(We open in a large ballroom in New York. There's a huge dance floor with tables scattered around and a band playing an instrumental jazz tune. The room is decorated with lots of pink and red heart garlands, sparkly hearts hung from the ceiling, and roses and pink and white tablecloths on the tables. Slip and Sally are dancing in the crowd. Sally wears a white blouse and a red heart-print circle skirt trimmed with lace.)

*Slip wears a good suit with a red bow tie. For once, he's without his ever-present hat.*

Sally: (Grins) I'm glad we were able to come here. I knew the Starlight Ballroom would be worth the money. This is one of the best ballrooms in New York! They always have the hottest bands!

Slip: *Grins back at her* You got the best taste, Sal. I'm glad ya suggested this place. (Chuckles) I'm also glad the fellas ain't here.

Sally: And I'm glad the girls aren't here, either. I know my roommates are out with yours. What's Sach up to? Spent the evening with his family?

Slip: Yeah. (Sighs) This is real nice, Sal.

Sally: Yeah. I can't remember the last time we had a date together, just the two of us. We usually end up group dating with the others.

Slip: Or getting crashed on. (Nods at the tables) Sal, would ya like som'en ta eat after the dance?

Sally: (Nods) Sure. We've really worked up an appetite tonight!

Slip: But first, I think I heard som'en about a contest tonight.

Sally: (Nods) That's right. They should be announcing that any minute.

Announcer: (A man with a microphone comes in as the song ends) Hi out there, all you crazy cats and kittens! It's time for the Starlight Ballroom's annual Lover's Dance-Off! The first place winners receive $200 and a loving cup!

Slip: Now that's for us.

Sally: That would be a hundred dollars for each of us! I could sure use some new spring outfits.

Slip: An' I could take ya out more.

Man: (Hands Slip a clipboard) Are you interested in joining the contest?

Slip: Of course we're interjected in the contest. *signs the clipboard*

Man: Ok. Thank you. (He move on to the next couple.)

Announcer: (Into the microphone) Here's the rules. If you're tapped on the shoulder, you have to leave the dance floor. No exceptions. Other than that, have fun with the one you love!

Sally: Do you think we can win? This is one of the best ballrooms in New York City. Some of these couples are really good.

Slip: So they're good. We're better. Let’s show 'em what we can do.

Announcer: And first, a warm up number, just for all you romantics, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes."

Sally: (Takes Slip's hand) I love this song. It's so sad and dreamy.

Slip: *Kisses her hand* Yeah, it is.

Sally: (Blushes) You're so sweet. How did I get a guy who's such a sweetheart?

Slip: Dunno, but don't let that get around, hmmmm?

Sally: Don't worry. I know you have a tough-guy reputation to uphold.

Slip: Just remindin'.

Sally: (Leans against him) This is so nice. I wish we could get together like this more often, just the two of us.

Slip: Me too.

Sally: Most of the time, we just end up at Uncle's. (Sighs) I love Uncle, but his place is not only too noisy for a real date, it's hardly private.

Slip: Mostly cuz he's always pokin' his nose in. He's a great guy, but he couldn't leave us alone for two seconds.

Sally: I understand that he loves both of us and wants us to be happy...but he's so nosy! And both sets of our friends are worse. We'd never get rid of Sach.

Slip: He always manages to wedge himself between us.

Sally: He's a nice guy, and a good friend to you, and I'm sure he doesn't mean any harm, but...we'd never get any time to ourselves.

Slip: Not unless we tied him up and shoved him in a closet.

Sally: (Sighs) Do you remember the last time we were alone like this?

Slip: No. It was too long ago.

Sally: You're such a good dancer. For a strong man, you're so light on your feet.

Slip: It's lotsa practice an' a great partner.

Sally: (Blushes) Awww. I haven't danced in ages.

(As the song ends, Sally looks up at Slip and smiles dreamily.)

Sally: I feel like Ginger Rogers when I dance with you, Mr. Mahoney.

Slip: *Grins* I'll be yer Fred Astaire any day.

Sally: (Reaches up and gives him a kiss; then) I love you, Slip Mahoney.

Slip: I love you, Sally Dumbrowski.

Announcer: (He grabs the microphone again) Wasn't that a great number, folks? Ok, is everyone ready for the big Dance-Off?

(There's huge cheers to the affirmative from the crowd, including Slip and Sally.)

Announcer: Dig it, folks! Remember, if I tap you on the shoulders, move aside and let the others finish the ride.

Sally: (Giggles) This guy is crazy. I think he's a local DJ. Some of my roommates think he's cute.

Announcer: Ok, folks! Hold onto your potatoes, and awaaayyy we go! (The band jumps into a really hot instrumental dance number.)

Sally: (Grins) We're going to have to do some really fancy footwork here, Gene Kelly. Ready to show 'em what we can do?

Slip: Let’s hoof it.

(And they do, launching into a series of increasingly complex jitterbug moves.)

(As the song goes on, we see more and more couples leave the floor. Some are happier to go than others; the officials have to break up a few of the less-happy contestants.)

(Soon, Sally and Slip are the only ones left. The entire ballroom watches them dance as they jump and swing across the floor!)

(The song ends with Slip tossing Sally in the air and catching her in his arms...and Sally beaming. The announcer joins them as everyone else applauds.)

Announcer: And I think we have our first-place winners! (Gives Slip his microphone) What's your names, son?

Slip: *Motions to Sally* She's Sally Dumbrowski, and I'm Slip Mahoney.

Announcer: You kids do some wild moves! Where did ya pick up those crazy contortions?

Slip: *Shrugs* We just do 'em.

Announcer: Well, you've sure charmed the crowd here. (Two men bring a large trophy with a heart etched on it and an envelope) Here you go, $200 and a loving cup to our very loving winners, Sally Dumbrowski and Slip Mahoney!

Sally: (Grins as Slip takes the cup) Now that we're rich and famous, ready to head home, Mr. Mahoney?

Slip: I am, Miss Dumbrowski.

Sally: (Takes his free hand) Let's go. And thanks for using a cab tonight and not the jalopy. I like hearing myself think after dates.

Slip: An' I like it cuz it leaves both hands free.

Sally: Besides, didn't you say Chuck took the jalopy to take Rachel to some restaurant in Brooklyn?

Slip: Yeah, cuz that's the nice guy I am. 'Sides, he won the toss.

(Sally just laughs as they flag down a cab.)

(Cut to the Boys' apartment. For once, it's quiet. Everything is where it belongs, from Butch's piano to Sach's chemistry set. We hear the door open, and the light turns on to reveal Slip and Sally walking in. Sally hangs her coat in a small closet and puts her hat on the coat rack. Slip drops the loving cup and the envelope on the living room table.)

Slip: *heads for the kitchen* An' I know just what we need after all that dancin'.

Sally: What? You won't tell me what you're making for dinner.

Slip: Hmm. Nah.

Sally: Is there anything I can do to help?

Slip: Wanna set the table?

Sally: Sure! (She goes to the table and pulls mismatched silverware and chipped dishes out of cabinets) Well, it's not exactly Wedgewood, but it'll do. (She turns to Slip) Are you still thinking about getting a farm someday?

Slip: *As he takes something from the fridge and puts it in a pot* I'd like to.

Sally: I think that sounds wonderful.

Slip: An' I'd sorta like someone to share it wit', too.

Sally: You could do all the planting and hire all the people, and I could do the books. (Smiles) And maybe even start a little diner making our own home-grown recipes, featuring your famous stew.

Slip: *Smirks* Speakin' of, that's what we're havin'.

Sally: Oooh, now that's a Valentine's present! Probably tastes better than some old box of candy that'll just make me fat anyway.

Slip: Even better, since I made it yesterday. It's always better the next day.

Sally: I'll take that. You sure spoil a girl, Slip. Did you get something fancy for dessert?

Slip: *Shrugs* Not fancy, but it's good. Chocolate cream pie.

Sally: It's chocolate. That's good enough for me. (She finishes setting up the table and stands back.) It needs something. Do you have any candlesticks?

Slip: Sach might have some. Hang on. *Heads into a side room; there's rummaging noises. He reappears with the candlesticks* Found 'em.

Sally: Thanks. Should I ask why he has candlesticks? These don't look like they came from a menorah.

Slip: He uses 'em for som'en in his chemistry set.

Sally: Don't tell me. He's blown up all the others. (Sets them up in the middle of the table on two worn pewter candlesticks.)

Slip: I won't tell ya. *He grabs two bowls and a ladle and starts scooping stew into the bowls.*

Sally: (Sniffs) Ooh, smells good, Slip.

Slip: *Sets a bowl in front of Sally* Enjoy.

Sally: Thanks. (Sips her soup) Yum. You make the best stew.

Slip: *Sits next to Sally with his own bowl* I do all right.

Sally: Have you thought of working with my uncle? You're a pretty good cook, and he could use the help.

Slip: I dunno. I guess I could.

Sally: I know he yells, but he means well. He's getting older, Slip. It's just him, me, and Mama running that place, and we really love it.

Slip: I can tell that. An' the yellin' don't bother me. You put in a good word for me?

Sally: (Takes his hand across the table) Of course. I'd love to have you. I like the girls, and my uncle and aunt are like parents to me...but it would be nice to have you there, too. For good.

Slip: I'll talk to him.

Sally: And when we save up enough money, we'll buy that little farm. We'll have all the space we ever wanted, and you'll be able to order around all the men you ever wanted. We'll grow our own food and have a little house that we fix ourselves. No more living in cramped spaces in the city.

Slip: *Sighs* Now yer talkin'.

Sally: I've always wanted to get a little place in the country. Maybe Connecticut, or Massachusetts, or even Vermont. Somewhere green and quiet. No noise, no traffic, no congestion. Nothing but cattle and crops as far as the eye can see.

Slip: Beautiful idea, ain't it? *smiles at her* Not as beautiful as you.

Sally: (Blushes) Aww, Slip, you're just saying that. I haven't had my hair done in ages! (She pats her hair.)

Slip: I don't care what yer hair looks like. I'm talkin' about you as a person.

Sally: (She smiles and squeezes his hand) Thank you. You're a beautiful person, too. You're so good to the guys. And Uncle would never admit it, but you're like a son to him.

Slip: Thanks, Sal. *smiles* Louie's a great guy. I dunno what I'd do without him.

Sally: Me either. He and Auntie have been like second parents to me. They give me a job and advice and support. They're always there when I need them, and they're the two kindest people in the Bowery.

Slip: *Pats her hand, then gathers the dishes* Ready for the pie?

Sally: (Nods) But I'll bet it isn't as sweet as you.

Slip: *Pauses, then leans down very close to her face* I'd be more than happy to show ya just how sweet I can be after dessert.

Sally: (Murmurs) I'll consider it. (Kisses him) I love you, Slip Mahoney. Happy Valentine's Day.

Slip: Happy Valentine's Day, Sally Dumbrowski. I love you, too. *winks at her* Think about it and let me know. *straightens* Be right back with the pie.

Sally: (Sighs) What a man! (Shakes her head) I wish... (Looks at her right middle finger) Maybe someday he will...

Slip: *Returns with the plates and sets them down* Sal... *kneels next to her* Sally... *clears his throat*

Sally: (Looks down) Yes, Slip. What is it?

Slip: *Takes a deep breath* Sally, will you marry me?

Sally: (Sighs and says dreamily) Oh yes, Slip. Terrence. Yes. I love you more than anything.

Slip: *His eyes widen, then he grins widely* Yer wonderful! *kisses her*

Sally: I love you so much... (She pulls him close and kisses him harder)

(We fade out on Sally and Slip kissing in each other's arms, with the dinner behind them and the chocolate pie on the plate with the heart-shaped doily. The screen fades into a black-and-white "Happy Valentine's Day!" text with a heart and Cupid border before fading out all together.)