Disclaimer: I don't own the characters in 'Drake and Josh'. Nor do I own any of the songs referenced in any of the chapters.
Song: 'All Around Me'- Flyleaf.
"Do you think the kids would be happy?" Walter asked, breaking his kiss from Audrey. "That's what you're thinking about now?" Audrey asked with an amused smile. She was sitting on Walter's lap, facing him. Her arms were comfortably resting on his shoulders.
"Well... ummmm..." Walter struggled for the right words.
"I worry about them, too." Audrey said.
"What if Drake and Megan resent me? What if they don't accept Josh?"
"They're kids. It might be a little awkward at first, but they'll adjust. It's just going to take some time." Audrey tried to assure Walter, kissing his cheek gently. She moved her kisses down to Walter's neck.
"I'm not their dad though..."
Audrey sighed and rested her head on Walter's shoulder. "Do you really want to talk about it right now?"
"I'm sorry, honey. I'm just worried."
Audrey slid off Walter's lap and sat next to him on the bed. "I'm not Josh's mom..."
Walter felt bad for upsetting her. He should have just kept his mouth shut, but it had been weighing on his mind since he bought the ring to propose to Audrey. Walter had meant to propose at dinner, that had been the plan. The problem was that he lost his nerve at the last minute. Somehow the conversation turned to what it would be like if they ever got married.
Josh was staying at one of his friend's house. Craig, or Eric. Walter could never remember which one. He had been grateful when Josh asked permission to go because it meant he and Audrey could have the house to themselves. Instead of the night being like Walter imagined, the ring that should have been on Audrey's finger was hidden under his pillow and Audrey looked close to tears.
"Honey..." Walter said, rubbing Audrey's back gently. "Josh loves you. I can tell. When he opens his mouth you can tell that the word 'Mom' is just on the tip of his tongue."
"Really?" Audrey asked, wiping her eyes.
"Really."
Audrey sighed. "I don't want to replace his mom. I know he doesn't really remember her, and because of that I'm so afraid that he's likes me because he's desperate for a mother figure. And Josh is such a great kid, I wish he was mine." Audrey looked shocked by her words and turned to Walter. "Not that I don't adore my own kids. I love them more than I can say. It's just... Josh could be mine, too. When he looks at me so hopeful, I'm just terrified that I won't be the mom he always dreamed of having."
Walter wrapped his arms around her. "I didn't know you felt that way. I worry about Josh because he lost his mom so young, but I know him. He's not just looking for a mom replacement. He hated my last girlfriend and he was vocal about it. It's different with you. I've never seen him react to anyone like he does to you."
Audrey laughed. "I can't imagine Josh hating anyone. Now my kids..."
"They hate me."
"No. Trust me, you should have seen how they treated my past boyfriends. Compared to that, they adore you."
"They still remember their dad though."
Audrey moved back onto Walter's lap. "I am glad that you're nothing like their dad. You are so much better than him and they'll love you." She pushed Walter so he was laying down. "Now I don't want you to think about the kids anymore tonight. It's just you and me all alone in this house. Let's enjoy it."
That's what Walter loved about Audrey, she knew how to calm his thoughts. When they were out together and her hand would reach for his, it made him feel like the most important man in the world because she reached for his hand and not anyone else's.
Clothes were lost to the floor and the floor felt very very far away. The only things that existed in the universe at the moment were Walter, Audrey and the bed they were laying on. Audrey gasped and it was almost too much for Walter. The air was thick and Walter could barely breathe, the only thing he could focus on was Audrey. Walter felt alive, and he was alive because of her.
"I love you." Audrey whispered into his ear before laying next to him and resting her head on his shoulder. She was glowing and Walter knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. How could he doubt that she loved him totally and completely when she was looking at him like that?
"Marry me." Walter said, there was no question behind the words, but his voice was soft and undemanding. He reached under his pillow and put the ring on Audrey's finger.
Audrey looked at the ring, eyes brighter than Walter had ever seen them. She pressed her lips against his and Walter knew the answer, she didn't need to say it out loud. Audrey moved so she was on top of him, and Walter knew that he wouldn't have another thought for the rest of the night other than her.
Of course, when they tell the kids, they'll say that Walter proposed over a romantic dinner.