Grayson

I stood as the doors opened and exposed, quite literally, the most beautiful woman in the world. Her slight smile gave me hope that tonight will be a good night.

I approached her. "You're beautiful as always."

She smiled. "Always?" I know what she means. The shy girl with thick glasses I once teased.

"Always, let's have a seat." I led her to the table, and pulled out a chair for her.

Once she was settled, I sat across from her. "Thanks for accepting my invitation, how are you feeling?"

"Much better since my second trimester started." She said.

"That's great, and everything is okay? You've lost weight."

"I'm fine now, and even gained back a few pounds."

She has the best curves.

"How is she?" She asked, and it felt like a punch in the throat.

"I wouldn't know, she's gone. Tell me how our son is doing?"

"He's perked up and doing better. Why am I here, Grayson?"

Right to the point.

"You were right, Mary Ellen. I let my fear of getting hurt again drive me almost insane. I'm not scared anymore." I said.

"Why is that?"

"I realize that I do deserve happiness, and after the video, losing you, and suffering for so long, I created too many insecurities. I had to rely on my friend's father for a job, and literally, I was ruined. Danielle was only my way of protecting myself from being alone again."

"Why did you storm out and avoid me?"

"I didn't think it was real. You didn't look certain when I said I hoped you didn't think it was a mistake." She placed her hand on mine.

"Not one moment I've ever shared with you, could ever be a mistake. I was in a relationship and felt guilty, but it wasn't a mistake. I needed to give him closure and at least some respect. Then you avoided me and wouldn't let me explain." She looked outside the window.

"I wish we could go back in time, but we can't, and I also believe you know we can't go on with life without each other."

She looked at me but didn't say a word.

"Once upon a time I told the entire school I would marry you someday, and I plan to make that happen."

"How do you plan on achieving such a goal?" She asked.

"Well," I leaned forward just as our waitress walked in with two strawberry sundaes, and her's has an extra cherry. I winked at her as the waitress set them down on the table.

"That will be all, thank you."

I looked at Mary Ellen and she seems amused.

"Where was I?"

She grinned. "You're telling me your plan."

"Oh, yes. First, I'll bribe you to spend time with me over Sundaes. Then, I'll have to take you to Central Park, since there are no cliffs in this city. After that, I'm taking you to my place where you'll teach me how to Waltz and look out over the city. Then, I'll make love to you all night until you scream the word yes to marrying me."

She smirked and sat back to look at me. "I have a 4 am call time tomorrow, and I'm pregnant with the child you may or may not believe is yours."

Damn, I hate Danielle for planting those thoughts in my head.

"That child is mine, Mary Ellen. I swear I can feel her sometimes. I think of you being pregnant, and my heart races. I know that's our daughter."

She sighed. "I don't know the sex yet."

"I'm not done. When she's born, I want more with you, Mary Ellen. I want the world with you and our family. I am moving to L.A. ASAP. Alistaire hired me full time, and I'll be working from the L.A. office. I'm going to be there holding you when you fall asleep and when you wake up. I'll be holding your hand when you give birth to our daughter. I'm never letting you out of my sight again, and you will never face the world alone. You've done that your whole life, but not anymore."

"You sound like that cocky kid I once loved."

"Once loved?" I grinned.

Her eyes softened. "Always loved."

"What about your house?" She asked.

"I'll keep it and stay there when we visit home."

"We?"

"Yes, that house sits in the spot we fell in love. It is home, not the town."

I watched her lips as she smiled, innocently licking the ice cream off her lips with that velvet tongue.

I cleared my throat. "You seem to be really enjoying that ice cream." Her eyes lit up.

"Well, duh, I'm pregnant." She rolled her eyes, and I had to laugh. "Aren't you going to eat that?" She pointed her spoon at my bowl.

"I've got a feeling I won't be, will I?" She reached across and grabbed it.

"I'll save you a bite."