Trixie had just closed her sociology book when she heard the sound of her cell phone alerting her to an incoming text message. Grabbing her phone, she opened the message and read,

I have something very important to ask you. Can you meet me at Wimpy's in one hour? My treat! TW

"Hmmm, what does Tad want?" wondered Trixie as she typed in her response to her good friend.

Sure. See you in one hour.

At the designated time, Trixie strode into Wimpy's. After spotting Tad in a booth, she made her way to the table and slid onto the bench across from him.

"Tad, what is the important question," she asked breathlessly.

"Let's order first and enjoy our meal," responded Tad.

After a quick glance at the menu, they both decided to order their usual burgers and fries. The food was served quickly and they dug into the savory sandwiches. Despite Trixie's numerous attempts to learn what Tad wanted, he refused to divulge any information and Trixie was forced to squelch her infamous curiosity. The two spent the meal chatting and having fun with each other. When they had finished eating, Trixie folded her arms across her, stared Tad directly in the eyes and said,

"Okay, we've eaten. What's the important question?"

Tad's response was to shake his head and smile at the eager blond.

"Maybe it would be easier if I showed you. By the way, I hope you like diamonds?"

Trixie's head snapped around and her mouth gaped open as Tad deftly led her out the door. He guided her to his car and they drove to the Sleepyside Metro Park, a huge expanse of soccer fields, play areas, jogging paths and more. Tad helped Trixie out of the car and the two hiked across the park. They finally stopped at the bleachers in front of the baseball fields. Tad turned to Trixie and said,

"What I have to ask you is very important to me and I think this might be the perfect place."

Trixie stared nervously into Tad's hopeful face.

"Trixie, would you do me the honor of.... helping me coach one of the youth baseball teams?"

Trixie's face immediately lit up over the prospect of the joint activity.

"Of course I will and we'll have a blast doing it. What a perfectly perfect thing to do."

Trixie paused, confusion registering on her face. "But Tad, you said your question involved a diamond. What does a gemstone have to do with your request?"

Tad waved his arms toward the green space in front of him.

"Baseball diamonds, Trixie. Three baseball diamonds. Take your pick," he said with a big smile, as he picked up the bubbly blond and swung her around.