Prologue

Disclaimer: All characters you don't recognize are mine; everything else is owned by Disney.

Summary: After AWE, life goes on and time continues to roll on. What happens then?

Spoilers: AWE.

"Are you sure Lizzie?" The voice on the speakerphone was worried, maternal. David quirked a brow, making his way down the hall to the office, wondering why his girlfriend – fiancée, he reminded himself – was doing up so early in the morning.

"David asked me to marry him, Mom. I think it's time I told him."

At Liz's response to her mother, David stopped short of the office door. Told him what? There was little they didn't know of each other after five years of dating and living together for the past two. Yes, he had to admit that Elizabeth Turner could get a little secretive about her family and their home, but he figured it was jut family stuff. From the one time he'd met her parents, they'd seemed nice enough, but he'd loved her enough not to pry.

"Very well, Lizzie. I'll send word to Jack and have him wait at the regular spot then."

"Oh come on, Mom. Jack? Do you really want to scare him off that quickly?"

"Lizzie, Jack is family. And you have to admit, he's probably the least strange thing your David will see."

"Aye Mom."

"I'll ask your grandmother to try to get word to Callie as well. I'll see you soon love."

"Bye Mom." There was the audible click and a dial tone, and then dead air. "You can come in now, David."

Sheepishly, David moved into the door, his gaze seeking out the deep brown eyes of his girlfriend. Elizabeth Turner smiled softly at him, curled up in the huge armchair that took up a corner of the small room, tan legs peeking out from under the hem of one of his shirts. Her slightly wavy dark hair fell into her face as she ducked her head. "I guess you're wondering what's going on."

He nodded a bit. "I assume you have something to tell me."

She lifted a shoulder. "More like something to show you, but yes. Do you think you could get the next week or so off?"

"I suppose I could. Can I ask why though? I thought you had some sort of trip planned with family."

"Sort of. Yes, it has to do with family, but it's not a trip so much as a visit home. I'd like you to come with me."

"Is something wrong Liz?"

"I'm a little afraid of how're you're going to take what I have to show you. You have to know that I do love you David, but my family. Well, we're not what you would call conventional."

"My loving you isn't going to change, Liz. I'm all in, remember?"

She stood up her right hand twisting the diamond ring glittering on her left. "Just remember that when the shit hits the fan, okay?"

He pulled her toward him, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her thin waist. "Can I ask why you're suddenly letting me meet your family?"

"You've met my family before, David."

"Your parents once and your brother twice. And that one time was our graduation from college."

"You'll understand later, but my family tries not to leave home very often."

"You don't talk much about them, you know."

Liz nodded against his chest. "I know. I've just never been sure how to explain them."

"Well, just tell me when you feel like it, okay?" She nodded again. "So when are we leaving? I'm assuming soon, since you were supposed to leave in two days."

"Got it in one."

"I guess I should call Rich and tell him I'll need the next week off then."

"Might be a good idea." Liz paused. "David? I love you, you know that, right?"

"I love you too, Liz."