Chapter 34 
(A flashback of the said Proposal of Rico)
As the days turned into weeks, Rico's excitement and anticipation for the surprise he had planned for Sam only grew. He knew he wanted to make this moment unforgettable, to show Sam just how deeply he loved her and how much she meant to him.
With the help of Aideen and Roseanna, Rico meticulously organized every detail of the surprise at New York's Times Square. They wanted it to be a spectacle, a testament to the love he held for Sam. They spent hours discussing and coordinating, making sure everything was perfect for the big day.
On the eve of the surprise, Rico's heart raced with nervous excitement. He couldn't wait to see the look on Sam's face when she realized what he had prepared for her. Aideen and Roseanna shared in his enthusiasm, knowing how much this moment meant to their friend.
Finally, the day arrived. Rico and his friends arrived early at Times Square, making sure everything was in place. The hustle and bustle of the city added to the anticipation, and Rico's heart pounded in his chest as he awaited Sam's arrival.
As the evening approached, Rico spotted Sam in the distance, making her way towards him. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, her beauty shining as brightly as the city lights around them. He took a deep breath, knowing that this was the moment he had been waiting for.
As Sam approached, Aideen and Roseanna discreetly stepped back, giving Rico and Sam some space. He took her hands in his, looking deeply into her eyes, and felt a rush of emotions flooding his heart.
"Sam," Rico began, his voice filled with love and sincerity. "There's something I want to show you, something I've been planning for a long time."
Curious and intrigued, Sam looked at him with a mix of excitement and wonder. Rico led her to a spot where a large screen was set up, surrounded by twinkling lights and flowers.
As they stood in front of the screen, a video started playing. It was a montage of their most cherished moments together, from their first meeting to the present day. Each scene was accompanied by a heartfelt message from Rico, expressing his love and gratitude for having Sam in his life.
Tears welled up in Sam's eyes as she watched the video, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of Rico's affection for her. She knew in her heart that she had made the right choice in choosing him.
And then, as the video reached its climax, the words "Will You Marry Me?" appeared on the screen. Rico dropped to one knee, holding a beautiful ring in his hand.
"Sam, you are the love of my life, my soulmate, and my everything," Rico said, his voice filled with emotion. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to cherish and adore you every day. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Sam's heart soared, and tears of joy streamed down her cheeks. She couldn't believe the effort and love Rico had put into this moment. Overwhelmed with happiness, she nodded vigorously.
"Yes, Rico, a thousand times yes!" Sam exclaimed, her voice filled with love and excitement.
The crowd around them erupted into applause, and Rico slipped the ring onto Sam's finger. They embraced in a tender, loving hug, sealing their commitment to each other.
In that moment, amid the bright lights and bustling energy of Times Square, Rico and Sam's love shone the brightest. They knew that they were embarking on a new chapter of their lives together, filled with love, happiness, and a promise of forever.
As Rico and Sam embraced, the applause from the crowd around them grew louder. Strangers who had been passing by were drawn to the heartwarming moment unfolding before their eyes. Smiles spread across their faces, and some even wiped away tears as they witnessed the genuine love and joy between the couple.
"Congratulations!" someone called out, and others joined in with well-wishes and cheers. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and celebration, as if the entire city of New York was rejoicing in Rico and Sam's love.
Rico and Sam looked at each other, their eyes sparkling with happiness. They were surrounded by the energy of the bustling city, but in that moment, they felt like they were the only two people in the world.
Amidst the applause and adoration, Rico leaned in and gently kissed Sam. The crowd erupted into cheers once again, their love and excitement filling the air. Rico couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man alive, having found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
As the applause subsided, Rico and Sam held hands, feeling a newfound sense of unity and strength in their love. They knew that their journey was just beginning, and they were ready to face whatever challenges and joys life had in store for them.
As the evening sky darkened, the city lights illuminated Times Square even more, creating a magical ambiance. Rico and Sam stayed hand in hand, soaking in the moment and savoring the love that surrounded them.
The random strangers who had become witnesses to their proposal approached with smiles, offering their congratulations and heartfelt blessings. Rico and Sam graciously thanked each person, feeling a sense of gratitude for the genuine happiness their love had brought to others.
Amidst the sea of people, Rico caught sight of Aideen and Roseanna, who were watching from a distance with teary eyes and beaming smiles. They had been there from the beginning, supporting Rico and Sam's journey, and they couldn't have been happier for the couple.
With hearts full of love and gratitude, Rico and Sam took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, feeling the warmth and love of the city and its people embracing their joyous occasion. They knew that their proposal in Times Square would forever be a cherished memory, a testament to the strength of their love and the happiness they had found in each other.
As the night wore on, Rico and Sam decided to continue their celebration with a quiet dinner for two, relishing in the happiness and excitement of their engagement. And as they walked hand in hand through the vibrant streets of New York, they knew that their love story was just beginning, and they were ready to embrace every chapter of it together.