Returning the menu to the waitress, she said, "Just a moment, please." He turned and left.

Eddie, with his legs crossed and his chiseled jaw in his right hand, stared at Ann thoughtfully.

"What did you want to tell me?"

Ann took a slow drink of water and looked down at the glass on the table. The eyelashes on her eyelids trembled slightly twice.

"I have thought about the engagement, and I can promise, but you must promise me some certain requirements."

What she said surprised Eddie. After a while, he put away his surprise and said softly, "Yes, you can say what you want first."

"First of all, once...