"I'll wake you up early, so you can get a head start on the day."

"Thanks again Mrs. Newman." I called as she shut the door.

I sat on the edge of the bed, hands running over my face and hands, as I thought about what just happened. Did Will actually want me after all this time?

I forced myself to go to bed, trying hard to ignore the spark of interest in me. Whatever this was, I had to put Abby first, after tomorrow we could figure this out.

The smell of bacon and syrup woke me in the best way possible. I gathered all my things, and gratefully changed into the spare outfits Mrs. Newman let me borrow. After an award winning breakfast, Will and I set up everything else. I made some last phone calls, making sure the photographer would be here on time. Nicky had gotten in the order, and James was on his way to run through how he'd propose.

"So, how's this going to work?"

"Alright, so we'll be in here, celebrating this surprise 'birthday' party. Then," I grabbed the blindfold and tied it around his eyes, I led him out slowly, "you'll lead her out her with a blindfold, or just your hands covering her eyes so she doesn't ruin her makeup-" I pulled the tie undoing it.

James moved forward slowly, taking in the length of their relationship displayed in photos as I knelt on one knee. The flowers and candles added soft touches to the homey backyard.

"James," I called, he turned around in awe, his gaze dropping to me on one knee. "then you ask her to marry you. Nothing too crazy, but I think she'll like it."

James grinned, "She'll love it."

"Samantha! You're phone is ringing." Mrs. Newman came out, extending my phone with Nicky's name on it. "That's the food. It'll probably be ready soon. Look, I'm going to go home and get ready, then I'll be back with the cake and food."

Nicky was sweet enough to set everything up and make sure it was ready once I arrived. He had a few guys put the trays of food in the back of the Newman's sedan. I picked up the cakes- both a cover cake for her birthday, and then the real cake for the engagement. Mr. Newman and a few other family members, that had already arrived, brought in all the food as soon as I parked.

"It says the flights delayed." I could hear James pacing over the line.

"I told you I'd get them, and I will. It'll be more of a surprise if they make it just in time for the proposal and not in the beginning of the birthday party." I crossed my fingers. Abby's brothers had to show up. Not only was this important for them to be here to see her getting engaged, but this had to make Abby happy.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later. We'll be there in 30 minutes." I checked the clock. Five-thirty already! I glanced around the room, taking in the thirty some guests. I'd been too busy setting up the photographer and classical music band outside that I hadn't even notice everyone arrive- except for her brothers.

The line beeped, "They'll be here in thirty minutes!" I called out, random family and friends looking around unsure of how to prepare.

"How did you get Maggiano's to give us all this food?"

Will looked at me, as we helped Mrs. Newman set up the food warmers. "I know a guy." I replied short, getting a smirk from Oliver.

The doorbell rang and the guests remained pin-drop silent as we heard James and Abby approaching the living room. As they rounded the corner everyone yelled, "Surprise!"

Abby all but jumped into James' arms from the scare. Her hand clutched her heart, and she gapes as she recognized all her family and friends. Her eyes welled with tears, and her other hand covered her mouth.

"Surprise." James smiled down at Abby, who realized he'd put this all together. We all smiled, and a few cheered as she jumped into his arms.

"Thank you so much." She turned to James who set her down, "Thank you everyone for coming." She made a gasping sound before shaking her head and wafting the tears away, making the guests collectively chuckle.

She made her rounds, greeting everyone, and when she finally reached us, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She hugged Will tight, wrapping her arms around his waist, and he held her back, smiling at James. After the world's longest-shortest hug, she hugged me and Oliver together.

From the corner of my eye I could see Will begin to shift towards us, as if about to speak, but my phone beat him to it. I took the chance to slip away, heading for the upstairs. "Hello?"

"Hey, how's it going?" Susie chimed.

"Good so far. Abby made it, and she was surprised at the birthday party. She's going to be mind-blown as the night goes on." I grinned to myself, mindlessly lifting small objects.

"Is that excitement I hear in your voice?"

"No, of course not." I rolled my eyes as Susie laughed from the other side.

"That pic you sent me yesterday was gorgeous. You did that all by yourself?"

"With the help of a friend."

"Isabella told me that the host didn't want people going in and out."

"Yeah." I replied awkwardly.

"I was expecting you to drop the job- or at least offer me a quarter of your salary to help you out." I laughed at that. Not bringing anyone in had made it impossibly hard- but I surprisingly wasn't focused on that.

"Honestly, I was too caught up with making this happen."

"You did have that crazy determined look on Thursday."

"I did, didn't I?"

"You did." She laughed, "I'll let you get back to your party. Just promise me you'll take me out for lunch after you get that promotion."

"Promise." We hung up, and I let out a content sigh. This was just the easy part now- making sure my last minute plans don't fall apart, and making sure Abby's happy. I set down a perfume bottle, as I realized I led myself back to the guest room I stayed in.

"Hey, I was looking for you." I glanced toward the door, as Will opened it. He took one last look down the hallway before he came in and shut the door behind him.

"Hey, what's up?"

"You did a great job with all of this." Will signaled to the outside as he rounded the corner of the bed, "Abby loves it- and she hasn't even seen the backyard- or her brothers."

"Thanks, and thanks for helping. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Sammy- you don't mind if I still call you that, right?"

"No, I guess not." I shrugged, giving a small smile.

"I don't want to leave things on a bad note. I know I already apologized, but I want you to forgive me. Can we start over?" Will began, but I lifted a finger.

"I have a question for you." He nodded for me to continue, "Have you ever had a thing with Abby?"

Will let out a laugh, "No. Definitely not. Why?"

"Just wondering. You two looked really comfortable downstairs."

"Sam, I did not have a thing with Abby. She's been with James since I've known her." I rose a brow. He's not saying he wouldn't have tried getting with her. "She's not my type anyway."

"Oh, I didn't know you had one." Considering the amount of girls he'd been through I'd say he's an equal-opportunity guy.

"Ouch. I had that one coming." He stepped closer, "Do you want to know my type?"

"Not really." I replied quickly. My heart was accelerating just from his proximity and that damn smug look on his face.

"I think I'm looking at her." My body was frozen, waiting for him to make his move- and he did. This was really happening. He stepped even closer, cupping my jaw with one hand and holding my waist with the other.

I was waiting for dejavu to happen if Mrs. Newman were to come in, but she didn't. All the history we shared came back when our lips met. My body was on edge, and it seemed like every touch sent electric bolts into my body. My hands shifted from palming his abdomen to holding his waist, pulling him into me.

"Oh, excuse me!" I wasn't sure how long it lasted, but we broke apart to see Abby standing in the doorway. "Will?" Her eyes shifted to me, "Sam?" I tucked my lips as I recognized the confusion and hurt on her face. I was still Oliver's girlfriend, to her- and I wasn't sure if she knew Will had broken up with Madison yet.

"Sorry." She mumbled, shutting the door quickly behind her. My phone rang again, in such a timely fashion. I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a deep sigh.

"I should probably try to clean that up." Will jutted his thumb out towards the hallway.

I nodded, taking the phone call, "Hello?" If I didn't sound defeated, I don't know what I sounded like.

"Hi, it's Arthur. Abby's brother. We just landed. We haven't even gotten through security yet, I just wanted to call to let you know."

"I'll be on my way, it's a bit of a drive anyway."

*

"I'm in your dad's sedan." I looked around the arrivals sidewalk for anyone in a military uniform.

"We see you! Stay right there." Arthur hung up the line.

I knew I was picking up adults, but when I saw Arthur accompanied by another couple- and three kids, I was surprised. Formalities were brief, and Arthur and Adam packed their suitcases in the back as Adam's wife, Nicole strapped in the kids.

"So, did Abby like the birthday party?" Arthur asked as he buckled in next to me. It was a bit intimidating to have someone in uniform, and so discipline watch me drive.

"I hope so, she was really surprised at everyone that was there, so I can't wait to see her reaction when she sees all of you." A genuine smile took over my face.

The drive back felt shorter than the drive going, and I led the family through the backyard. "Would you guys mind staying back here? James is going to propose out here, and I feel like you guys would be icing on the cake."

"Sure." Arthur shrugged.

"We get front row seats." Nicole rubbed her hands together mischievously.

I slipped inside from the front door, searching for James, or at least Mr. and Mrs. Newman. I gazed over the crowd, my brows scrunching as I noticed Madison holding onto Will. Her hands held his biceps, but his arms kept her at a short distance. I pretended to look elsewhere as Will led her towards me, before pulling her into a room on the side.

My mind was telling me to find James- ignore the feeling, but my heart was telling me to see what was going on- protect myself from another betrayal. So, I took the basic advice, and I followed my heart.

I kept loosely on their path, and stood by the open door, catching their words mid-conversation.

"I was still on the guest list, Will. I knew how important it was for you to see them get engaged, and I wanted to be here for it- with you."

"Madison, this isn't about me or you. This night is about Abby, and you shouldn't even be here if you don't get that."

"Willy, I flew down just for-" I somehow managed to not scoff or roll my eyes at the baby nickname.

"Look, Maddie, I'll be back in Houston tomorrow morning. We can talk about us then."