She pulled her hair back twirling it into something that resembled a copper rope before finessing it expertly into an elegant updo. Once the final pin was in place she smoothed nonexistent flyaway hairs and gave her whole head a light once over with a finishing hairspray. Tonight she wanted to look perfect.

She put the final touches on her make-up and then stepped into the slinky burgundy dress that fit her like a glove. That done, she pulled out her most prize possessions; a pair of delicate teardrop diamond and garnet earrings, and a matching necklace. She'd bought the gown to match them, and looking in the mirror she had to admit they looked incredible together. Satisfied, Quinn Morgendorffer picked up her matching wrap and clutch purse and slipped downstairs to await her ride to The Lawndale Observatory's New Year's Under the Stars Charity Ball.

He ran a hand through his hair nervously, then settled back enjoying the rich leather of the limo's seats. Despite a look of outward calm or even boredom, Tom Sloane's mind was a whirl of activity, checking and rechecking each step in his plans for the evening. He patted the small bulge in the inner pocket of his tux a bit absently, while his mind checked completed tasks and the ones still ahead.

The limo pulled up in front of the Morgendorffer house and he stepped out quickly walking up the path to the front door. As he did his mind wandered from intricate schemes to just how close this whole beautiful dream came to falling down, like a house of cards in a summer breeze.

Quinn had been afraid of the response, but she was determined and he'd agreed... to a point. They had no rights whatsoever to pursue a relationship until they let Daria know. She'd broken up with him, but Quinn WAS her sister and trying to keep it a secret would hurt everyone in the long run. Beyond that was where he and Quinn differed in opinion. Had Daria been upset, or hurt, or God forbid angry, Quinn had told him in no uncertain terms that no matter how much they cared for one another that would have been that.

Luckily for both of them, Daria reacted with her normal deadpan attitude and over the last couple years they managed to even regain a little of the friendship he'd thought lost forever. Jane on the other hand, had NOT handled their news quite so well. She'd called Tom every name in the book, and some, he was quite sure, she had made up on the spot just for on his account. Cradle robber and elitist pig had been some of her more civil responses, while some of the more colorful ones likened him to the posterior of a yak's rotted corpse.

Eventually Quinn, of all people, had managed to get her calmed down. He never did find out just what had been said, neither would tell him, but whatever it had been, Jane calmed down. And while the four of them would probably never be able to hang out without Jane referring to herself and Daria as 'the ex-wives', they could hang out.

Getting back to the business at hand, Tom rang the doorbell. Jake opened it with the standard 'Tom m'man, how's it hanging.' and then he was face to face with the loveliest vision in all of creation.

He realized all over again just how lucky he was, and when he finally remembered to breath all he could say was the same thing he said in that long ago hallway, "My God, you're beautiful."

Quinn blushed and linked her arm in his. Daria and Jane, who were watching the Sick Sad World New Years Marathon, stopped long enough to heckle the couple as they left, but Quinn and Tom were lost in their own little world and the friendly teasing didn't even register.

The limo pulled up to the observatory's entrance, And the couple stepped out into the brisk night air. Twinkle lights formed into various star clusters decorated the front of the building. A doorman stood waiting to open the door for them and as he did, soft music drifting out, but there was none of the bustling activity Quinn had come to expect from the many functions they attended with his family. In fact aside from the doorman the place seemed completely empty.

Still more twinkle lights created a path to the upper observation deck. Quinn assumed they were early and expected a small crowd, but what she found when she stepped out into the observation platform left her a bit confused and feeling a strange sense of giddiness.

At one end of the deck several musicians played soft sultry jazz music. The many tables she expected to see where no where in sight, instead there was one table, elegantly decorated with candles and rose petals. A bottle of champagne lounged in a bucket of ice off to one side. Aside from the musicians they were completely alone. As they neared the table Quinn noticed the air was much more comfortable and realized there were several outdoor heaters working on the deck. Tom pulled out her chair and wait until she was seated before taking his own seat across from her.

She looked around at her surroundings, stunned in spite of herself, then finally managed to speak. "Is all this for us? What happened to the charity ball?"

He smiled nervously and answered. "No, all of this is for YOU. They do have a charity ball once a year, just not tonight. Of course if you're mother is on the committee, and your father is the highest donor for five years running, you can get certain 'perks'. I wanted this to be a special night, I hope thats ok... You're not wishing we were at some big party right now, are you?"

"You're kidding me, right? This is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me." She looked around at the surroundings, and let the music flow over her. It was all so romantic, so special.

"What! You mean those three guys trying to wrestle those alligators in that stupid restaurant to woo you away from me wasn't more romantic?" He said teasing her.

"Oh shut up and kiss me, this is way more romantic that anything those three idiots did."

"Yes ma'am" he replied, then leaned across the table and kissed her soundly.

They ate a delicious dinner and then danced under the stars for what seemed like forever. Finally the clock tower struck the first stroke of midnight. Tom slipped to one knee before her and held up the precious box he'd pulled out of the family safe that evening. He began speaking as she drew in a shocked breath.

"You are the most amazing vibrant woman I have ever met, I love you with all my heart, and I don't ever want to be without you. I want to start this new year knowing you and I will be together forever. Quinn, will you marry me?" He finished speaking and opened the tiny box. In it lay a delicate engagement ring, a single diamond teardrop flanked on either side with two garnets.

Tears flowing down her cheeks all she could do was nod pulling him up to his feet. As the clock struck twelve they shared a passionate kiss, and somewhere in the distance voices cried out, "Happy New Year!"