Disclaimer: the only thing I own in this story is the plotline. No joey or mary, although I wish. : C

Chapter 1

JPOV

I quickly lit the candles when I heard the door handle start to turn, completing the romantic atmosphere for the dinner that I had struggled to make for my girlfriend of two happy, wonderful years. Smirking, I knew that Mary would be very surprised to see this. In all the time that she has known me, I have never successfully made a meal without burning it or me.

I turned around just in time to see Mary standing beautifully in the doorway. A confused look in her captivating brown eyes, she slowly made her way over to me.

"Joey," she gasped, "What is this?"

I chuckled as I bent down to swiftly give her a kiss on the lips. "What, I can't make dinner for my beautiful girlfriend?"

She just stared at me, "No you can't. You can't even make a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You are a horrible cook which is why we decided to let me do it all."

My smile slowly left my face, "God, you'll never let me live that down will you."

"Honey, you used two sponges as the bread. What do you think?" she smiled innocently at me, "That gave me enough reason to stop you. And the soup that you scalded yourself with, and the cookies you burned so badly that they turned into hockey pucks, and…"

"Okay okay, I get it. I'll never cook for you again. Tami did help me with this dinner so it's edible." I shook my head and like a gentleman, held her chair for her while she sat down.

"Tami? So that's where she was. I've been trying to reach her all day but she didn't answer." I disappeared into the kitchen smiling.

Out of her sight, I reached into my sport's jacket pocket and pulled out the small velvet box that I had been fingering all week. Opening it, I admired the beautiful diamond ring Tami had helped me pick out. It was very simple and delicate. I would have picked out something much grander, but Mary doesn't like it when I spend too much money on her. Plus it fit her, something beautiful for someone beautiful. I nervously thought of how I was going to do this.

"I could put it in the cake," I mumbled to myself. Thinking better, I shook my head, "and then she chokes on it and dies. Maybe around the fork handle. But the silverware is already out there. Ahhh! I should have thought about this before."

"Joey?" I heard Mary call from the other room. I quickly stuffed the ring in my pocket again just as she appeared in the doorway. Seeing me looking all nervous, she narrowed her eyes at me, "What's going on Joey?"

I grabbed the dish with her favorite food, eggplant lasagna, and made my way towards the dining room. I turned around to go back to the kitchen, but she stopped me in my tracks.

Eyes narrowed, she put her hands on her hips and stared me down. "Joseph Anthony Parker. What is it that you are doing? You made my favorite food, you have this table set as if there is something to celebrate, and well the most surprising thing is that you cooked!" She was quiet for a moment, then her eyes widened, "Did Domifreak die!"

I chuckled, "Not that I'm aware of. But that would be cause for celebration."

She crossed her arms and sat back down in her seat. "I'll figure it out soon enough."

"Yes you will, my love." I whispered to myself as I sat down. Mary gave me another curious glance before taking a small helping of food.

A painstakingly long hour later, we were done and were sitting on the couch, listening to some song on the radio. I looked deep into her eyes and knew that what I was about to do was exactly the right thing for us.

"Mary Alice Santiago." I heard her take a quick intake of breath, knowing that something big was about to come. "I have been in love with you for so very long. It's really hard to imagine that it's only been two years since we met, when Dustin sang that 'Baby got Bacne' song and pushed me into you. Although Natalia just had to come over and ruin it. And when we recorded 'New Classic' together, I knew that I wanted you in my life forever." I looked deep into her eyes and slowly got up off the couch.

"And now, I plan on doing just that" Without breaking eye contact, I slid to the floor and bent on one knee. I could see a few tears slide down her face and her hand moved up to her mouth in surprise.

I took a deep breath and pulled out the navy blue velvet box. "I was planning on doing this after you graduated from the Dance Academy, but I just couldn't wait for another year. My beautiful, talented, Mary, will you please marry me?"

I saw more tears fall down her face, "Joey," her voice cracked a little when she said this, "Oh my god, Joey! Yes!" she threw herself at me, almost cracking my head on the coffee table. Throwing me into a deep pationate kiss, I was without a doubt, the happiest man on the planet earth.

Please no flames. This is my first fanfiction and I'm still learning. I'll probably do another chapter in Joey, but then it's all going to be Mary. Please review though :D