Diana rubbed her eyes as she started to wake up. She was starting to become aware that she had drifted off to sleep while laying her head in Zacky’s lap. They were in the studio today recording one of the first songs to go on the new album. She was awake for the few hours Jimmy was in the studio recording his drumming parts but after a few minutes of Johnny in the studio she fell asleep. When she woke up she could hear Matt singing the lyrics to her song Nightmare.

Diana sat up and looked sleepily at Zacky and he smiled at her and brushed her bangs out of her eyes.

“Why hello there sleeping beauty. I didn’t even have to kiss you awake.”

Diana groaned and pulled her hoodie over her head and went back into her previous position.

“You and your Disney references are going to be the death of me I swear.”

“You can’t die you’re the princess and the princess always gets her happily ever after.”

Diana turned to lay on her back so she could look up at Zacky.

“And what about my prince charming?”

“He’s right here.”

Zacky grinned and kissed Diana softly.

“What are you doing tonight?”

“Well not sleeping since I took a nap.”

“I want to take you to dinner.” Zacky batted his green eyes at her knowing she would cave.

“Where are we going?”

“That’s a secret but I suggest you wear something extra nice.”

“Wouldn’t you prefer me in nothing?”

Zacky blushed and looked away from her for a second.

“How much longer do we have here?”

Diana jumped when she felt her feet being lifted and when she looked to see who it was she furrowed her brow as Brian sat and grinned at her.

“As soon as Matt stops dicking around we can leave.”

“Hey I finished a few minutes ago don’t put this on me.” Matt laughed as he emerged from the recording booth.

“Well then what are we waiting for let’s roll!” Jimmy said as he grabbed his drum sticks and pointed towards the door. Everyone gathered their belongings and followed after him. Diana drove separately since she spent the night in her own house and not at Zacky’s. She was texting Zacky on and off while she showered and got dressed for dinner. She chose a light blue button up top that she tucked into a black pencil skirt and black heels. Elegant, yet simple for a dinner. As soon as she was ready she texted Zacky and he was over in a matter of minutes. When he picked her up he was dressed in a simple dark purple button up shirt and black pants.

“I feel like were going for a business dinner rather than a date.”

“You look perfect Diana.”

Diana couldn’t help but smile and slouch back in the car seat. They small chatted on the way until Diana realized that Zacky was taking her out of Huntington Beach.

“Where is this restaurant?”

“You’ll find out don’t worry.”

“Your driving worries me.”

“That hurt.”

Diana shared a small chuckle and continued to look out the window until they hit a gravel road that was surrounded by woods. Zacky threw on his bright lights and headed down the road.

“Zacky are we lost because I won’t laugh if you admit we are.”

“We aren’t lost Di were here now.”

Zacky put the car in park and Diana looked around. There was absolutely nothing but woods and darkness as the sun set beyond the trees.

“Are you going to murder me?”

“Possibly.” Zacky chuckled and quieted when Diana gave him a deathly look. Zacky got out of the car and went to Diana’s side and opened her door and helped her out.

“This way please.” Zacky stuck his arm out for her to grab which she took. He led her down a small trail that she hadn’t recognized before for a few minutes until they came to the top of the little hill and looked down to see a small cottage type building with smoke coming out of the chimney. Beyond that was the ocean again which was calmly lapping the sandy beach. They walked down to the cottage and Diana stopped him outside.

“I thought we were having dinner.”

“This is dinner but I wanted to walk the beach first so give me your shoes.”
Diana slipped her shoes off and handed them to him which he slipped his off and put against the side of the cottage. They stepped out onto the cool sand and held hands as they walked.

“Where did you find this place Zee?”

“Actually Brian found this place a while back when him and Johnny went camping a few years back.”

“It’s beautiful out here and so calm with no tourists.”

Zacky stopped walking which Diana realized once her hand was yanked backwards.

“What are you doing?”

“We’ve gone far enough.”

“What do you mean there’s miles worth of this beach to walk.”

Zacky pulled her closer and smiled.

“That’s not what I meant when I said we’ve gone far enough.”

Zacky stood behind her and turned her to face the woods.

“What am I looking at?”

“You’re so narrow sometimes Diana. Look at the ground please.”

Diana gave him a questioning look that instantly turned into a blushing smile.

“YES! Yes, yes yes!”

Diana spun around and pressed herself against him and kissed him more passionately then she had every kissed him before. The response was quickly received by Zacky and he smiled back into the kiss. When they finally broke apart Diana was grinning ear to ear with flushed cheeks.

“How long have you been planning this?”

“Since Matt and Val’s wedding.”

“It’s perfect Zacky. I love you so much.”

She kissed him again and looked back at the ground as if it was going to disappear when she wasn’t looking.

“So that cabin isn’t a restaurant I take it?”

“Of course not.” He chuckled as she pressed herself against him again as if she couldn’t get enough of his happiness and warmth.

“But there’s one thing you didn’t let me get to Diana.”

She pulled back and gave him a questioning look. He smiled reassuringly at her and got down on one knee and pulled a box out of his pants pocket.

“Diana I have loved you since I first met you many years ago. You are my best friend and my soul mate and if you would do me the greatest honor of allowing me to ask for your hand in marriage it would make me the happiest of people in the world.”
Diana smiled largely again and tackled him into another kiss.

“Of course I will.”

Zacky slipped the small diamond onto her finger and she looked it over then back at him as she tackled him into the ground and kissed him as they laid on the writing in the sand “Will you marry me?”

Notes