Marie Spencer was nervous, really nervous. She was literally nervous to the point of getting up from the dinner table and running to the bathroom to hurl. Why in the hell was she so nervous to give the news to her Uncle Jim and Ant Barbara? Well, for one thing, Uncle Jim wasn't too fond of Bruce Wayne, especially that playboy reputation he carried around. Aunt Barbara probably wouldn't mind too much, but she would be weary. Then there was the whole issue of Bruce being Batman, though this issue didn't really count because Uncle Jim and Ant Barbara had no clue that their niece's boyfriend was the one going around jumping off roof tops and beating criminals to a pulp. They thought he was out there being his irresponsible airhead self. But not playboy self now that he was with Marie. So why was she nervous?

Barbara cut up a piece of pistachio cake and served it to Marie, who was staring blankly at the antique lace tablecloth that belonged to Nana Marie. It was Ant Barbara's inheritance and Anna's was a hideous hand painted vase. Marie never heard the end of her mother's comments about how she got stuck with such an ugly thing.

"Marie, sweetheart, are you alright?" Barbara questioned as she placed a desert plate in front of Jim.

"Huh?" Marie shook her head and looked up from the tablecloth. "Oh, yeah I'm great. Thank you for desert, it looks good." Marie cut a small piece and placed it in her mouth without looking at it.

"Well you have been awfully quiet. Did you get into an argument with him?" Jim's eyes narrowed as he mentioned Bruce.

"Jim!" Barbara scolded.

"What? I'm only questioning what could possibly be the truth." Jim was quick to defend himself.

Marie sighed and set her fork down. "Uncle Jim, I really don't appreciate your behavior toward Bruce. Now, I know you're not very fond of him but could you at least try to be civil to him...for me?" Marie looked at her Uncle Jim across the table with a pleading look. He nodded and muttered something under his breath before he took a bite of his desert.

"Thank you, that's all I ask of you." Marie resumed eating desert. Maybe telling them after desert would be best, she mused. To prevent any choking accidents, of course. Ant Barbara picked a horrible night to make pistachio cake; the pecans didn't help.

"It's not too much to ask sweetie, don't worry." Barbara reassured her. "Where is he anyway?"

"Working." Marie quickly came up with a good, safe answer. "Well, now that his right hand man is gone, he has settled to do some of the work himself."

Jim scoffed and Barbara glowered at him. The kids finished their deserts and were already sitting in front of the television. Marie helplessly waited for the right moment to give them the news. Where to begin? They weren't making this the most comfortable environment to give such news.

"Does he plan to hire anyone else to take his place?" Barbara asked to eliminate the silence.

"Yes, he's looking into it." Marie said. "But like I told him before, its going to be very difficult to replace Mr. Fox." Marie looked at the clock at the end of the small dining room. Eight o'clock, Bruce might be getting ready to leave on his nightly rounds. "Then again, I'm sure he will be able to manage."

Barbara nodded in agreement while Jim remained silent. "Has your mother called?"

Oh crap! Marie exclaimed in her mind. She still had to break the news to her mother. But she wasn't too worried about telling her. Anna had taken a liking to Bruce when she came to visit about a month ago. Marie didn't want her to find out about the engagement just yet, in fact nobody knew except for Alfred. When Bruce mentioned getting her a ring, Marie had protested in horror. Getting married wasn't her plan for awhile but she failed to resist Bruce. She could not deny him. "She called last night from Seattle, she's at another conference. She's good and sends her love to you guys."

"Your mother is one busy woman." Jim commented as he took a sip of coffee.

"Yeah, I'm not sure when I might see her again." Marie pushed the plate aside and waited for them to notice her uneasy behavior once more. It would make it a lot more easier for her if they just forced her to tell them.

Luckily, it was her Ant Barbara who asked. "Marie is there something you want to tell us?" Jim looked up and waited for Marie's response.

Marie felt cornered and awfully relieved. "Actually, yes there is something I wish to discuss with you both."

Jim looked a little surprised that Barbara had noticed without fail. Women! He mused. "The floor is all yours."

Marie took a deep breath. "Bruce and I are engaged." She blurted out as soon as she exhaled.

Barbara dropped her fork and Jim began to cough. Marie shrunk into her seat. She felt so small. "As in getting married?" Jim had to make sure he didn't hear her wrong.

"Of course Jim what part of the word engaged didn't you understand?" Barbara rolled her eyes and took Marie's hand into hers. "Marie, are you sure you're ready for something like this?"

"Absolutely." Marie didn't hesitate at all.

Jim's eyes widened in shock. That Bruce Wayne was really something for Marie to respond with so much certainty. "You're really sure of yourself."

"That's because I am Uncle Jim." There was that voice full of certainty again. Marie never sounded so sure of anything else in her life because there was always some sort of hesitation with everything else. Over the past three months she had grown accustomed to the thought of getting married. Now that she was sure; she felt comfortable enough to give the news. Of course, she was really nervous due to their reaction. Marie was mostly afraid of how they would react but she wasn't going to leave their house without telling them.

"When are you two planning to have the wedding?" Barbara had to ask. She was engaged and there was nothing they could do to change Marie's mind.

"We are still negotiating on that front." Marie took a sip of coffee.

"Negotiating?" Jim raised a brow completely confused. Barbara was also confused and didn't understand what Marie meant.

"Bruce wants to get married within the next month, but I disagreed." Marie said. "There is a lot going on at the hospital that I don't have time to plan a wedding." Marie sighed because it was the constant little disagreement they had but it would never escalate to a full blown argument. "But before you can use my hesitation to pick a date, I am one hundred percent sure about marrying him no matter the obstacle." Marie had put her foot down and no one or nothing would change her decision.

"Wow! So you're positive about this?" Barbara asked, still in complete shock.

"Very much so." Marie was still very sure of it.

Barbara let out a nervous laugh. "Well then, I guess congratulations sweetheart!" She stood and hugged Marie. Marie sighed in relief that got this over with.

"Thank you Ant Barb." Marie let her go and looked at Jim who still seemed to be processing the news.

"Jim?" Barbara called him.

He sighed and looked at Marie. "Look, Marie I don't know about this." Jim really wasn't sure and was confused as to how Marie could put the seal on it. Then again, he just wanted to her happy. "But if it's what you want and if you are so sure of it..."

Marie smiled and went over to embrace him. This truly did make her happy. "Thank you." She whispered.

"I just want to see you happy." Jim whispered back and kissed her cheek.

"I know and I appreciate that." Marie assured him. She knew he still wasn't fully convinced but in time he will see how Bruce makes her feel and how truly happy she is.

Arriving to a vacant bedroom was not such a wonderful idea to Marie. Though she had gotten use to Bruce's alter ego; she could not even bring herself to say Batman. She constantly felt a whole in her chest. And it wouldn't feel complete until he came back in once piece. She smiled as she came through the elevator doors to see Alfred watching the nightly news. Marie removed her coat and hung it up in the closet along with her purse.

"Hey Alfred." Marie greeted as she sunk into the couch next to Alfred. She had a long day. "Anything interesting on?" Alfred turned to her and smirked noting her sarcasm. They both knew that every night on the GCN there was always some bizarre ridiculous story about Batman.

"Hmm, well someone claimed to have seen a dark figure with bat-like wings beat an elderly woman who was selling drugs to adolescents on Coven alley." Alfred intended to sound serious but he could not control his chuckle. Marie shook her head and stared mindlessly at the plasma. Nothing sparked her interest because she was too preoccupied with the thought of what was the Batman doing at this very moment. Gotham went back to hating Batman, well some of them; not all. It certainly didn't help that her Uncle Jim, was forced to lead a witch hunt on the Batman.

Alfred noticed her quiet behavior and then remembered that she attended a dinner with her Ant Barbara and Uncle Jim to tell them the news. "Miss Marie, can I inquire as to how your dinner went tonight?'

"It went okay, I guess." Marie switched off the plasma and re-positioned herself to fully face Alfred. "They were shocked but they realized how serious I was and they accepted. My Uncle Jim is still a little hesitant though."

Alfred patted her hand. "Give him time, it is only right for him to worry."

Marie ran her hand through her hair. "You're right, its not like he knows that Bruce puts his life on the line every night, not to mention that he is out there on a witch hunt to capture Bruce." Marie began to ramble and soon burst into tears. How was she going to continue to lie for the rest of her life? Alfred held her as she cried on his shoulder. He made a mental note to talk to Bruce about the stress this sudden engagement was taking on her. After a few minutes, Marie pulled back and wiped her eyes. Alfred reached into his pocket and handed her a tissue. She took it and smiled a little. "Thank you Alfred. What in the hell would I do without you?"

"I do not know, perhaps go mad?" Alfred smiled back to lighten the mood.

"Exactly." Marie laughed and sniffled.

Alfred turned serious again. "Now, is it alright to ask one more thing?"

"Of course." Marie wiped her nose and crinkled the tissue in her palm.

"Are you certain you want to marry Master Bruce?" Maybe marriage for these two wasn't a good idea at the moment.

Marie had a feeling Alfred was going to ask and she would give him the same answer she gave Jim and Barbara. "I have never been certain of anything else in my life Alfred." She paused for a moment and looked at her pale hands. "These sudden emotional outbursts and worrying are just nerves."

"Maybe you're right." Alfred said. "Hopefully they will pass soon."

"I hope so." Marie's attention went to the phone. "Any messages for me?"

Alfred shook his head to remain awake. "Oh, yes actually. Your mother called."

Marie frowned. "Is she okay?"

"She seemed well to me." Alfred said. "She called about an hour ago." They both stood and headed upstairs to call it a night.

"Thanks, good night Alfred." Before Marie opened her bedroom door she turned to him. "And I will tend to him if he has any injuries." Bruce had always complained that Alfred scolded him too much when he would have to tend to his wounds.

"It's alright, if you need help just let me know. Good night." Alfred yawned and shut the door to his bedroom.

Marie walked into the dark empty room. She carefully made her way to find the light switch. It wasn't too dark because the lights from the city and surrounding buildings flooded into the massive bedroom. She went straight to her desk and switched her laptop on to check her e-mail.

There was one urgent message from her mother. Marie clicked it and sighed at her erratic mother's over reaction to things.

Marie Spencer!

How dare you not tell your own mother, the woman who gave you life, that you are engaged! I had to find out from your Ant Barbara and Uncle Jim!? Where you two already engaged when I went to visit you guys? Why didn't Bruce tell me he was going to pop the question!? Sweetheart, are you sure you want to do this? And why haven't you returned my phone call? I am pretty sure Alfred told you that I called. Call me!

I love you,

Mom

P.S. I can't find my black cashmere sweater, did I leave it there?

Marie rubbed her head due to the headache she felt coming on and decided to respond before she could receive another angry e-mail or phone call.

Mom,

Relax and breathe. I will explain everything.

First off, I barely told Uncle Jim and Ant Barbara tonight over dinner. Secondly, it was more of giving them the heads up. Thirdly, Bruce and I have not made the engagement official because we have not agreed on a date and I don't have a ring on my finger. I don't want one, either. I don't want Bruce spending money on a ring. He didn't plan on asking you because, again, it has yet to be an official engagement. When we do make it official he will discuss everything with you. Yes, mom I am absolutely sure that I want to marry Bruce. I love him more than anything. To be honest, I don't think I was this sure when I accepted Harvey's proposal.

I love you mom and your over reacting to things. Haha.

Marie

P.S. Yes, you left it here. Alfred sent it to the dry cleaners for you and once he picks it up he will mail it to you.

After Marie clicked send, she closed the laptop and got ready for bed. She knew she would only sleep for an hour and then wake up to feel Bruce at her side. Marie shook her head as she still thought about her mother's reaction. Nothing was official yet, so why the freak out?

Once she cleaned herself up for bed and she put on her night gown, Marie practically threw herself on the bed. She sighed in content as she sunk into the silk sheets, that were covered in Bruce's wonderful perfume, and drifted off to sleep. This was the one time she could forget about everything else and dream about what her life could be without the stress of everything and Bruce not being Batman.

Marie woke up to the sudden noise of someone grumbling in pain, but soon replaced by cursing as a tin canister hit the floor. Marie flung the covers off and turned the lamp on. She shook her head as she saw Bruce sitting by the desk as he tried to stitch himself up.

Before Bruce could pull one more strand of thread, Marie caught his hand. "Let me do it because you just made a mess and you suck at stitching yourself up." Marie kissed him before he could say anything in his defense.

This time, it was a cut to the chest. It wasn't anything Marie could handle but she hated it when he came to her injured. Bruce watched her as she took care of it with no problem. Within five minutes she had him cleaned up. "Thank you."

Marie stepped back and examined her work. Satisfied with it, she began to clean up the mess Bruce had made. "You're welcome and please I do not wish to know how you attained this one."

"Wasn't planning to." Bruce pulled Marie into his lap. Marie smirked and began to kiss him. Bruce ran his hand up her creamy thigh and waited for her to protest, but was surprised to see that she urged his hand to continue further up. Normally, she wouldn't reward him for coming home injured.

"Bruce." Marie moaned as his fingers pressed upon her sensitive spot. As his hand began to move slowly within her, she kissed his neck and wrapped her arms tightly around him. Her mind was clouded with pleasure and she wanted to stay like this forever, but her conscience reminded her about an urgent matter they needed to discuss. Bruce began to pick up the pace as her hot breath kissed his neck and she pressed herself harder into his hand. Bruce noticed that she was about to go over the edge and he pulled out abruptly, but before she had a chance to protest he kissed her passionately.

Marie pouted. "You're such a tease! After stitching you up without scolding you, couldn't you at least repaid me with that blissful moment." Marie moved away from his lap and went back to bed.

Bruce stood and followed her. "I will make it up to you in a few moments." Bruce pulled her closer to him as he laid down. Marie still wasn't convinced and she continued to pout. Bruce laughed at how adorable she looked and kissed her again. "You know you can't resist me." He said huskily.

Marie sighed and knew he was telling the truth. Before she let him continue she stopped him. "Wait, before we go on, we have to talk."

Bruce furrowed his brows. "About what?"

"Our so called engagement." Marie sat up and folded her hands on her lap.

Bruce propped himself up on his elbow and looked at the clock on her side of the bed. "Its three o'clock in the morning Marie."

"Perfect timing don't you think?" Marie sarcastically pointed out.

Bruce grumbled but had no other choice. "I'm listening intently." He had planned on talking to her tomorrow morning about this because he had something to give her.

Marie took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts for a moment. "I had dinner with my Uncle Jim and Ant Barbara and I told them."

"That's good. What did they say?" Bruce asked not entirely curious because he already had an idea as to how they would react.

Marie bit her lip. "Well, they were shocked at first, but then they accepted it." Marie fiddled with the tip of her hair. "My Uncle Jim is not very certain."

"If you put yourself in his shoes, you can understand why." Bruce had a feeling Jim Gordon wasn't going to budge so easily. He had heard him ranting to one of his colleagues. Though, there was no need for Marie to know that.

"I'm not a child anymore Bruce, he has to understand that I am completely capable of making my own decisions and that I am completely happy with you." Marie brought her knees up to her chest. Bruce noticed her stressed out mood and this worried him.

"He's just worried about you, give him time." Bruce advised. "But that's not the only thing that is bothering you."

Marie sighed and sunk into herself. "My mom sent me an angry e-mail. I guess Ant Barbara picked up the phone as soon as I left their house to tell her."

Bruce laughed and knew that, Anna wouldn't be completely angry at Marie. And he also saw the message from Anna while she slept. "I don't think she's angry."

"True, but its not funny." Marie hit his arm.

Bruce moved away. "Alright, sorry. What did you tell her?"

"That it wasn't official yet and that there is no ring or date yet. That I only told my Ant Barbara and Uncle Jim just to give them the heads up and that you were going to ask her for my hand when we made it official." Marie calmly explained much to her surprise.

"You know the date I picked and as to the ring..."

Before Bruce could say anymore, Marie shook her head. "Oh no, we didn't agree on that date and I already told you that I don't want you spending a fortune on a ring."

Bruce got up from the bed and disappeared into the closet completely ignoring her. Marie crossed her arms over her chest and shut her mouth because there was no way she would win this argument. A few minutes later, he was sitting next to her with a small black velvet box in his hands. "Let's try a little thing called compromise."

Marie rolled her eyes and decided to listen to said compromise he had in mind. "Alright, fine." She crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

Bruce looked at her for a moment then at the velvet box. At first he did want to buy her the most expensive ring he could find, but then she had said no and that she wouldn't wear it. Fortunately, Alfred kept his mother's vintage ring in a safe and gave it to him. Bruce knew this ring meant a lot more and Marie would not refuse to wear it. In fact, this ring was more her style. "Now before you yell at me, I want you to know that I didn't spend a dime on this. But it is worth a lot."

Marie nodded and waited without looking away from his gaze.

"How about we get married in four months?" Marie noticed that he had a hint of hope in his voice, but it was still too rushed.

Marie shook her head. "Make it six."

Bruce remained thoughtful for a few moments and six months didn't sound so good to him, but he would make her do something in return. "Alright, but now you have to wear this." Bruce opened the box to reveal a pear shaped diamond and as if the size of the diamond wasn't big enough, it had small diamonds surrounding each side. All of this blinding sparkle was held up by a white gold band. "It was my mother's."

Marie felt her heart skip a beat. She was still speechless due to the grandeur of the ring and now she couldn't even breathe. It was a very special ring.

"Please say something." Bruce was beginning to get worried at her reaction.

Marie remembered to breathe. "Sorry, its just so exquisite."

"Well, I am relieved you like it because its yours now." Bruce took the ring out of the box and slid it into Marie's fourth finger on her left hand. It fit perfectly as it gleamed in her hand. Bruce kissed her hand as relief washed over him.

"Thank you." Marie kissed him sweetly.

Bruce smirked as he pulled away but still had his arms securely around her waist. "Now it's official."

A/N: Hello! Sorry I have taken so long to give you guys a sequel. First, summer was very hectic for me as well as my first semester of college. Now, that I only have one more final left to do, I have more time to sit down relax and write. Second, I racked my brain for a good solid sequel and waited for it to spring in my head and thankfully it has. At least I hope so. And that is the downside of writing, you will always be a victim of your muse. By the way, my muse had been torturing me! Well, I hope you all enjoy this early Christmas gift! =)