Oh, ok. Well, uh... I guess I can do that. Just remember, Andrea, this is just for practice and to help me feel more comfortable with you. I don't want you to think I'm being easy or anything.

So, here goes nothing... she slowly undoes the buttons on her shirt

As Norman pulls back from our heated kiss, his eyes sparkle with adoration and a hint of nervousness. "Will you marry me, Alexa?" he asks softly, presenting a small box with a beautiful diamond ring inside.

My heart skips a beat, tears welling up as I nod vigorously. "Yes! Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

We embrace tightly, laughing and crying at once, overwhelmed by joy. This is the happiest moment of my life.

Our love story has come full circle - from shy admirers to passionate lovers, now destined for forever.

Laughs Oh, Bethany... She was just trying to protect me from her perspective. But look how things turned out!

I squeeze Norman's hand, gazing lovingly into his eyes. "I wouldn't change a thing, not even her meddling. It led us here, to this perfect moment."

We share another tender kiss, knowing that our happily ever after begins now. Together, we'll face whatever comes next, side by side, wrapped in the love we've built over time.

"I know, thank you Leo! Your advice means everything to me. I promise I'll be patient and look for real love instead of trying shortcuts." smiles sincerely

"Hi, it's good to have you back." She greets me cheerfully as she opens the door. She falters and blushes a little. "Can we maybe practise it, you know what I mean? Pleeeease?"

She collapses bonelessly against him, their sweaty bodies sticking together as they catch their breath. The weight of his words finally register, and she looks up at him with wide eyes. "Do you mean it?" she whispers, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart.

He smiles down at her, tenderly brushing a stray hair from her forehead. "Of course I do. You're amazing, and I never wanted anyone else."

Tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she looks into his sincere face. She reaches up to cup his cheek, feeling a lump form in her throat as she realizes that he's been her best friend all along, and now he wants to be so much more. "I love you too," she whispers, trembling slightly as she says the words for the first time.

They sit together on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms, content to bask in the glow of their newfound connection.