Author's note: here it is guys... the beginning of the end... I have three chapters ready today but more to come... I just wanted a chance to have some holiday fun with our favorite ship and family all while wrapping up everything the the Light Series has started... hope you all enjoy this

Comment and review and as always there are polyvores for this story (link in bio)

Special shout out to my incredible beta warehouseluver13 who has been a huge cheerleader for me through this whole process... I couldn't have done any of this without ya hun!

Disclosure: I own nothing of Arrow but can't wait to see what happens next on the show!

"Sorry for being late, Speedy. Had an emergency down in Finance then a couple issues popped up in HR and Logan needed me to sign off on the advancement testings with the new power cells down in Applied Sciences. Okay so what do you need?" Oliver smiled as he finally reached his desk, removed his jacket and sat down. He had burst into his office, a force of nature that seemed to storm into any room and take charge.

"Not much. Just wanted to finalize details for tonight before heading to the venue. I confirmed all attendants last week and made sure the caterers knew about any allergies so we can make sure everyone is safe. Dig has the security for the location secure. Nora has helped make the room look amazing. I wanted to confirm that you have your speech ready." Thea explained as she scanned over her tablet and the notes she had on there.

Oliver smiled at his very professional sister. She was truly enjoying this new step in her life and new venture. "Yep. Felicity read through it last night to make sure it was good. She liked it."

"Always your assistant I see." Thea snickered. "Okay, I have your suit at the house and Felicity has her dress. Dig will have the car ready at 6:30 to head to the hotel. Walter and I will meet you two there."

"Yep. Donna and Quentin have Connor tonight and Sara, Nyssa and Laurel have the city tonight. Tommy is at the club but asked that we have a celebration lunch Sunday. All of us. Sara wants to tell us there. And he has some news as well it seems."

"How's Lis doing with the babies?" It had been just over a week since the family Thanksgiving dinner and Felicity was officially at 30 weeks.

"She scared the hell out of me this morning. Something hicks. She thought she was in labor. Before I could freak out full though, it passed and she was ready to go back to sleep."

"Which you couldn't do, right?"

"Exactly. That was around 4 this morning and so now I am on my third cup of coffee and it's not even lunch. I swear these two can't get here soon enough."

"When are you taking maternity leave yourself?"

"After the birth. I want to spend the first few weeks with them fully. Felicity is going to be tired so I want to help out all I can. As she gets better I will split my days between the house and here. And once she has a handle on things fully, my days will get back to normal."

Thea huffed a laugh. "Wow! I never thought I would see my brother settled down, ready to be a father and tackling the corporate world from the higher levels of this company. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you, Ollie. I know I am."

"Thanks Speedy. That means a lot to me. And they would be proud of you too. Mom always said you were incredible at planning special moments and I think she was right."

Thea blushed at her brother's praise then looked at him suspiciously. Setting her tablet down into her lap, she groaned. "Okay I am probably going to regret asking this but what do you need help with?"

"Well you're decorating the house for the holidays right?"

"Yeah. Lis wants my help. I'm actually having a few things set up today but starting the real decorating tomorrow. Since Hanukkah starts Sunday."

"Good. Well I wanted to do something that was just for us as a family. Something to help get us in the holiday spirit. So I was thinking that maybe we could all go out and find a tree for just us. I know Mom always put the big one in the sitting room but I was thinking that maybe we could put a smaller one in the living room. One that we could fill with some ornaments like what I got the twins and Connor. Family ornaments. What do you think?"

"I love it Ollie! It's perfect. We could even have Christmas morning in the living room around the family tree. New tradition and all."

"Great so do you think we could go out tomorrow? I know they said we could get some snow tonight but the weather should clear up by lunch time tomorrow. We could take a ride just out the city to the old tree farm out the city limits."

"Ollie, it's perfect. I'll let Lis know." Thea smiled proudly at her older brother.

Oliver blushed a bit before jumping up. "Actually I was thinking of surprising her with it. She has never really had a Christmas tree before and Connor never had a live one so I want to give them the best Christmas ever. And this would be a great first step towards that. I have just about finished all the shopping already. Connor has a very short list."

"Kid is an angel like that. Figures that he should be grateful for what he has because other kids don't have as much. He told me that the other day as we were shopping for your suit and Lis' dress. I swear he has a heart of gold."

Oliver nodded but his smiled slipped away. "Not something he got from me."

"Don't sell yourself short. Look at all you do just to make your family happy. Takes a special kind of heart to care so much. Okay, you get Lis and Con dressed for tomorrow and I'll meet you at the house to head out. We can even get a bite at that diner Dad used to take us too when we would head out to the cabin."

"Sounds great, Speedy. Thank you." Oliver stood and walked around his desk to hug his sister.

Thea stood up and moved onto his arms. "I mean it, Ollie. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you and so happy to see you so happy in your life. You are a great brother, an amazing husband and a fantastic father. Those two twins won't change that. You'll just have more to love."

Oliver smiled warmly, glad that his sister was still with him in this crazy life. "Thank you. For everything. I know I pushed you away for so long but I thought I had to."

"Hey! I'm just glad to have you back again. So no more pushing people away. We love you and choose to stand with you. Understand?"

"Yes. Your life, your choice." Oliver rolled his eyes as that term had been used with him so many times over the years.

"See! You can learn. I think that brilliant wife of yours is finally rubbing off on you."

"Very funny." Oliver groaned as Thea laughed. "Get out of here. I have work to do and you have a party to set up. I'll see ya tonight." Oliver smiled as he kissed his sister's forehead then watched her run out his office. He stood there for a moment then moved towards the glass walls that looked out over the city. His city. He still liked to think of it that way because no matter what, he would always defend and protect it. A sense of warmth washed over him as he replayed his sister's words in his head. Mom and Dad would be proud of you. He hoped she was right and as he glanced up to the cloudy grey skies a bit of sunshine broke through and he knew in that moment, she was. They were proud of him and his life.

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"So wait, you're saying I don't get to know where we are going or what we are doing. My only clue is to dress warmly because it's going to be cool. Oliver, you know I hate mysteries and this is one of those." Felicity called from their bathroom as she finished her makeup and hair for the evening. It's the night of the CEO dinner and she was already nervous because she would be introducing Oliver as well as doing the introduction for the evening's agenda. She hated giving speeches but it seems that she was still having to do them as one of the majority owners of Queen Inc.

"Sweetheart, it will be fine. I promise you will love it and you will find out everything as soon as we get there." Oliver explained as he fought with his tie once again. He was nervous because this was the first time he would be giving a speech as Queen Inc.'s true CEO. He was QC's CEO but that had been given to him by his parents and his name sake. And yes, Felicity had basically given him his position this time but it felt different some how. This time he has worked hard to line up new investors and support. He has worked to earn the respect of the board. He wants people to see that he has earned this position through determination and drive. Not because his wife gave it to him. He wants to show the world that Queen Inc. and its success means more to him than ever before.

He also wants to prove that point to Felicity. She has so much belief and faith in him and his abilities and he wants to live up to them. He never wants to disappoint her or fail her in any way.

He huffed a final time as he tugged at the coal black satin tie, releasing the knot in it again. Felicity had finished in the bathroom and came into the bedroom in her gown for the evening; a flowing dress with a sweetheart neckline and a sheer black lace overlaying a blush satin top. Her waist had a blush colored satin ribbon tied into a bow with its tails hanging down her left side. The bottom of the gown was a rich black velvet material that would help keep her legs warm in the winter's chill that had settled over the city as of late. She was pairing the gown with a cashmere cape jacket with faux fur around the collar to help keep her warm as well. She had a pair of blush Manolo Blahnik flats to go along with the gown as well.

Oliver was looking down as she crossed towards him. "Here let me." He looked up to see her in her gown for the first time. Her makeup was soft and flawless. Her hair stunning and whispy. She looked divine and his breath was stolen away from him in a second. She noticed the change in his stance but stayed focused on the tie and her mission at hand. They needed to finish getting ready or they would be late, which was something the could not be. "Nervous?" Felicity questioned, taking in the unusual tremble in his hands and anxious vibe.

His words seemed to fail him as he tried to respond. All he could do was stare at the vision of a woman before him and drink in her appearance. Felicity was now 30 weeks pregnant, which brought along a constant glow to her skin and face. He could see how the dress draped softly over her belly and tenderly danced across the crest on it as she moved; drawing the eyes to where his two unborn children were nestled safely away.

"Felicity, you're… beautiful." Oliver whispered as he was finally able to create words again. His hand rose up and dusted across her cheek, the back of his fingers gently brushing her skin there before cupping it.

"Thank you, Mr. Queen. Don't clean up half bad yourself." Felicity giggled as she finished up with his tie and smoothed it down against his chest. Oliver was wearing a charcoal black tuxedo with a slender necktie and jacket. He had a pair of suspenders on as well, which caught her eye as he had yet to pull on his jacket. She ran her hands up his chest, tracing over the suspenders and she made her way up to his shoulders. Her eyes darkened with desire, something she had found would never go away with this man.

She let herself be taken into the moment for a bit before stepping back and patting his shoulders. "Okay we need to finish or we will be late and that won't be good. I mean we are trying to show them that you are responsible and showing up late to your first function as the official CEO would not send that message. Plus they would get ideas and there is enough gossip going around about us. Well at least it's not as bad as it used to be. They can't say we are sleeping together and try and make a scandal out of it because we are but we are legally allowed. Not that I needed the law to tell me to do that. I was very glad to do it. And by it I mean… babbling again?"

"Yes." Oliver smiled warmly as he pulled on his jacket and buttoned it closed before moving to stand behind her. Felicity was at her vanity putting on her jewelry for the night. Along with her standards; her emerald ring, her locket and her arrow bangle which all came from Oliver; she was wearing a stunning white gold diamond necklace that had shapes of flowers and butterflies in it. She accompanied it with diamond teardrop earrings that had a similar pattern.

"But I would never want it any other way. I love your babbles, Sweetheart. If I don't hear at least one a day I feel like something is missing. Something's wrong." He smiled as he took the clasp for her locket and pulled it around her neck, watching her move her hair aside. It opened her neck up to him and he couldn't resist placing a soft kiss against the skin on the back of her neck as he shut the clasp and dropped it there. He did the same with her diamond necklace. "And yes, I'm nervous. I just want them to see that I have earned this position with all the work I have done these last couple months. I want them to see what this company means to me. That I am willing to work hard for it. And not just cause it was my family's company or cause you gave me this position. I want them to believe I can actually do the job."

Felicity turned to look at him as she heard the pain and fear in his tone. She knew that he was afraid that the board would give him the position formally and he would only see disapproving glances back instead of supportive ones. She raised a hand up to cup his cheek and grazed his cheekbone with her thumb. "Baby, they will. They do. I see it when the board members look at you. The employees too. Logan loves working along side you now. At first it was difficult because you were always snapping at him but now he sees how to handle you, just like I had to learn. You are a force to work for. You expect greatness from everyone and above all you push yourself to lead them with greatness. You will be an amazing CEO and I know it. That's why I offered you the position so long ago. I didn't give you anything, Oliver. I knew in my heart that given the right support and time, you could help build the company into a thriving enterprise. And you have. We now have more investors, more money, more projects, and more advancements being made there daily. We are starting to expand to include new fields of study and products. You were the one that thought up the idea to back financially the solar panel project, which is already a buzz in our industry. If all goes well with Starling, other cities will be lining up right behind them to help out. I know Barry would love to see the applications of that technology in Central City. You are doing a fantastic job and the employees love to go to work now. Thea told me just today that when she was heading in and out of your office she heard so many employees praising working for you now. They love you at QI. More than they loved Ray, not that it's a competition or anything." Felicity giggled. "So don't worry. We will prove to everyone that we deserve this company and not just because it was given to us."

"Thank you, Felicity. For so much I could never say it enough but thank you." Oliver leaned down and gently kissed her lips before pressing his forehead to hers, calming himself with just her presence.

"Always Oliver. I will always be by your side. Like I said almost a year and a half ago, I know two things. You're not alone and I believe in you. I mean those words today just as I did then. And I am so proud of you." Felicity reached up and kissed him again, sealing their moment away and washing all self-doubt from his mind. She then moved to gather the last of her things and smiled at him and he held open her cape for her. "Thank you." She stepped into the cape and he wrapped it closed around her. "Shall we, Mr. Queen?"

"After you, Mrs. Queen." Oliver grinned, pleased at every chance he had to call her by that name.

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They moved and stepped into the ballroom at the Royal. Thea and Nora had done an exquisite job decorating the room. It seemed to be transformed into a winter wonderland. There were round tables set all over that were draped in white satin tablecloths. They were offset by silver as well as white china and crystal glasses. Each table had a tall centerpiece with white flowers bubbling from the top and crystal snowflakes dangling from the top towards the table, as if falling from the air. The room was bathed in a soft blue glow from the tinkle lights above them. A sheer satin fabric was cascading down the ceiling and walls softening the room up as well. It was like a snowy winter's dream. Along the center of the room were several tree branches that were white as well and sparkled with snowflakes hanging from them. They helped to showcase the open floor for dancing. More trees could be found along the walls as well to round off the look of the room.

The room was already pretty full of attendees, investors and high ranking employees of QI were invited to the event. Felicity gasped as she took in the room. "Wow! Your sister is incredible. I never imagined anything close to this. It's like… a dream."

"That it is. Speedy did a great job."

"Glad to hear praise but please don't call me that while I am on business time." Thea smirked as they turned and found her standing behind them. She looked breathtaking in an asymmetrical mermaid gown. It was deep red and hugged her body well. The single shoulder laid across her left shoulder then the dress dropped tightly down her body until it came to her knees. From there it bellowed out into an elaborate skirt that grazed the floor. There was a slight train to the gown as well. She had accompanied the gown with a white overcoat and garnet jewels. Donning her feet were red sheer lace pumps with an intricate bow on the toes.

"Thea! You look amazing!" Felicity gushed as she hugged the young brunette. "And this place is outstanding. You should be so proud."

"I am. I wanted it to look perfect. I mean it's not everyday my big brother is named CEO of a company I partially own." Thea smiled as she hugged her sister-in-law warmly. "You two nervous?"

"A little. You know how we hate attention. Felicity hates speeches because she tends to babble."

"And he is afraid everyone will think I gave him the position because I am married to him. Even though that happened well after the deal was set up. But we were dating and sleep together at that time so I guess it still is the same idea. And I'm babbling. Again. I swear I will never learn how to stop it."

"More to enjoy in my life then." Oliver smiled happily at his wife, who just rolled her eyes at him but still grinned at his endearing words.

Thea huffed a laugh. "Okay lovebirds, well the speeches will be in 15 minutes so enjoy yourselves until then and I will meet you at the stage at that time. Walter is around here somewhere so maybe you can bump into him as you mingle. And remember, smile. Be happy. The company is officially yours again." Thea reached up and hugged her brother. "I am so proud of you, Ollie. Mom and Dad would be too. You are doing exactly what they always wanted you to."

"Running the family business. Of course they always wanted me to do that. I was the heir remember?"

"No idiot! Living your life and being happy. Mom and Dad would have given QC away and let you do whatever you wanted as long as it made you happy. And seeing you today at QI, I know this does. So that is why you are living how they wanted you to. You are happy and working hard to be a success. That's all they ever wanted for you."

"For both of us. Thanks for everything, Speedy. You really are the best sister a guy could ask for."

"Well just keep that in mind while shopping for my gift this year." Thea teased then said her goodbyes while moving away from them.

Oliver turned to find an affectionate grin on his wife's face. "Shall we, Mrs. Queen?" He held his elbow out for her, watching as she wrapped her arm around, and he began to escort her around the room; greeting and mingling with other attendees.