Matt...5 years later...

Five years had gone by since the paternity scandal. If nothing else, it had hardened my heart more. I had weathered the media frenzy and came out on top. On some days you could even say I forgot the whole thing. I wish Lily hadn't been collateral damage in it all. I'm sure she was long gone too. There was no trace of her on Facebook. It looked like she had Instagram but it was private. I may have snooped once or twice over the years. I wasn't pining for her, but I was curious. I had dozens of one night stands. It was always the same as before. The women felt privileged to be sharing a bed, secretly hoping to be the next Mrs. Bonner. For me it was all physical. It was just a pretty face to take to bed. The next morning, I'd kick them out as fast as I could. I no longer associated with Eric. The rest of all our buddies had taken my side.

Things might be changing only recently. Rita was still my trusty assistant. She had set me up with a friend's daughter who wasn't half bad. Between the one night stands, I have dated her on and off for 6 months. She is the typical NYC socialite type. Blonde, rocking body. Although her chest had work done. That was more LA. She has a sense of humor and holds her own. Her name is Michelle. Michelle didn't seem to be interested in the Bonner name and what came with that. She says things like- "Matt you deserve to be happy. Money can't buy happiness. If it did, you'd be the happiest person I know." Maybe I am at the age and it's the right time to be settling down. Michelle is a social butterfly. She fits in with my family and gets along with my friends.

We have a weekend getaway coming up. I guess I can sort my feelings out before then. It is only the Hamptons, but that is enough.

It's Friday morning and we are headed out of town. I am going to drive. I haven't been this long in a car with a woman, except for that time at the outlets with Lily.

Michelle wanted to listen to country music all the way there. I'm not a fan. I would have much preferred silence. When we arrived, we both wanted to hang by the pool, and grill out. So that's what we did. Homemade burgers and fries. Something we wouldn't normally eat as we are healthy eaters, but a little splurge for the weekend. We were chowing down as we were starving!! Michelle dropped ketchup on her white designer bikini.

"Dang it! This suit was 500 dollars. It's going to stain. I have to go change right away. Seriously. This is so upsetting. I better get this out or your buying me a new one. That's what you'll have to do since it was your stupid idea, tempting me with greasy burgers and fries."

"Calm down. We'll get you a new one."

She darted upstairs to change her suit. I thought about the time Lily had ordered fries at Applebees, and playfully wiped ketchup on me. When I think back to her, it hadn't bothered her. Michelle was different, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. In all honesty I thought this weekend would be a turning point for us. I had been in contact with our family jeweler. I had him design a 2 carat diamond and emerald ring. I packed it with me. Was it too soon? Was this the kind of forever that I wanted? I would have to quit my playboy ways. Michelle seemed independent enough where she wouldn't be the type of wife to suffocate me. I just needed to push myself to get on with my life.

"There. All better. What do you think? She came down wearing a cute little plaid sundress. She looked adorable. She looked overly proud of her presence, but I can respect that. Maybe that means that she knows what she's wants. Another check in the positive column for reasons to propose to Michelle.

"You look absolutely adorable, baby."

"Don't call me baby."

"You don't like it?"

"I'm not sure. It's the first time you've said it, and it feels off. It's not that I'm telling you don't have a right to call me that. It's just going to take some time to adjust to it."

"Okay. We'll work our ways up to that term, Michelle."

She wrapped her arms around my neck by stepping on her tip toes. She gave a quick kiss to my lips.

"Don't let it bother you. Okay, baby?"

I could tell she was totally teasing me. I laughed a little chuckle. That little bit of banter would be what I needed to move forward. If nothing else, we had sexual chemistry. Over the mini vacay, we had sex a good dozen times.

Over the next 3 months, we went out to dinner countless times. I spent thousands of dollars on clubs and alcohol. Thousands of dollars on clothing and shopping sprees for her. Everything had to be top of the line. Dinners had to be gourmet. Clothes had to be designer. Friends had to be of a certain pedigree. She was playing the part of a proper high society NYC girlfriend. I was about to play my part at her birthday dinner.

We had reservations at none other than La Donna. Michelle probably wouldn't eat much more than a salad. Naturally I would have a steak.

I picked Michelle up at 6:02 pm. I remember the time to the dot. She's wearing the tightest strapless white mini dress. Legs are on point. I wanted to take it all in and store it in my memory. On the car ride to the restaurant, she rambles on about some upcoming fundraising gala. Yep, she fits right into this life.

"Baby, are you taking me to La Donna? They have the best Caprese salad."

"Yes, love. I thought you would appreciate that."

It doesn't take us long to find our table. Money talks when it comes to reservations and best tables. Everyone looks like of the same caliber. People are dressed in their finest while ordering the finest. We place our order and I know I have time to make my move.

"Michelle, I would like to give you your gift now. Are you ready?"

"You know me. I'll never refuse a gift. I bet you've outdone yourself again."

I get out of my chair and very calmly stroll over to her seat. I drop to one knee. I lightly grab her hand. She's got her mouth hanging wide open. She knows what is coming next. I was ready to use that 2 carat diamond.

"Michelle, will you do me the honor, and marry me?"

"Oh, Matthew. Yes. Yes! I will marry you!!"

And that was that. I was getting married.