The beginning part of Chapter 46: The day after Jackie's birthday surprise and proposal (Catherine and Jackie stayed at a hotel overnight)
The following morning, as the sun rose over the horizon, Catherine and Jackie woke up in each other's arms. The memories from the night before were still fresh in their minds. The beach proposal, spending the night with their friends, the laughter, the tears of joy- all of it felt like a dream come true.
As Catherine and Jackie lay tangled in the sheets, Catherine couldn't help but admire the ring on Jackie's finger. A symbol of their love and commitment to each other. She traced the delicate band with her finger and felt the weight of their promise.
"As you already know, I've never been much of a morning person," Jackie mused, her voice was soft and filled with contentment. "But waking up next to you makes it all worth it."
Catherine smiled and intertwined her fingers with Jackie's. Her heart was overflowing with love.
"I feel the same way, Porcupine. Every moment with you is a gift."
They stayed wrapped in each other's embrace for a while, savouring the quiet intimacy of the morning. Eventually, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air; tempting them to get out of bed and get breakfast.
While they were getting ready in the bathroom, Jackie moved towards to the toilet, closed the toilet lid and pat it.
"Come here," Jackie said as she sat on top of the toilet seat.
Catherine turned around and looked at Jackie with confusion.
"Come on, sit on my lap."
"Why?" Catherine was still confused. She knew that she's taller than Jackie, but knew that Jackie is stronger than she thought she would be.
"For the past few weeks I saw you secretly admiring me while I was doing my makeup. So, I thought it would be nice of me to do your makeup and show you how I do it."
Catherine's confusion melted into a warm smile as she approached Jackie and gingerly settled onto her lap. She could feel the steady beat of Jackie's heart beneath her. A comforting rhythm that grounded her in the moment.
"Are you sure that you want to do this? You know I'm not very skilled when it comes to makeup," Catherine teased, as her cheeks were flushing with amusement.
Jackie laughed and hugged Catherine's waist as she knew that Catherine probably felt this sense of 'weirdness' of her sitting on her lap.
"I'm sure. Besides, it will be fun! Consider it's a birthday treat from me to you. Anyways, can you reach over and grab both of our makeup bags? You have longer arms than me."
"Ok, fine let's do this," Catherine replied as her left arm reached over to the bathroom sink to grab the makeup bags.
****
After Catherine grabbed the makeup bags, Jackie went through each of bag to grabbed the stuff that she needs. She carefully looked at Catherine's face while figuring out all of the different makeup shades.
Once Jackie was done with the sorting, she was set to work. Her deft  fingers were selecting brushes and palettes as she explained each step of the process. Catherine listened attentively, and her eyes were fixed on Jackie's face as she watched her doing her makeup with fascination.
As Jackie applied foundation to Catherine's skin, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty before putting on Catherine's makeup. Catherine's features were already striking, but with a touch of makeup, she started to glow even more.
"You have such beautiful skin," Jackie murmured softly, as she was concentrating on applying the foundation. "It's like a blank campus just waiting to be painted."
Catherine's heart skipped a beat at Jackie's compliment, and a rush of warmth was flooding her cheeks. She reached up to brush a stray of Jackie's hair behind her ear to show her gentle touch and affection.
"And you have the most talented hands," Catherine replied. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "You always know exactly what to do."
Then they locked their eyes. Their gazes were holding a silent conversation that spoke volumes. In that moment, surrounded by the familiar scent of makeup and the soft glow of the bathroom lights, Catherine and Jackie felt more connected than ever before.
****
As Jackie continued to work her magic, Catherine couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the woman in front of her. Jackie had been her rock, her confidante, her partner in every sense of the word. Now they shared this intimate moment together and then Catherine knew that their bond was stronger than ever.
"Done!" Jackie announced as she leaned back to admire her handiwork. "What do you think? Go and have a look in front of the mirror."
Catherine got off Jackie's lap and looked at herself in the mirror. Then she turned her face to Jackie and her eyes were widened with amazement. She barely recognises herself in the mirror. Her features were accentuated by subtle shades of eyeshadow and lipstick. Her skin was glowing with a natural radiance.
"I...I love it," Catherine breathed, as her voice was filled with wonder. "You're incredible, Jackie."
Jackie beamed with pride and got off the toilet seat to stand next to Catherine.
"I'm glad that you like it. Now, let's go and show off your new look to the world!" Jackie said and grabbed Catherine's hand to exit the bathroom.
****
Over breakfast, they discussed their plans for the day- exploring the city, visiting one of Catherine's favourite bookstores, and perhaps indulging in a leisurely stroll along the beach.
With no agenda other than to enjoy each other's company, they were both set to make the most of their day together.
As they walked hand in hand through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, Catherine and Jackie couldn't shake the feeling of euphoria that enveloped them. They laughed, they talked and they shared their dreams for the future- a future filled with love, laughter and endless possibilities.
"I still can't believe that you proposed to me last night," Jackie said. her eyes were shining with emotion. "It was the most beautiful surprise I've ever received."
Catherine squeezed Jackie's hand and her heart was swelling with happiness.
"I wanted to make your birthday an unforgettable one, and by the looks of it, I did succeed."
They stopped to admire a street performer and their laughter were mingling with music floating through the air. In that moment, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city they called home, Catherine and Jackie felt more alive than ever before.
****
Later that afternoon, they made their way to the beach. The sun was beginning to set, and the sky was painted with shades of orange and pink. Catherine had planned a romantic picnic to celebrate their engagement, with champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate to complete the celebration.
As they settled onto the blanket and watched the waves crash against the shore, Catherine couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought them to this moment. From their first meeting in Professor Hecht's office to the beach proposal under the stars, their love had weathered every storm and emerged stronger than ever.
"Hey, Jackie. Can I ask you something?" Catherine asked
"Yeah of course, what's up?" Jackie replied as she dipped her strawberry into the chocolate.
"Have you ever thought about our future? Your future? I mean... I know you are still acting films and that, but I don't know... Do you have anything that you want in the future?"
Jackie let out a huge sigh after she ate her strawberry.
"Well, there's a few things that I want to achieve and do in the future. I was going to tell you about them before, but I guess I will say it now because you brought the question up."
Catherine looked at Jackie while sipping her glass of champagne. Waiting for her to speak.
"You know how I'm nearly done with my online Bachelor's degree in English from California Baptist University? Well, I had a thought about what I want to do in the future, beside from acting, and our future. I then decided that I want to go to Law School. My dream ever since I was kid before Neptune came along. I sat the LSAT test the day before Drew Barrymore asked me to come on her show, and I got my result back."
Catherine was shocked and surprised at the same time. She knew about the Drew Barrymore show, but not about the LSAT.
"Wait, is that why you were getting up at early in the morning for the past few months because you were studying hard for the LSAT? Why didn't you tell me about this?"
Jackie took a sip of her champagne and nodded, with a sheepish smile playing on her lips.
"Yeah, that's the reason why I got up early for the past few months. I wanted to surprise you once I got my results back, but I guess I waited too long because I got my results back a while ago and some acceptance letters from different law schools."
Catherine's eyes widened with excitement.
"I'm just surprised that you managed to keep the secret for so long without me knowing. I had no idea that you were studying for the LSAT. But you got your results and acceptance letters already?"
Jackie's smile grew even wider as she reached into her bag and pulled out a small envelope.
"Ok, I got a 177 score on my LSAT and applied everywhere really. Well, I accepted one university in particular after I got all my acceptance calls for majority of the universities that I applied for. I was shocked with the school that I accepted in particular. Rachel knows, and she told me to that I should tell you about it after your birthday surprise."
With trembling hands, she gave the envelope to Catherine.
Catherine took the envelope from Jackie and looked at it before she opened it. A moment of silence hung in the air, and was punctuated only by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
Once Catherine read the letter, her face lit up with sheer happiness. Also, she was very shocked. Very shocked.
"No way," Catherine whispered softly as she read every word on the letter to make sure that this was real.
"I got in to Stanford Law School," Jackie said. "I'm going to Stanford to be with you."
Catherine couldn't believe it and hugged Jackie tightly.
"Oh my god Jackie. I'm so proud of you!"
Tears of joy welled up in Jackie's eyes as she returned Catherine's embrace.
"Thanks to you. I couldn't have done it without your love and support."
"So, what's next?" Catherine asked with excitement. "When do you start?"
Jackie wiped away her happy tears and took a deep breath.
"Orientation starts on the 29th of August and I don't start classes until the 5th of September. So we have time to figure out the wedding dates and venues."
Catherine felt a surge of pride. Knowing that her fiancé was destined for greatness.
"I have no doubt that you be an incredible lawyer, Jackie. I will be right there by your side and cheering you on every step of the way."
Jackie smiled at Catherine's words and felt a sense of peace settling over her. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. The sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation.
"And there's something else that I've been thinking about for the future," Jackie said. "It's about acting... and our future together."
Catherine's brow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean, Jackie?"
Jackie took a deep breath. "Well, as much as I love acting, I've been feeling like there's something more I want to do with my career. Something that makes a difference, you know?"
Catherine nodded.
"I know what you mean. You always had a passion for helping others, Jackie."
Jackie smiled gratefully at Catherine's understanding.
"Exactly. So that's why I've been thinking about starting an acting program for disadvantaged kids. A place where they can discover their passion for the arts and have access to opportunities they might not other wise have."
Catherine admired Jackie's selflessness about her idea.
"That's an incredible idea, Jackie."
Jackie's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I want to create a safe space for kids to express themselves and find their voice. Just like acting did for me."
Catherine leaned in and kissed Jackie gently on the lips.
"You're amazing, you know that? Whatever you set your mind to, I know you will achieve it."
Jackie smiled against Catherine's lips.
"I have the best partner supporting me. That makes all the difference."
They sat together for a little longer until the sky darkened as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sound of waves lapping at the shore served as the perfect backdrop for their conversation.
Catherine took a deep breath. Letting the salty breeze fill her lungs and sighed contentedly.
"I can't wait to see where life takes us, Jackie. With you, everything feels right."
Jackie took Catherine's hand and squeezed it gently.
"We will take it one step at a time together. No matter what happens, we will always have each other."
As they finished their picnic, they lay back on the blanket and looked up at the stars. Catherine snuggled closer to Jackie, feeling her warmth and the steady beat of her heart. She couldn't help but think back to all the moments that had brought them to this point.
The laughter, the tears, the challenges, and the triumphs.
"This feels like a dream," Catherine whispered. "A beautiful and perfect dream."
Jackie kissed the top of Catherine's head.
"This is our reality, Catherine. It's just the beginning."
****
The following dats were a whirlwind of excitement and planning. They visited venues, met with wedding planners, and started to outline their future together. Jackie's acceptance to Stanford Law School added another layer of joy to their plans, and Catherine found herself falling every more in love with Jackie's determination and passion.
****
One evening, as they sat in their living room surrounded by wedding magazines and notebooks, Jackie looked at Catherine with a serious expression.
"There's one more thing that I want to talk to you about," Jackie said.
Catherine set down the magazine she was flipping through.
"What is it?"
Jackie took a deep breath.
"I know we talked about the future and what we want to achieve, but I also want to make sure we don't lose sight of the present. I want us to continue finding joy in the little things, to never stop dating each other, even after we're married."
Catherine's heart swells with love.
"I promise, Jackie. I'll always make time for us. For the little moments that make out love so special."
Jackie smiled back at Catherine.
"And I promise that I will do the same. No matter how busy life gets. I'll always prioritise us."
With their promise sealed with a kiss, Catherine and Jackie felt  a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future. They knew that life would bring its share of challenges, but with each other, they could face anything.
A/n Thanks for reading my story. Please vote and drop a comment. Comments will help me a lot more than you might think. â¤ï¸
P.S The Wedding is the next chapter.  I'm definitely not leaving you guys hanging.  I decided that I'm going to expand the story a bit more from my draft, so stay tuned :)