Our story thus far: Charles and Marissa, who have been set up by their mothers, agree to make them think they are dating. Instead, Charles is really dating Alina, and Marissa is really dating Garner.
Charles Layton Crafton was busily poring over some ancient law books when the phone rang. Absently, he answered it, only to hear a deep voice at the other end.
"So, I hear you've been dating my girl," the voice said.
"I'm, I'm sorry?" Charles stammered, unsure of what to say. "I certainly didn't mean any harm..." His voice trailed off as the deep voice broke into laughter.
"I'm sorry to startle you, old chap! This is Garner Lewis, Marissa Fairbanks' boyfriend!"
"Well," Charles began to stammer, then laughed. "What can I do for you?"
"Marissa tells me about your arrangement," he began, and the two were soon laughing over the things one did to please their mothers. Garner then revealed that he had plans to be in town in a few weeks, and wanted help in surprising Marissa.
Charles agreed to do whatever necessary, then phoned Alina to tell her the news.
Garner and Charles had several conversations over the next few weeks, with Charles even enlisting his secretary's help. Agnes, usually dour and business-like, began walking around the office singing.
And Charles had a hard time keeping his voice neutral as he called Marissa. It was especially hard considering Alina sat on his desk, her legs swinging, a big grin on her face.
"Hello," she said, on the first ring.
"Marissa," he said nervously. "It's Charles. Alina and I were wondering if you'd go to dinner with us this Friday. Yes, yes, I know it's short notice, but Alina has found a restaurant she's dying to try, and she's afraid my mother will be upset if I don't see you again." He thought it sounded somewhat lame, but Alina had assured him it would work.
So he felt considerably relieved when Marissa agreed.
Charles dressed with care Friday evening, donning one of his nicer suits and tying one of Alina's favorite ties around his neck.
He must have seemed nervous as he picked Alina up -- she punched him playfully and laughed.
"Charles, you mustn't be nervous! Everything's going to be fine! And besides, it's not you who's proposing! Though I guess you could be nervous about confessing to your mother..."
He shuddered at the thought, then drove to the restaurant where Marissa waited.
"Marissa, dear, you look lovely," he said as the waiter seated them. She glowed in response, then looked at he and Alina quizzically when she saw the rose on her plate. They just shrugged.
"Madam, from the gentleman," the tuxedo-clad waiter said, proffering a fine vintage wine. She turned to where he pointed, only to see Garner, who came over and took her in his arms.
"Sit, sit," he said, gently easing her into the chair, then moving to bended knee himself.
"Marissa Chase Fairbanks, will you marry me?" he asked, plucking a diamond from his pocket.
Everyone clapped as she leaned over and kissed him.
