Runaway Bride

       IKE
  I don't have much choice in the matter
  now, do I?  But I can't speak for
  Italics.
   (to Cat)
  Traitor!

 He moves to the kitchen.

       MAGGIE
  I don't blame you for being mad...

 Ike looks at her.  Apparently the word "mad" is an understatement.

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  ... Or... furious.

 Ike looks at her again.

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  ... Irate?  Livid?  How's that?

 He starts putting cat food in a bowl.  The cat leaves Maggie's
 side and starts to east.

       IKE
  Livid is good.  So what is it, Maggie? 
  You here on business?  I saw your lamps. 
  They're terrific.

       MAGGIE
  It's something I've always wanted to do.

 Ike leaves the kitchen, turns on the balcony lights and re-enters
 the living room from the balcony.

       IKE
  You actually could make breaking and
  entering into a new career.
   (after opening
    the glass doors)
  So, what are you doing here?

       MAGGIE
  I wanted to talk to you about why I run
  or ride away from things.

 Ike moves away from her and sits on the steps near the balcony
 window, listening.

       IKE
   (after sitting)
  Does it matter?

       MAGGIE
  I think so... When I was walking down
  the aisle?  I was  walking toward
  somebody who didn't have any idea who I
  really was.  And it was only half the
  other person's fault, because I had
  done everything to convince him that I
  was exactly what he wanted.  So it was
  good that I didn't go through with it
  because it would have been a lie, but
  you -- you knew the real me.

       IKE
  Yes, I did.

       MAGGIE
  I didn't.  And you being the one at the
  end of the aisle didn't just fix that.

 Ike takes this in.  She's reaching him -- but then the defenses
 go back up.  He turns to her.

       IKE
  No, I couldn't fix anything...
   (as he gets up)
  But I still ended up chasing a truck.

 Ike moves out to the balcony.  After a moment, Maggie follows him.

 EXT. BALCONY/IKE'SAPARTMENT - NIGHT

 The balcony overlooks Central Park.  The twinkling lights of the
 city stretch out across the beautiful night.  Ike looks out at
 the view with his back to Maggie as she speaks.

       MAGGIE
  I understand why you bring up the truck. 
  Let me explain something.  The fact is,
  you've seen me at my worst, most
  embarrassing, deviously plotting,
  potentially but not certifiably,
  psychotic state.  And if you liked me
  then, I mean, now... I can't imagine...
   (crosses to him)
  Benedict.

 Ike has no response.

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  I love eggs Benedict.  I hate all the
  other kinds.

 She hesitates.

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  ... I hate big weddings with everybody
  staring.  I would like to get married
  on a weekday while everybody is at work. 
  If I ride off into the sunset, I want
  my own horse.

       IKE
  Should I be writing this down?

 She returns to the balcony and hands him the box.

       IKE (cont'd)
  What's this?

       MAGGIE
  These are for you.

 He opens it.  It's her running shoes.

       IKE
  Used?

       MAGGIE
  They're mine.  I'm turning in my
  running shoes to you.

       IKE
  This is getting serious.

 Now she is glowing at him, shining with the full force of her.

       MAGGIE
  And one more thing.  I know it's hard
  to believe there could be more.  Um...

 Maggie glances around and spots a DECK CHAIR, which she turns so
 it is facing the city lights.  Then she softly says:

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  If you could have a seat, please.

 Ike sits.  Maggie takes the box from him and puts it aide.  And
 then she gets down on one knee.

       IKE
   (laughing)
  Oh my God.  No.

 Maggie smiles up at him.  Ike tips his head back and covers his
 eyes with his hand.

       MAGGIE
  No, no -- don't hide your face, this
  only happens once in a lifetime.  It's
  definitely a first to me, and you're
  not going to want to miss it.

 He smiles as he looks at Maggie.

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  I love you, Homer Eisenhower Graham. 
  Will you marry me?

 Ike swallows, overwhelmed, overjoyed, and scared shitless.

       IKE
  Maggie, I gotta think about this a
  little bit.

 Maggie hops cheerfully back to her feet.

       MAGGIE
   (cheerful)
  Good.

 She gets off her knees and stands.

       MAGGIE (cont'd)
  I was hoping you'd say that.

       IKE
   (laughing)
  You were not.

       MAGGIE
  I was, because if you said "yes" right
  away, I wouldn't get to say this next
  part.  And I've been practicing it.
   (pulling up a chair
    and sitting)
  Ready?

       IKE
  I'm listening.

       MAGGIE
   (tenderly)
  "I guarantee that we'll have tough
  times.  I guarantee  that at some point
  one or both oof us will want to get out. 
  But I also guarantee that if I don't
  ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for
  the rest of my life. Because I know in
  my heart -- you're the only one for me".

 Ike takes her hands affectionately.