Friday, August 3, 1962

 Marilyn was rushing around her hotel room frantically, finding the remaining items she needed to get ready for her date with Joe. He'd be here in five minutes, and she wasn't ready (as usual....she ALWAYS ran late!), and she knew that he hated that about her.

She shrugged. He might not like the wait, but he usually liked how she looked well enough when she finished.

But things had been so great between them lately; she really wanted to please him. She always had wanted to please him, really. It's just that this time around, it seemed like she actually was. Imagine that! She was very unused to the idea of anyone being pleased with her. Marilyn was truly happy that it was Joe who was.

As she put a pearl stud earring in each ear, she surveyed her appearance in the hotel mirror, and slipped her feet into white leather high-heeled pumps. Her dress was polished white cotton. 

It fit her slender form perfectly. The low, draped neckline accentuated her swan-like neck. At the base of her throat sat a large pearl, suspended on a platinum chain. No other jewelry. It was a really hot night, and she decided that less was more with the dress, anyway. A white leather clutch purse in hand, red Chanel lipstick, and a dab here and there of Chanel No. 5, and Miss Monroe was ready for her dinner date. 

Just in time too, because Joe was knocking on her hotel room door right this minute.  Marilyn hurried over to the door, and opened it happily. She laughed as Joe lifted her up against him for a kiss.

"Ready?", he asked. 

She smiled and nodded. 

"You look really nice, Marilyn.", he said softly. But the light in his eyes told Marilyn before his words did.

"Where are we going for dinner?", she asked, as he opened the car door for her, and helped her in. 

Joe grinned. "It's a surprise. Humor me." He teased, "Don't worry. There's champagne."

"Oh, well, it's alright then.", she giggled.

She slid closer over to Joe as he cranked the car and started to drive. He slid an arm around her waist and squeezed, and she laid her head against his shoulder. 

She wasn't really watching where they were going; she was just enjoying being with Joe.  But she was a little surprised when they arrived at Yankees stadium. Maybe Joe had something he needed to do before they went to dinner. He came around and opened the car door for her. 
"New suit?", she asked him. "I don't think I've seen you in it before, have I?"

"You haven't.", he said. He seemed amused by something, but happy, so she didn't pursue it.

Imagine her surprised when they reach the baseball field. 

An elegant table for two , set in the center of the field, just for them. Candles already lighted , ice bucket with a bottle of champagne chilling and everything. Dozens of white roses flanked the table; red ones too. There was a violin player, readying his bow.

"Wow!", Marilyn said breathlessly. "You did this for us?", she whispered disbelievingly. 

"For you", Joe said softly. But when Marilyn looked at him in her special way, it was for him too, and they both knew it.

He reached for the bottle of champagne to open it. Marilyn giggled as he pulled the cork from the bottle, and a little of the champagne bubbled out and over his fingers. 

He filled two glasses for them, and handed one to her with a smile.

"To us", he said simply, as they touched the glasses together lightly.

"Only the best now", Marilyn said.

They took a few sips of champagne, and the violin played started to play. Marilyn tugged Joe's sleeve playfully.

"Let's dance."

Joe rolled his eyes, but he didn't have to be prodded to get up and wrap Marilyn in his arms for a slow dance.  With her head on his shoulder like it was at the moment, he'd have danced all night with her if she wanted.

"More champagne", Joe said, when they'd finished their dance. 

They dined on lobster and drawn butter, and grilled New York strip steaks. Dessert was fresh strawberries half-dipped in chocolate, and cheesecake, with more champagne. 

Joe slipped one hand inside his jacket, and pulled out a small Tiffany blue Italian leather box. He placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Marilyn. 

Marilyn gulped; she was breathless. Before she opened the box, she KNEW what it was. 

"Will you?", Joe asked her quietly.

"Really?!", Marilyn whispered.

"Yes, really. For keeps, this time."

"Promise?", she asked wistfully.

"Word of honor.", Joe replied. 

"YES!!!!", Marilyn squealed. She grabbed the blue box, and was sitting in his lap before he knew it.  She kissed his face all over, leaving red lip prints everywhere. He laughed, and tried to open the box, even as there was a squirming blonde wiggling on his lap.

He took out the diamond solitaire and slipped it on her hand.

"I'll never take it off!", she promised.

"I won't let you.", he said. 

Joe looked at his watch. "One more champagne, then we've got a plane to catch."

Marilyn blinked. "Plane?"

"To Florida. Before midnight, you'll be Mrs. Dimaggio again. It's all handled. All we have to do is show up.", he told her. 

"As for the honeymoon.... I thought we might stay in Florida, rather than worrying about traveling. "

Marilyn loved the idea of some private time alone for them, but she was a little worried about what would happen if the press found out. "Reporters?", she asked. 

Joe saw the anxious look on her beautiful face. He caressed the side of her face with one hand, and then kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Everyone thinks we're headed to California, and that you'll be holding the press conference as planned. They won't find us in Florida.", he assured her. "Trust me."

"I do.", Marilyn said, breathing a sigh of relief that he was taking care of her. "I love you."