I'd told Troy that we'd be going back to Glen Oak, we booked the tickets. Unfortunately I could only get two days off work it was the same for Troy. We were packed and ready to go. During the flight Troy kept asking me questions about the family I told him as much as I could but I was feeling really tired. I'd half expected the whole family to be waiting at the airport for us but luckily no one was there. We grabbed our bags and went to get a taxi. Once we got to the house I introduced Troy to all my family. He looked so overwhelmed. Mum cooked my favourite for dinner. It was so good, it was then I realised how much I had missed being at home.

When I woke the next morning everyone was helping with thanksgiving. Well at least all the girls. I ate breakfast and went to find Troy. He was in the living room with my dad, brothers and Kevin, so I left them to it. I hope they liked him.

"Hey mom do you need any help?

"Yeah sure can you stir this? Tell me more about Troy?"

"Okay. What do you want to know?"

"How old is he? Does he have any siblings you know that kind of thing?"

"He's 24 a year older than me. No he doesn't have any siblings. We've been dating for a couple of years. We met at a political Rally. He was trying to get more people to be politically aware and informing them of the campaigning and voting processes. He's a lawyer and is hoping to be a judge one day."

"Wow honey he sounds pretty amazing. And it's obvious from the way that you speak about him that he treats you well. "

"Really you like him?"

"Yeah honey. Why wouldn't I?"

"Well you and Luce didn't like Rose. I was nervous that you wouldn't like Troy too"

"We didn't live Rose cause she was stuck up and Troy's not like that"

In the living the boys were all grilling Troy about our relationship and stuff. "

"How long have you and Ruthie been dating?" Eric inquired.

"2 years Sir. I really love her. She's kind, funny, warm and incredibly intelligent. I'm really lucky to be with her. "

"Do you have any siblings? Where are you from?"

"No Sir it's just me and my parents. They live in Connecticut. I graduated Cum Laude in law and am a lawyer for a prestigious law firm in New York. I hope to be a judge one day. "

"Wow that is great. I know you'll take good care of Ruthie. Please call me Eric". At that precise moment the doorbell rang. "I'll get it" I shouted from the kitchen and proceeded to get the door.

In the Kitchen

"Mom did you tell Ruthie that you invited the Brewers over for dinner." Lucy asked.

"No I completely forget. I didn't think Ruthie would mind. She's here with Troy after all."

"It might be slightly awkward between her and Martin"

"Why would it be awkward?"

"Did Ruthie ever tell you about what happened between her and Martin Just before we went on that road trip?"

"No she didn't"

Flashback

Martin: Hi.

Ruthie: Hi.

Martin: I called you a couple times. A couple times a day for the past week.

Ruthie: Oh... did you? I heard you were dating someone.

Martin: I heard that you heard. Can we sit down? Ruthie...

Ruthie: Please Martin. You don't have to say anything all right?

Martin: No... believe me I do. Ruthie I was at your house and you were like a little sister. And then... and then you grew up. And then I grew up and Sandy and I had a baby. At least I tried to grow up... and I tried to do the right thing and marry Sandy. It's what I felt I should do. I love my son and I'd do anything for him. And I really do care about her but... my heart was just never really in it. And that's maybe why I screwed up. I guess... I never really wanted things to work out. And whatever chance I had with her... for a relationship with her a romantic relationship... well I just screwed that up.

Ruthie: Isn't this a conversation you should be having with Sandy?

Martin: That's kind of funny. Because I've had this conversation with Sandy. This was our conversation last weekend when she told me she was marrying Jonathan the doctor she's been going out with. But we didn't talk like you and I talk. It's more of... more of a lecture from her than a conversation.

Ruthie: You're all over the place. What are you trying to say to me? And whatever it is you can start with an apology for not telling me you were also dating Jane.

Martin: I'm sorry. I am. I like Jane she's really attractive. But... not as attractive as you. I'm really physically attracted to you. And it feels incredibly awkward saying that. And also I can't talk to Jane the way I talk to you. And I think if we could just start over if we could agree just to date each other and not to date anyone else and you can let me be more than a friend... I think we could be really good together.

Ruthie: But?

Martin: I keep trying to treat you like a friend... or sister. But... you're older now I'm older and I don't see you that way. And we did kiss.

Ruthie: Yeah we did.

later on

Ruthie: Martin... You're not in love with me. I'm... I'm like a sister to you. And... when you do find the right one to be with... I'll be happy to baby-sit for you okay?

Martin: Then all this time you've been like... wanting to go out with me and now that I want to go out with you...

Ruthie: It's too late. I found someone else.

Martin: For now. But you're seventeen. Maybe you'll change your mind.

Ruthie: I can't. I have his name tattooed on my back.

Martin: Why'd you do that?

Ruthie: I don't know. It was an impulse. A bad impulse. It was the stupidest thing I've ever done in my life.

Martin: So you're staying with him 'cause of a stupid mistake?

Ruthie: He stayed with me. We're staying together. And if we're lucky we'll be together for the rest of our lives.

Martin: His mother is...

Ruthie: I know... and despite how she treated them and who she is... the fact that he treats me and other women so respectfully it just amazes me. He amazes me. I'm in love with T-Bone.

Martin: You don't think you'll be taking off to Scotland next year when you graduate?

Ruthie: But if I go I'm dragging T-Bone with me. He loves Scotland. There's a whole world out there. A whole world that I want to see and I want to see it with him. Maybe we'll go somewhere where we've never been for college. And maybe we'll take a year off after high school and travel together. I don't know what will happen but... I know how I feel.

Martin: Well one day I hope to find a woman who feels the same way about me.

Ruthie: Bye Martin.

Martin: Goodbye Ruthie.

End of flashback

"I had no idea that happened. I wish I hadn't invited them now."

"It's not your fault you had no idea." Lucy consoled her mother "it'll be fine"

AN: I'm sorry this chapter is so long. I don't own any of the material used in the flashback. All right go to the writers of 7th heaven