Written post Season 6 - a nice and fluffy one!
Thanks for reading my pieces. I had a dream last night which may just have inspired me to get back to writing... let me know if you think that's a good idea...
Home
You walk towards the door of his apartment. It's been a long day. Your feet hurt. Your back is sore and the heartburn has made you cranky and emotional. You snapped at the interns, barked at your publisher and became a sobbing mess when baby Michael decided that your amulet made a good teething ring. You manage a smirk. Clearly he has taken after his parents when it comes to Egyptian artefacts.
You feel frustrated by the lack of case work, but know that it is only for a while longer. It was easier in the beginning, but now the tiredness has kicked in. Going out in the field is not an option. Plus, he wouldn't hear of it. You smile at this thought. Yes, your FBI knight is in his element now – he's always tried to look after you, right from the start. Making sure you ate. Making sure you slept. And now, well, now he has the perfect excuse. Not that you mind. You shake your head in wonder, just amazed at how your life has turned out.
You take out your key and pause to unlock the door to your home. Home. Yes, that's what it has become. Since that fateful night and the subsequent revelation you have spent more time here than at your own place. It has been 7 months. Your toothbrush is in the bathroom. Your clothes- those that fit- are in the wardrobe, and the fridge is filled with your favourites and cravings…yes, you know, it is time to end the lease on your apartment. But old habits die hard and the thought of surrendering so completely to him still scares you – just that little bit. Some may call it stubbornness…you call it being logical. The 'just in case'. But deep down you know the truth. This is your home now. With him. Wherever he is.
As you turn the key in the lock and quietly open the door, your overly alert senses capture the subtle changes from the entrance hall. The flicker of candlelight from the living room. The smell of your famous mac and cheese (that he has perfected) coming from the kitchen. The soft jazzy sounds from the stereo. You notice the daffodils on the table by the door and smile. He's always thinking of the little things. You hear the soft footsteps come down the hall, and turn to see him. He smiles, that soft, beautiful smile that you know is yours.
He walks over.
"Hi."
"Hi," you reply. He leans over and brushes your nose with his. You smile and look into those chocolate eyes that have always managed to make you melt. He breaks the gaze to look down at his hands which are now resting on either side of your belly.
"And hi to you, too." You cover his hands with yours just as he feels the kick. The smile increases. He's just had another connection with his unborn daughter and the magic spell that binds the three of you together is intensified by the power of the simple movement.
He takes your hand and draws you towards the main rooms.
"Why don't you go and have a shower, dinner's almost ready". He kisses you on the cheek and you head wearily to the bedroom, happy to take a moment to soak up the serene bliss that envelopes you when you are in his presence. The simplest touch, the smallest smile makes you feel like the luckiest woman on earth. It could have been tricky, but it was the most natural progression. There was no fear or uncertainty or indecision. It was just right.
You join him for dinner and you share stories about each other's day. You laugh at his jokes, he teases yours and you feel at ease. The long day is over. Now you can rest, knowing that the quiet routine which often ends with you falling asleep on the sofa and him carrying you to bed will start soon. He'll make you a peppermint tea to help your digestion. He'll rub your feet – making sure to avoid the pressure points that induce labour, and finally he'll bring out the tub of vanilla icecream that is your craving of the week and help you dig in as it rests on your bump waiting for a poke from your little girl. You shut your eyes for a moment. How could you ever have thought that this wasn't what you wanted? You open your eyes and they connect with those of your love.
He stands up and leans in, giving you a tender kiss which tastes of the wine he had with his dinner. He takes you by the hand into the living room. The candles continue to flicker and the gentle sounds have now been replaced by the melody of your song.
"Dance with me."
You glance down at your fluffy slippers, yoga pants and his grey sweatshirt and look at him quizzically. With him in his sweatpants and FBI t-shirt, you make quite a pair and you laugh.
"Like this?"
"Absolutely."
You give him a smile. Why not? This is what your life has become now. Comfort. Ease. Embracing the moment. No regrets.
He pulls you into his arms. You rest your head on your spot on his shoulder and close your eyes as you both sway in unison. Moving as one.
He rubs your back and nuzzles your hair and you sigh in contentment. You pull him closer and look up. The candle flickers in his eyes and he looks more in love at this moment than ever before. You know that his expression is simply a reflection of your own. You feel the pull of his soul and know that this is where you belong.
"Happy?"
"Unbelievably."
"Marry me."
You pause. You look into his eyes and see the look of shock and for a flash, you are transported back to the night on the sidewalk when you told him the news that changed your lives.
And then he smiles. The same big goofy grin that he had back then.
"Yes."
