"She's beautiful,"he whispered as he lifted the newborn up in his arms. She shifted a bit in her sleep, snuggling up to her daddy's chest. He blinked back tears as he rocked her in his arms and the doctor came up to him.

"Mr. Grey?"

"Yes?"his body tensed up as he looked up at the doctor, wiping his eyes. The doctor tucked his clipboard under his left arm.

"Your wife...is gone."

The world froze. He had prepared himself for this moment, but it didn't stop his heart from breaking. Nate took the baby from him as he sat down, face pale.

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Grey. We did all we could to keep her and your daughter alive for the last month."

But he couldn't hear him, because he was reliving memories.

TKLTKLTKLTKLTKLTKLTKLTKLTKL

I looked at her from across the table. She was beautiful. She smiled at me shyly.

"What are you looking at?"

"Just you,"I smiled back, taking her hand. She chuckled, giving my hand a squeeze.

"Care to dance?"I asked, looking over at the open dance floor on the small cruise ship. She nodded, and took my arm as we walked to the dance floor.

I know it was only a few minutes, but it seemed like hours to me. The most wonderful hours of my life. After awhile, I led her out to the secluded deck.

"That was wonderful,"she laughed. I grinned, watching her carefully.

"So you liked your surprise date?"

"Of course, Shane,"she rolled her eyes. We small talked for a few more minutes, then there was a short silence. She looked up at me with innocent, dark brown eyes. I could have melted right then, but I didn't. Not yet.

"I love you,"she whispered, reaching up to fix my hair. The wind had messed it up some.

"I love you too,"I said confidently,"which is why,"I reached for the small box in my back pocket that she hadn't noticed. She gave me a strange look when I first pulled it out, then her eyes went wide with understanding. She was adorable.

I bent down on one knee, opening the box to reveal a diamond ring. She loved it; her face split into a wide smile.

"...I should probably ask this question. Mitchie Devonne Torres, will you marry me?"

I should have known she would pull me up by my tie. But she was so unpredictable. I mimicked a choking sound, and she grinned.

"I'll get back to you on that,"she teased. I raised an eyebrow.

"Just put the ring on my finger, Shane."

"Gladly,"I said, taking her small hand and sliding the ring on it. It fit perfectly. She hugged me tightly, resting her head on my chest, and I hugged her back. I had the world in my arms. She pulled back a little, lifting her head, and I understood. I bent my head down so our lips met; I wasn't much taller than her. It was a short and sweet kiss, but that was the way I liked them.

"I love you, Shane Grey,"she smiled up at me, reminding me why I was so in love.