-Violet-

"Baby," I heard James whisper. "You need to get up."

I groaned in protest.

"You're going to be late for class," He continued.

Ignoring him, I buried my face in the pillow.

His footsteps echoed as he walked into the room and I felt him sit beside me. "I'll get Chaos to wake you up." He poked the back of my shoulder.

"I'm up," I grumbled into the pillow. "Go away."

James chuckled and touched the bare part of my lower back where my shirt scrunched up. "I'll leave when I see your face."

I turned my head in his direction and opened my eyes. He was smiling at me. "Happy now?"

"Very, thank you for asking."

I slammed my face back into the pillow and sighed. "I don't want to go today. It's gross outside and I want to sleep."

James's fingers trickled over my back. "I'm right there with you."

"Then we should just stay home."

His warmth left me and I found myself groaning again. James tapped my butt with his fingers twice and said, "Get up before I drag you out of bed." His footsteps padded out of the bedroom door.

With hesitation, I threw the blankets off my body and stood up in the room James and I shared. Our walk in closet was separated, half mine and half his. I found a pair of jeans and a sweater, laid them on the bed, and then walked into the bathroom to take a quick shower.

Sometime during the end of my shower, James came in the bathroom and brushed his teeth. "Don't forget about dinner tonight," He called out over the noise of the water. "We're meeting Meredith around eight."

I'm glad he reminded me because I forgot. "Okay. Are you working with your mom today?"

"Yeah, I have to leave in a few minutes. I have a late class too."

I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. James only glanced my way before I covered up with a towel. After I made sure the towel was secure, I grabbed my brush sitting next to the sink. My hair grew out a lot since I met James. It's almost back down to my butt like it was before I cut it off. James noticed my struggle to get the back and took the brush from my hand. "You're too good to me," I joked.

He laughed and ran the brush through my hair. "Oddly enough, I enjoy it."

I laughed too. "Good, then you can do it more often."

"I don't mind."

Once he was done, I turned towards him to thank him.

James hooked a finger under the top of my towel and pulled me towards him. He bent his head and kissed me lightly. "I'm afraid if you don't get dressed, we're not leaving this apartment."

I laughed and hooked an arm around his neck. "I like the sound of that."

He laughed and kissed me again. "I love you."

"I love you." I stood on my toes to kiss him once more.

He's dressed in a black tailored suit and he wore the blue tie I got him on our first Christmas together. The color did justice to the blue of his eyes.

James sucked air in through his teeth and stepped back. "My mom's going to kill me if I'm late."

"I guess you better go then."

His eyes scanned me once. "You're making it difficult."

"I live for it." I grinned.

James kissed me again and then smiled. "I'll see you for dinner."

I nodded and he left.

We moved in together about six months ago. I was staying with him a lot anyway and one night before I fell asleep, he asked me to move in with him. Before I did, I had to make sure he was ready for that. He just told me he's been ready.

James and I just celebrated our two years together last month. Every day I find a new reason to fall in love with him all over again. It's small things, like a kiss on the forehead when I fall asleep or the way he laughs at one of my stupid new jokes.

I'm pretty sure James is it for me. I'm young, I know, but I'm not stupid. How I feel about James is nothing but clear to me.

Everyone in my family loves James.

Even Gray grew to like him. It only took so long, but occasionally they do hang out. They just went to a bar last week and had a few beers. I liked the fact that they hung out. As for Nic...he joins them sometimes. Nic never had anything against James because he knew James would take care of me. But Nic's been on his own before I moved out and Gray moved out before Nic.

Of course, my mom cried.

Speaking of my mom...I've never seen her happier. Mark moved in with her after we left and he brought Alyssa with him. She just turned eighteen and she's in her last year of high school. Eventually, she did get that boyfriend she kept talking about and he treats her like she's his world. Jenny's going to college in Arizona, so her and Nic didn't work out. They parted on a mutual agreement is all Nic said. He doesn't have a girlfriend now, but he's going to school at least.

Then there's Reese...we don't really talk much anymore. Occasionally I'll text him to make sure he's okay. I still have his box of letters, but I've never opened them. They're still in the same spot under my bed. I never found the will to get them out and read them because I know how they'll make me feel and it's not fair to James to be hanging onto someone I used to love. I'm thankful for Reese in more ways than one, but it's time to let go and those letters are opening a closure I've worked hard on. So for now, the letters will stay there until I'm ready.

Other than those things, not much has changed really. I'm still in love with James and that's not going to change. Ever. I can feel it.

Sometimes I come home and he's already there, then other times I wait for him to come home. Every night we fall asleep in the same bed, but I rarely wake up with him during the weekdays because he gets up before me. He always finds ways to wake me up. A kiss on my face, a pinch to my ass, and once he slipped an ice cube down my shirt. I wanted to murder him that day.

We rarely fight. If we do, it's over something stupid. One of us being grumpy or one of us doesn't agree on dinner. It doesn't matter though because I fall asleep in his arms every night.

I got dressed for class and walked out in the kitchen to make myself breakfast.

* * *

We were enjoying dinner with Meredith until she blurted something.

"When are you getting married?" She directed the question at James, but grinned at me.

"Tomorrow," I said. "We were going to fly to Vegas, actually. James said his dream was getting married by an Elvis impersonator."

Meredith didn't know I was joking and she looked at us both with wide eyes.

"She's messing with you, Mere." James laughed.

I leaned on his shoulder and slipped my hand through the back of his hair. My lips curved as I looked at his profile. "No wedding plans."

"Why not?" She asked. "You guys already act like a married couple. Didn't you merge your calendars?"

The thought was funny, but James and I decided it was a good idea since we lived under the same roof. He knows my schedule better than I do.

James answered, "Isn't that a normal thing for couples to do?"

I looked at her and she shrugged a shoulder. "Damon doesn't even have a calendar." Then she rolled her eyes. "Does that mean we aren't a normal couple?"

James nodded. "Totally. You guys really need to merge calendars to be a normal couple. It's like...in a handbook for normal couples." Sarcasm dripped in his tone. "What about you and Damon? No wedding plans?"

Meredith scrunched up her nose. "Of course not. He doesn't even want to move in together. He stays busy anymore and doesn't have time for me." She shrugged a shoulder. "Oh well."

"Aren't we a little young to be talking about marriage?" James asked.

"Grandma got married at eighteen," Meredith said.

"That was over sixty years ago," James noted. "Times have changed."

She smiled sarcastically. "Right, because now we have fifteen year olds running around with babies. It'd be better to get married at eighteen than lug around a toddler at the same age."

Meredith had a very good point.

"Where is Damon anyway?" James asked. "Wasn't he supposed to be here?"

Meredith nodded. "He had to finish an assignment and he said it'd take him all night. I'm going to stop by his place after."

James nodded.

"Have you talked to dad?" She questioned and took a sip of her drink.

"No, why?"

"Oh, so you don't know?"

"Know what, Mere?"

She glanced at me and back to James. "He divorced Sara. It went through today."

"Are you serious?" I blurted.

Meredith nodded.

"How'd you find that out?" James asked instead. "And when the hell did this even happen?"

"Mom told me. Dad's been in town for a week and he told her not to tell us. Why wouldn't he want us to know?"

James had a few ideas.

But he shrugged and said, "I don't know."

When we got home that night, James walked into our room without saying a word. He started with the buttons on his shirt and sighed. I stood in the center of our room and watched him walk in the bathroom. He didn't shut the door and I heard the shower turn on. I knew there was something wrong when he didn't say a word on the ride home.

Timidly, I stepped into the bathroom. James was already in the shower. I could see his faint outline through the foggy, opaque glass that made up the shower. "James," I said.

"I can't believe she told Meredith."

"Did you ever tell her about the affair?"

"No," He replied. "I'm not even mad that she told her and not me. I know why my mom didn't tell me because of what I'd assume."

"That's logical to assume though."

He huffed loudly. "Yeah, because he's been here for a week and we're just finding out about it, but Mom knew...of course she knew."

I leaned back against the sink and chewed the inside of my cheek.

Minutes went by and the shower shut off. James stepped out and wrapped a towel around his waist. He ran a hand through his wet hair and shook his head. "I don't want to think about it."

"I get it," I said softly and walked out of the bathroom.

James followed and walked to his dresser to get underwear. I dropped down on the edge of our bed with a sigh. James slipped his underwear on and let the towel go. He brought it up to his head to dry his hair the best he could and then proceeded to dry his torso. It was weird watching him and I never understood the way things worked with him. Well, some things I do. But not his showering habits.

"Don't be mad at me," He said quietly.

I looked up at him. "I'm not mad. I just don't want you to be upset."

"I'm fine," He murmured and ran a hand through his hair again. "Tired, I guess."

I kicked off my shoes and stood up. "I'm here if you want to talk."

James smiled a little and stepped closer. "I know, Vi." He reached for the buttons of my blouse, undoing them one by one and then he slipped it down my arms to pool at the ground. He lifted my chin with the tip of his finger and kissed me gently. "I have something more fun in mind."

The worry I had melted away as I smiled. "You just showered."

He went to the button of my jeans and it popped open. "I can always take another shower."

"Yeah, like a cold one."

He laughed and leaned in to kiss me again. "You've been busier than me this week," He mumbled against my lips and kissed me again. "I haven't seen you enough."

"Sorry to disappoint."

James's smile curved my lips and he leaned down further to grip my thighs. He lifted me up and my legs wrapped around his waist. Our kiss continued as he laid me back on the bed.

* * *

I woke up the next morning with James lying halfway on top of my back. His face was buried in the side of my neck and I was facing away from him, but I felt his breath on my shoulder.

"James," I whispered and tried to shift underneath him.

He hummed against my skin, but didn't move.

"You're squishing me, doofus." I tried not to laugh, but it happened anyway.

James moved to his back and I heard him let out a long breath. I turned on my side to look at him and maneuvered my body halfway on top of his instead. His eyes didn't open when I made the move. I leaned down and kissed his jaw and then placed my lips to his ear. "It's time to wake up, my love." I folded my arms over his chest and waited for his eyes to open.

When he didn't wake up, I let one of my hands travel down his chest.

"Jamesy," I sang and continued dragging my fingers over his abdomen.

He opened his eyes and I was finally greeted with a sleepy blue.

I smiled at him and stilled my hand. "Good morning, sleeping beauty."

"I need my beauty sleep," He grumbled and closed his eyes again.

"If you get up, I'll make you breakfast," I tried.

No movement.

"I'll let you shower with me."

With that, his eyes opened again.

I laughed. "You're so sad. Come on. You can get my back."

James obliged and followed me into the bathroom. I did end up letting him get my back. After the shower, I dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a tank top and then put my hair into a ponytail. James didn't really get dressed either, except in a pair of sweatpants too.

We sat at the kitchen table and James made coffee. I opened up my computer and decided to check my school email to make sure nothing too exciting happens.

"Did Meredith freak you out?" James asked suddenly.

I looked at him and my brows narrowed showing curiosity. "Why would she freak me out?"

"Because of what she said last night...about the marriage thing," He clarified.

I shook my head. "No, don't worry. I was wondering if it freaked you out."

"It didn't."

"Do you still want a family?"

He looked surprised for a moment. "Of course."

"With me?"

James searched my eyes. "I've thought about it."

My heart leaped. "Really?"

"I can picture it." He smiled. "A house in the country, the closest place is a grocery store thirty minutes away. Twins. A boy and a girl. She looks more like you though. The boy looks like me, but got your smile. I see a life with you, Violet."

"You see that with me?" My eyes stung with tears.

"I see it all with you."

The coffee machine beeped and James stood up. I watched him make my coffee like he does almost every morning. A little bit of milk and two spoonful's of sugar. He mixed it and set it in front of me. I didn't touch my coffee yet as I continued to watch him. As I did, I could see it too. The family. Of course further down the road, but I could see it.

James sat down beside me instead of across the way. He turned his body towards me and grabbed my hand. He kissed my knuckles and dropped my hand in his lap with his fingers still wrapped around mine. "I love you so much. The only person I see myself with is you." He paused and lifted his gaze to mine. "You don't have to tell me today or even a year from now, but know that I'm here when you're ready. I want to give you the best life I can, Vi. Getting you to finally move in was only the start."

I smiled at him and swiped the back of my hand across my cheek. "I love you, too," I breathed. "I want a life with you."

He cupped my face and leaned in closer. "It's yours, Violet. Tell me what you want and I'll get it for you."

I kissed him and leaned my forehead against his. "I want you to have the life you want too."

"Any life with you is the one I want."

I smiled and kissed him again. In between kisses I told him I loved him more times than I can count. His hands rested on my hips and he pulled me forward until I was in his lap. After a moment, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled my lips from his. "We'll get there," I told him.

James had a smile on his face when I looked at him. "I know. And I'm happy with what we have now. My life with you now is so much more than I expected."

"Who knew what an internship could do?"

He chuckled and kissed me once more.

I turned in his lap so I could grab my coffee and take a sip. "Does that mean you'll make my coffee for me every morning?"

James brushed the hair away from my neck and on the side of my shoulder. His lips touched the top of my shoulder. "Every morning."

I laughed lightly. "And what do you want in the morning?"

"Kisses," He said and his teeth grazed my skin. "Lots of kisses."

"I can manage that."

Starting a life with James is something I've thought about before too. I pictured the house and the kids. I've thought about what are life would be like if we were married and had those things. I'm so happy with that we have now. The apartment is the perfect size and Chaos is a handful on his own. I'm definitely not ready for kids yet.

I told James before that it'll be a few years before I am ready and he understands because he's not really ready for kids either. We both have school to finish and jobs to maintain. Since I started college, I don't work for Claire as often. I know sometime in the future James and I will maybe get married and eventually have the twins he keeps talking about. Thinking about that life is exciting and knowing James thinks the same is even better.

James wants to give me a life I want and I want to give him the life he wants too. Like James said to me, I want any life with James. The life we have now or a life with a house and kids. If it's with James, I want it.

A lot of people don't believe in happy endings and I hate to admit I'm one of those people. Well, I used to think that way because happy endings were never the end. You have a happy moment and what happens after that?

I'm happy and it's not the end yet.

This was only beginning of my happy ending.

--------------------

I can't believe it's over. Every time I write a story, I get so attached to the characters and the story itself. And with this story, it's really hard to close it :(

I want to thank you guys for the endless support. It honestly means so much to me and I wouldn't be here without you guys. Thank you for staying for the story and going through it with the characters I created. You're all amazing!!!!!!!! There could be extras in the future, but I guess we'll see!

I hope you guys stick around for my other stories too! :)

Please vote and comment? Do you have a favorite part of the story? Favorite chapter? Let me know! :)