but still managed to plaster a smile on her face as she spoke.  She didn’t like being questioned in front of a patient, but also understood that this particular nurse meant no ill will.  She was just looking out for Chloe’s wellbeing.

“Nope.  Mr. Bass became my patient the minute I was paged down here.  I’m not going to pass him off to another doctor just because my shift was over five minutes ago.  That’s not how I work and you know that…”

“I know…I just…” the nurse stuttered.

Chloe smiled, this time a bit more genuinely.  “I know…you were just looking out for me.  I appreciate it, but I got this!  Now would you PLEASE go book me an O.R. and if you would, find a private waiting room for these two?”

“Joey is on his way.  He is in town too.” JC chimed in.

Chloe’s eyes went wide as she sucked in a deep breath, then glared at JC.

“GEEZUS JC!  Really?!  Three of you…in the same building…at the same time…”

JC smiled and held his hands up in surrender.  “I know…I know…but I couldn’t tell him not to come…I mean I could have…but…”

Chloe just laughed a little and shook her head.  Blood or not, they were family.  She couldn’t fault them for that.  In fact, it was one of the many things she loved about *NSYNC.

Smiling at him and Michael, Chloe reached for bars on the gurney and yanked them up into a locked position, then she reached down to disengage the lock on the wheels so she could move the bed, still smirking to herself as she did so.  This was not at all how she had envisioned her day would go.  If Joey was on his way and JC knew, there was a good chance that Justin and Chris knew as well.  She made a mental note to check in with Justin after surgery.

“I get it.” Chloe said looking to JC.

“I’ll go notify your team first.  I will also find an Intern to escort them to a private waiting room…and…should I notify security we have a high-profile patient?” the nurse asked.

Chloe couldn’t help but giggle.  “Probably a good idea.”

“Anything else I should know?” Chloe asked looking between all 3 men.

Lance nodded.  “I’m type 2 Diabetic.”

Chloe smiled and patted his arm reassuringly.  “I actually knew that, but thanks for the reminder.  I’ll let the Anesthesiologist know so he can monitor you more closely.”

Chloe then looked to Michael who still looked like he was ready to break down.  She gave him a reassuring smile and then spoke to him directly.

“Mr. Turchin…”

“YOU…are practically family…so you can drop the formal bullshit…It’s Michael…”

Chloe nodded then blushed a bit.  It made her feel good to know that the other guys AND their significant others accepted her.

“Right.  Ok, Michael…I know you are going to worry anyway…he’s your husband…I get it.  However, I can assure you, Lance is in good hands.  I will take good care of him.”

Michael cracked a smile and nodded.  “I know you will.  That’s why Justin told us to come here.”

Chloe just laughed and shook her head.  “Figured as much.  Ok Lance, let’s roll.”

Minutes later Chloe was in the Prep area scrubbing up for surgery.  The fact that the members of the group trusted her enough, and were confident enough in her skills to do this was both heartwarming and humbling.  Not something she took lightly.  Treating Justin had happened by fate.  THIS, treating Lance, was happening by choice.  She was definitely going to treat him with great care.

Then again, this would be the 2nd member of *NSYNC she would be cutting into.  That detail was not lost on her either.  Yes, he was just another patient and yes, she could probably do this procedure in her sleep, but he wasn’t just another patient.  This was Lance Bass of *NSYNC! More importantly, this was Justin’s friend.

Shaking herself a bit, Chloe stepped into the Operating Room and moved to stand near Lance’s head.  He was being prepped for anesthesia but he wasn’t asleep yet. 

“Nice cap.” Lance teased nodding to her head.

Until then, Chloe had completely forgotten that she had put on one of her *NSYNC scrub caps.

Chloe blushed and giggled.  “Would have you preferred a BSB one?”

Lance raised an eyebrow and made a face.  “Do you own a BSB one?”

Chloe laughed more and shook her head.  “Ewww! No!”

“Didn’t think so.” Lance replied as he winced.

“Yeah, ok, let’s get that taken care of before it pops.  I promise I’ll bring Michael back just as soon as I can.”

For a moment, Chloe thought she saw a flicker of fear flash across Lance’s face, but he managed a weak smile and a nod.  Chloe reached for his hand and squeezed it gently.

“I got you Lance! I promise!  You are going to be just fine.”

“Thanks.”

The surgery went well.  No complications whatsoever.  Then again, Chloe had done Appendectomies at least a hundred times if not more since becoming a doctor.  She was in and out in just a little over an hour.  As soon as she finished Chloe helped wheel Lance to a recovery room then proceeded to the private waiting room to update Michael, JC and Joey on Lance’s status.

All three men stood when she entered the room. 

Joey and JC both noticed the scrub cap immediately.

“That’s cute.” Joey teased nodding to Chloe’s head.

Chloe blushed then pulled the cap from her head and shoved it in her scrub pocket before speaking.

“Lance thought so too.  He’s in Recovery right now.  The surgery went great. No rupture.  We got it in time.  I’m going to admit him for a couple days just for observation.  Technically, I am off until Monday but I’ll call to check in on him and so long as there are no complications or signs of infection, I’ll discharge him then.”

“Thank you so much!” Michael said, rushing to hug her.

Chloe gently hugged him back then smiled as she pulled away.  “No thanks needed…family…right?!  Besides, it’s what I do.”

JC grinned, responding first.  “You’ve got my vote!”

“Mine too.” Michael agreed.

“Ditto.” Joey added.

Chloe blushed.  She was beyond flattered. 

“When can I see him?” Michael replied anxiously.

“He’s still pretty out of it.  I need to go check on another patient I operated on earlier, but as soon as I am done, I’ll go check on him, then I’ll bring you back as soon as I can.”

Michael nodded and smiled, breathing a silent sigh of relief.  “Will you…”

Chloe bit her lip.  She had a feeling she already knew what Michael was about to say.  “Text Justin and let him know Lance is ok?! Yeah.  Sure. I’d be happy to, but one of you needs to text Chris.  I don’t have his number.”

“Yeah, I’m thinking we are going to fix that problem.” JC teased.

Chloe’s eyes went wide.  “So help me JC, if you bring another one of your bandmates in to this hospital for me to treat, I am going to have to ban you for life…not to mention sick my brother on you!”

JC laughed.  “I thought Justin said your brother was seeing someone.”

Chloe smirked.  “He is.  He and his boyfriend have an agreement…”

“An agreement?”

Chloe smiled evilly.  “You’re Adam’s “Hall Pass!”

Behind JC, Joey snorted.  “That’s awesome!”

JC, on the other hand, was beet red.

“Who is Adam’s boyfriend’s…”Hall Pass” I mean?” Michael asked.

He was trying to smother a grin but it wasn’t working very well. 

“Jordan Knight.” Chloe smirked.

All three men laughed at this.

After checking on her other patient and escorting Michael back to the Recovery room Chloe retreated to the Physician’s locker room to change and head for home.  First, she needed to text Justin.

Chloe:  Lance is doing well.  Michael is with him

Justin: That’s great news! Thank you

Chloe: Michael told me you sent them

Justin: I did.  Michael was freaking out.  I wanted to help.  I’m sorry if I overstepped

A smile tugged at Chloe’s lips.  Justin really was a sweet guy.  She was grateful she got to see that side of him.

Chloe: You didn’t.  I get it.  I was happy to help.

Justin: Is he going to be ok?

Chloe: Yeah.  He is going to be just fine.  A little sore for a while but that’s to be expected

Justin: Thank you.  Really.  It means a lot

***

After a run of shows in California Justin had a much-needed break.  8 days off to relax and recharge.  As soon as he stepped off the stage in Sacramento he was on his way to the airport, headed for New York.  First on the agenda when he arrived in New York…sleep.  Yes, he’d dozed on the plane but it wasn’t the same as sleeping in your own bed. 

As soon as Justin’s head hit the pillow he was out.  Hours later he woke up and rolled over in the bed.  The other side of the bed was empty.  Sighing, he sat up, rubbed the sleep from his eyes and slung his legs over the side.  It was after noon.  Groaning Justin stood from the bed then looked back, his eyes landing on the unused side of the bed.

Having an empty side of the bed wasn’t acceptable anymore.  He wanted someone to snuggle up to at night, someone to mess up the sheets with, someone to come home to after a long day in the studio or weeks on tour.  That someone was Chloe.

It was Monday.  Chloe was at work.  Meaning he had 7 days not including today in which to take action.  Truthfully, he knew that he wasn’t going to wait seven days, he didn’t really want to wait even seven hours but Chloe was at work and would be for a good part of the day.  Today was out.  Then again, he wasn’t going to rush this.  Yes, he’d been preparing for weeks but all the preparation in the world would be for naught if he mucked it up now. 

He wasn’t going to muck it up.  Justin was determined to give Chloe the proposal she deserved.  With that thought in his head Justin made his way to the closet to get dressed.  He settled on a pair of jeans and t-shirt then grabbed his laptop from his office before heading down to the kitchen.

Upon entering the kitchen, he put his laptop on the island counter then proceeded to the Keurig.  He wasn’t a huge coffee drinker but he was hoping the boost of caffeine would help give him some clarity.  Steamy cup in hand he returned to the island counter, sat down on one of the barstools and opened up his laptop. 

He didn’t even know where to begin.  For a long time, Justin just sat there, staring at the black screen.  He hadn’t even turned on his lap top yet.  Justin took a long sip from his coffee then tried to shake himself from his thoughts.  Sighing he pushed the button to turn on his laptop, took another long sip of his coffee then scratched at his beard.  He needed to focus.  He needed to think about Chloe and what she would want.

He needed help.

Justin picked up his phone and quickly dialed a number.

“How did he do it?” Justin blurted out.

“Hello Justin.” Adam replied, leaning back in his office chair.

“Hi.  I need help.  How did he do it?”

“How did whom do what?”

Adam had an idea as to what Justin was referring to but wasn’t certain. 

“How did Eddy propose?”

Adam laughed. His suspicions had been correct. 

“Umm…well…I wasn’t there, but as she tells it, Eddy came over and asked if she wanted to go out for ice cream.  They went to a nearby ice cream shop and Eddy made this big production of limping the whole time.  Then he told her they needed to stop and sit down because he thought he had a “rock” in his shoe…”

“A “rock” in his shoe?” Justin smirked.

“Yup.”

“I can do better than that.”

Adam laughed and nodded on his end.  “Well, I should hope so.”

“Thanks Adam.”

After ending his call to Adam, Justin turned his attention back to his computer.  He didn’t know what he was looking for.  Inspiration?!

There were plenty of romantic places to propose in New York City.  Times Square. Rockefeller Center. The Empire State Building.  Central Park.

Central Park?!  Suddenly, Justin remembered one of the first times he and Chloe had gone out together and in that moment; he knew what to do.

Smiling to himself Justin quickly pulled up his web browser and typed something into the search bar.  Moments later the information he needed popped onto the screen. 

After a few phone calls around the city his plan was finally starting to take shape.  He was getting excited.  Unfortunately, he would have to contain his excitement until the following day.  A proposal didn’t work without Chloe, and she wouldn’t be available until tomorrow. 

Justin spent the majority of the remainder of the day making sure everything was perfect.  That night he was jumble of nerves.  He didn’t sleep much at all.  He tossed and turned most of the night.  At about 8:00 a.m. Justin finally dragged himself out of bed.  He had a very IMPORTANT day ahead of him and wanted to be certain he was ready.

Chloe had to work but had assured him that she would be off on time for their “date.” Her day was scheduled to be over at 5.  It was an administrative duty day, meaning there was no chance she would get pulled into surgery at the last minute. 

Justin had sent Chloe a text asking her to meet him at their entrance to Central Park, the Merchant’s Gate Entrance at 7:30 p.m. and to dress warm.  It was supposed to be COLD in the city, really cold, and although they would be outside for a bit Justin did not want Chloe to freeze.

After the text to Chloe, he sent one to the “group.”

Justin: I feel like I’m going to be sick

Chris: You got this

Lance: He’s right.  Just breathe.

Joey: She loves you! That’s obvious.  You’ll be fine

JC:  No matter what happens, we love you, remember that, but I agree, everything is going to work out just fine

Justin: Thanks.  I needed this.  You have no idea how much.

Lance: Give her an extra hug from all of us

Justin: I will

Chris: Now go on, go sweep her off her feet

At 7:25 p.m. that evening Justin stood outside the Merchant’s Gate Entrance dressed in a pair of Nike tennis shoes, a dark wash pair of jeans, a grey ribbed cotton sweater and a dark blue pea coat.  In his hands, two steamy cups and in his left, front coat pocket was the Tiffany’s signature blue box with the engagement ring inside.  He was a nervous wreck.

Justin sucked in a breath and let it out slowly as Chloe approached.  She looked absolutely incredible.  Her cheeks were already pink from the cold, her eyes were shining, her dark hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders in soft waves.  On her feet, a pair brown boots that went clear to her knees.  She was also wearing a pair of black leggings, a white tunic top underneath a dark grey, thick wool, cable knit sweater and a plaid grey and red scarf with a knitted, grey wool beanie nestled atop her head.  It was the perfect outfit.

He smiled and offered the cup to her as she came to a stop in front of him.

“This is for you.”

Chloe took the cup and smiled.  “Coffee?”

Justin grinned and bit his lip as he shook his head.  He noticed she wasn’t wearing gloves and had to immediately smother his smile to keep from giving himself away.  It was almost too perfect.

“No. Hot chocolate.”

“Hot cider. Hot coffee. Hot chocolate. I don’t care…it’s hot…that’s good enough for me.”

“Where are your gloves?”

“At home, in my other coat.”

Justin nodded then offered her a hand.  Chloe took his hand in hers, using the other to hold her drink as they started through the gate into the park.

“Where are we going?” Chloe asked curiously.

“Just for a little walk.”

Chloe gave Justin a puzzled look.  Something was up.  She could feel it. 

“Justin, it’s FREEZING!!”

Justin chuckled and nodded.  “It is, but I promise, we aren’t going far.”

“Where are we going?” Chloe repeated.

Justin looked over at Chloe and smiled.  “You ask too many questions.”

“I asked the same question, twice, and you’ve declined to answer both times.  What is going on?”

Justin couldn’t help but laugh. 

“You worry too much.”

“I’m a mother…we are pre-programmed that way.”

Justin’s eyes caught her gaze.  He knew she was trying to solve this, to figure out what was happening and although he could tell that at least a part of her already knew, he could also tell that she was still questioning it.

“Just go with it, ok?! I promise I’ll make it worthwhile.”

“Justin?!”

“Relax! Enjoy the night air, the company, the stars…”

Chloe opened her mouth to speak then quickly changed her mind, lifting her cup to her lips.  They walked for a bit, hand in hand. 

It was cold but the heat of the hot chocolate and the warmth of his touch radiated through her. 

After walking for a while, the path they were on started to seem familiar.  It was dark, except for the lights coming from the street lights above, but Chloe had a feeling about where they were going.

Moments later they were rounding a bend in the path.  Chloe could see light up ahead, a lot of light, flickering lights.  As they drew closer things became clearer.  The light up ahead was coming from candles, a lot of candles.  They were at Belvedere Castle.  There were candles leading up the steps all the way to the highest terrace.  Along with the candles there were rose petals, rose petals everywhere.

Chloe stayed completely silent at Justin led her up the steps.  She was quiet, trying to take it all in as she looked around the terrace.

“WOW Justin...this is beautiful!”

“It is.” He replied looking only at her.

 When she turned back around to look at Justin, he was down on one knee.

“Justin?” Chloe asked, her voice cracking.

“Chloe, I love you.  I love you more than I ever thought possible.”

“Justin?”

“Chloe, I wake up most mornings alone.  I go to bed most nights alone.  I don’t want that anymore. I want you.  I want you be the one I wake up to, the one I go to bed with every night, the one I come home to.”

“Justin, are you…”

Smiling Justin pulled the ring from coat pocket and lifted it for Chloe to see.

“Chloe, will you marry me?”

Tears sprang to her eyes, clouding Chloe’s vision.  They were tears of joy but she was struggling to find her voice.

He was looking up at her, a smile on his lips.  She couldn’t deny that smile, nor did she really want to. 

Chloe nodded, choking out a reply.

“Yes! Yes, Justin, I will marry you.”

Justin grinned and moved to stand, slipping the ring on her finger as he did.  The range of emotions swirling through her in that moment were almost overwhelming but it was what he said next that sent the tears spilling over.

“There’s just one more thing…” He started, the smile still present on his lips.

“What’s that?” Chloe managed to whisper.

His arms were around her now, pulling her to him.  His voice no more than a whisper.

“I want to adopt Gabby!”

Chloe was having a hard time believing her ears.  Somewhere, deep down, a part of her had been hoping for this moment but the part about Gabby was a complete shock. 

“What?!”

“She’s right…technically…and legally speaking, she doesn’t have a dad anymore.  I love you both! I have from the beginning and I don’t just want to be her step-dad. I want to adopt her.  I want to be her dad!”

“OH MY GOD! Justin!” Chloe exclaimed as the tears started to stream down her face.

Justin chuckled and moved to wipe the tears from her eyes.  “Is that a “yes?!”

Chloe, unable to speak, simply nodded.

It took a moment but once she was able to collect herself, Chloe finally forced words past her lips.

“I mean…it’s ok with me if it’s ok with her.”

Justin grinned and popped a kiss on her lips.  Chloe immediately blushed then took the opportunity to look down at the engagement ring that was now resting on her finger.

“Justin, this ring is…”

Justin grinned.  “I can’t take all the credit…Gabby helped me pick it out.”

Chloe’s eyes flashed with surprise.

“She didn’t?!”

Justin couldn’t help but chuckle and nod.  The look on her face was everything he’d hoped for.

“She did.  When the Tacoma shows got cancelled, I snuck into the city.  I met her and Adam after school then she and I went ring shopping together.”

Realization set in.

“Wait?! How long have you been planning this?”

Justin’s cheeks went a bit pinker.  They were already pink from the cold but she could tell that he was blushing now too.

“Umm…since the end of January.”

“A month?!  You’ve been planning this for a month?!”

Justin nodded.

“Valentine’s Day?!  You had the ring then?!”

Justin laughed.  The face she was making right then was adorable.

“I did…well sort of…I had the ring in my possession but I didn’t have it with me at the time…and I was advised by several reliable sources that if I wanted you to actually accept my proposal Valentine’s Day was not an option.”

“I see.” Chloe giggled.

“Should we go share our news?” Justin asked pulling her close again.

Chloe smiled and nodded.  “Yes! Please!”

Justin grinned, then closed his mouth over hers, kissing her softly.  He smiled as he pulled away.

“By the way, I hope you don’t mind but I made plans to spend the night with my fiancé tonight?”

Chloe laughed. “Sounds perfect!”