#You also know Victoria ran that engagement party prep with an iron fist to make sure nobody was spotted before it was time

[innytoes]

Apple orchard dates for Rulie?

For Reggie's birthday that summer, Julie had adopted an apple tree with him. Sure, it wasn't as exciting as her gift last year (adopting a dog together), but he still beamed when he read the certificate. Included was a trip to the orchard, where you could pick all the apples from your tree to take home. "I love apple pie!" he crowed. "Can we really go visit my tree in the fall?"

"Yep," she beamed, and he cheered, showing off the picture of 'his' tree to all his friend, proudly talking about how Strong and Productive their child was, look at all those apples. Julie tried not to laugh, or blush at the implications.

So before her visit, she called and orchard to make sure everything was ready for them, and on a beautiful sunny autumn day, they set off, Ellie happily panting in the back seat next to the picnic basket and blanket they'd brought. And Reggie's camera, of course. He loved being Ray's assistant, but he was gunning for taking over some clients on his own instead of always being second shooter.

So of course Julie agreed to 'wear something pretty' so he could practice his skills, though she insisted he did too, so they could take some couple portraits with the little remote as well. So Reggie had swapped his t-shirt for a nice button up, and Julie had made sure her dress matched his flannel, and even Ellie was wearing a cute red bowtie slipped on her collar.

They had a blast all day. The orchard also had some alpacas that Ellie was just fascinated by, and they worked together to get as many apples as they could carry back in the baskets they were given off of AppleToni ("Get it? Like appletini, but a name!").

They spread out their picnic under the tree and had lunch, and maybe a little nap together. She let Reggie have his little photo shoot, laughing when he kept flirting with her, saying things like how it was too easy to get good pictures with such a beautiful model. They took some pictures together, as well, and then, as golden hour was nearing its end, she pulled him close, into a kiss.

"I have a confession," she said, against his lips.

"You already tried one of the apples? I know, I saw you sneak a taste," Reggie said, smirking.

"There's another tree here for us," Julie said, taking his hand and leading him away. He followed, confused, looking back at his camera with a little nervous glance, but the place was deserted other than them. Julie had made sure of it.

A few rows later, they came to the biggest tree in the orchard, the one that had been there originally. The tree was lit up with fairy lights, making it look truly magical in the nearly set sun. And hanging from one of the branches was a wooden sign. Reggie blinked, going over to read it.

Reggie, I want to put down roots with you. Will you marry me?

He turned, gasping when he saw Julie on one knee behind him, with a little open ring box.

"Really?" he whispered, and she nodded.

"I love you more than anything," she said. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Reggie said, all but dragging her up and into a kiss, as Ellie happily bounced around them, barking. Julie carefully took the ring out of the box, sliding it onto his trembling hand, and then kissed him again.

Reggie looked startled when he suddenly heard cheering, as their friends and family popped up from behind several other trees. Dad pulled Reggie into a hug, welcoming him into the family, and Luke and Alex were already popping open a bottle of non-alcoholic apple cider and filling glasses for everyone. Reggie just kept wiping at his eyes to catch the happy tears, staring at his ring finger in awe and delight.

And if in the spring, they got married at the same orchard, blossoms all around, it was just as perfect as their engagement had been.